November 5, 2008
LM2854
4A 500 kHz / 1 MHz Synchronous SIMPLE SWITCHER®
Buck Regulator
General Description
The LM2854 PowerWise® SIMPLE SWITCHER® buck regu-
lator is a 500 kHz or 1 MHz step-down switching voltage
regulator capable of driving up to a 4A load with exceptional
power conversion efficiency, line and load regulation, and
output accuracy. The LM2854 can accept an input voltage rail
between 2.95V and 5.5V and deliver an adjustable and highly
accurate output voltage as low as 0.8V. Externally estab-
lished soft-start with a small capacitor facilitates controlled
start-up, and the LM2854 is capable of starting gracefully into
a pre-biased output voltage. Partial internal compensation re-
duces the number of external passive components and PC
board space typically necessary in a voltage mode buck con-
verter application, yet preserving flexibility to deal with ce-
ramic and/or electrolytic based load capacitors. Lossless
cycle-by-cycle peak current limit is used to protect the load
from an overcurrent or short-circuit fault, and an enable com-
parator simplifies sequencing applications. The LM2854 is
available in an exposed pad TSSOP-16 package that en-
hances the thermal performance of the regulator.
Features
■Input voltage range of 2.95V to 5.5V
■Maximum load current of 4A
■Wide bandwidth voltage mode control loop, partial internal
compensation
■Fixed switching frequency of 500 kHz or 1 MHz
■35 mΩ integrated MOSFET switches
■Adjustable output voltage down to 0.8V
■Optimized reference voltage initial accuracy and
temperature drift
■External soft-start control with tracking capability
■Enable pin with hysteresis
■Low standby current of 230 µA
■Pre-biased load startup capability
■Integrated UVLO, OCP and thermal shutdown
■100% duty cycle capability
■eTSSOP-16 exposed pad package
Applications
■Low Voltage POL Regulation from 5V or 3.3V Rail
■Local Solution for FPGA/DSP/ASIC/µP Core or I/O Power
■Broadband Networking and Communications
Infrastructure
■Portable Computing
Typical Application Circuit
30052801
SIMPLE SWITCHER® is a Registered Trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.
© 2008 National Semiconductor Corporation 300528 www.national.com
LM2854 4A 500 kHz / 1 MHz Synchronous SIMPLE SWITCHER® Buck Regulator
Connection Diagram
30052802
Top View
16-Lead eTSSOP
Ordering Information
Order Number Frequency Package Type Package Drawing Supplied As
LM2854MH-500 500 kHz
TSSOP-16 exposed pad MXA16A
92 Units, Rail
LM2854MHX-500 2500 Units, Tape and Reel
LM2854MH-1000 1 MHz 92 Units, Rail
LM2854MHX-1000 2500 Units, Tape and Reel
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LM2854
Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Name Description
1 NC Reserved for factory use, this pin should be connected to GND to ensure proper operation.
2,3,4 PGND Power ground pins for the internal power switches. These pins should be connected together locally
at the device and tied to the PC board ground plane.
5,6,7 PVIN Input voltage to the power switches inside the device. These pins should be connected together at the
device. A low ESR input capacitance should be located as close as possible to these pins.
8,9 NC Reserved for factory use, these pins should be connected to GND to ensure proper operation.
10 AVIN Analog input voltage supply that generates the internal bias. The UVLO circuit derives its input from
this pin also. Thus, if the voltage on AVIN falls below the UVLO threshold, both internal FETs are turned
off. It is recommended to connect PVIN to AVIN through a low pass RC filter to minimize the influence
of input rail ripple and noise on the analog control circuitry. The series resistor should be 1Ω and the
bypass capacitor should be a X7R ceramic type 0.1 µF to 1.0 µF.
11 EN Active high enable input for the device. Typically, turn-on threshold is 1.23V with 0.15V hysteresis. An
external resistor divider from PVIN can be used to effectively increase the UVLO turn-on threshold. If
not used, the EN pin should be connected to PVIN.
12,13 SW Switch node pins. This is the PWM output of the internal MOSFET power switches. These pins should
be tied together locally and connected to the filter inductor.
14 SS Soft-start control pin. An internal 2 µA current source charges an external capacitor connected between
this pin and AGND to set the output voltage ramp rate during startup. This pin can also be used to
configure the tracking feature.
15 AGND Quiet analog ground for the internal bias circuitry.
16 FB Feedback pin is connected to the inverting input of the voltage loop error amplifier. A 0.8V bandgap
reference is connected to the non-inverting input of the error amplifier.
EXP Exposed
Pad
Exposed metal pad on the underside of the package with a weak electrical connection to PGND. It is
recommended to connect this pad to the PC board ground plane in order to improve thermal
dissipation.
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LM2854
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 6)
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
PVIN, AVIN, SW, EN, FB, SS to GND -0.3V to 6.0V
ESD Susceptibility (Note 2) ±2 kV
Power Dissipation Internally Limited
Junction Temperature 150°C
Storage Temperature Range −65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature
Soldering (10 sec) 260°C
Vapor Phase (60 sec) 215°C
Infrared 220°C
Operating Ratings (Note 6)
PVIN to GND 2.95V to 5.5V
AVIN to GND 2.95V to 5.5V
Junction Temperature −40°C to +125°C
Electrical Characteristics Specifications with standard typeface are for TJ = 25°C only; limits in bold face type
apply over the Operating Junction Temperature Range TJ range of -40°C to 125°C. Minimum and maximum limits are guaranteed
through test, design, or statistical correlation. Typical values represent the most likely parametric norm at TJ = 25°C, and are
provided for reference purposes only. AVIN = PVIN = EN = 5.0V, unless otherwise indicated in the Conditions column.
Symbol Parameter Conditions Min
(Note 3)
Typ
(Note 4)
Max
(Note 3)
Units
SYSTEM PARAMETERS
VREF Reference Voltage (Note 5) Measured at the FB pin 0.790 0.8 0.808 V
ΔVREF/ΔAVIN Line Regulation (Note 5) ΔAVIN = 2.95V to 5.50V 0.04 0.6 %
ΔVREF/ΔIOLoad Regulation Normal operation 0.25 mV/A
VON UVLO Threshold (AVIN) Rising 2.6 2.95 V
Falling hysteresis 25 170 375 mV
RDS(ON)-P PFET On Resistance ISW = 4A 35 65 mΩ
RDS(ON)-N NFET On Resistance ISW = 4A 34 65 mΩ
ISS Soft-Start Current 2 µA
ICL Peak Current Limit Threshold 4.5 6.0 6.7 A
IQOperating Current Non-switching 1.7 3mA
ISD Shut Down Quiescent Current EN = 0V 230 500 µA
PWM SECTION
fSW Switching Frequency 1 MHz option 800 1050 1160 kHz
500 kHz option 400 525 580 kHz
Drange PWM Duty Cycle Range 0 100 %
ENABLE CONTROL
VIH EN Pin Rising Threshold 0.8 1.23 1.65 V
VEN(HYS) EN Pin Hysteresis 150 mV
THERMAL CONTROL
TSD TJ for Thermal Shutdown 165 °C
TSD-HYS Hysteresis for Thermal Shutdown 10 °C
THERMAL RESISTANCE
θJA Junction to Ambient MXA16A 35 °C/W
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings are limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings are conditions under which operation of the
device is intended to be functional. For guaranteed specifications and test conditions, see the Electrical Characteristics.
Note 2: The human body model is a 100 pF capacitor discharged through a 1.5 kΩ resistor into each pin. Test method is per JESD22-AI14.
Note 3: Min and Max limits are 100% production tested at 25°C. Limits over the operating temperature range are guaranteed through correlation using Statistical
Quality Control (SQC) methods. Limits are used to calculate National’s Average Outgoing Quality Level (AOQL).
Note 4: Typical numbers are at 25°C and represent the most likely parametric norm.
Note 5: VREF measured in a non-switching, closed-loop configuration.
Note 6: PGND and AGND are electrically connected together on the PC board and the resultant net is termed GND.
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LM2854
Typical Performance Characteristics Unless otherwise specified, the following conditions apply: VIN =
PVIN = AVIN = EN = 5.0V, CIN is 47 µF 10V X5R ceramic capacitor, LO is from TDK SPM6530T family; TAMBIENT = 25°C for efficiency
curves, bode plots and waveforms, and TJ = 25°C for all others.
Feedback Voltage vs. Temperature
30052803
UVLO Threshold vs. Temperature
30052804
Soft Start Current vs Temperature
30052805
Enable Threshold vs. Temperature
30052806
Switching Frequency vs. Temperature
30052807
PMOS RDS(ON) vs. Temperature
30052808
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LM2854
NMOS RDS(ON) vs. Temperature
30052809
IQ (operating) vs. VIN and Temperature
30052810
Peak Current Limit vs. Temperature
30052811
Feedback Voltage vs. VIN
30052812
IQ (disabled) vs. VIN and Temperature, EN = 0V
30052813
Switching Frequency vs. VIN
30052814
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LM2854
LM2854 1 MHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 0.8V, LO = 0.47 µH, 3.3 mΩ DCR
30052815
LM2854 1 MHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 2.5V, LO = 1.0 µH, 7.1 mΩ DCR
30052816
LM2854 1 MHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 1.2V, LO = 0.68 µH, 4.9 mΩ DCR
30052817
LM2854 1 MHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 3.3V, LO = 1.0 µH, 7.1 mΩ DCR
30052818
LM2854 1 MHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 1.8V, LO = 1.0 µH, 7.1 mΩ DCR
30052819
LM2854 500 kHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 0.8V, LO = 1.0 µH, 7.1 mΩ DCR
30052820
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LM2854
LM2854 500 kHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 2.5V, LO = 2.2 µH, 16 mΩ DCR
30052821
LM2854 500 kHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 1.2V, LO = 1.5 µH, 9.7 mΩ DCR
30052822
LM2854 500 kHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 3.3V, LO = 1.5 µH, 9.7 mΩ DCR
30052823
LM2854 500 kHz Efficiency vs. IOUT
VOUT = 1.8V, LO = 1.5 µH, 9.7 mΩ DCR
30052824
LM2854 1 MHz Bode Plot
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 150 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 100 pF,
LOUT = 0.82 µH, COUT = 100 µF ceramic
30052825
LM2854 500 kHz Bode Plot
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 250 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 47 pF,
LOUT = 1.5 µH, COUT = 100 µF ceramic
30052826
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LM2854
LM2854 1 MHz Bode Plot
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 150 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 100 pF,
LOUT = 0.82 µH, COUT = 100 µF
30052827
LM2854 500 kHz Bode Plot
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 250 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 47 pF,
LOUT = 1.5 µH, COUT = 100 µF ceramic
30052828
LM2854 1 MHz Bode Plot
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 150 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 68 pF,
LOUT = 0.82 µH, COUT = 100 µF ceramic
30052829
LM2854 500 kHz Bode Plot
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 4A
RFB1 = 250 kΩ, RCOMP = 1 kΩ, CCOMP = 33 pF,
LOUT = 1.5 µH, COUT = 100 µF ceramic
30052830
LM2854 500 kHz Power On Characteristic
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A, CSS = 220 pF
30052831
LM2854 500 kHz Power On via Enable
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A, CSS = 220 pF
30052832
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LM2854
LM2854 500 kHz Power Off Characteristic
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 4A, CSS = 220 pF
30052833
LM2854 1 MHz Load Transient Response
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.5A to 4A to 0.5A step
di/dt ≊ 4A/µs, CO = 100 µF ceramic
30052834
LM2854 500 kHz Switch Node Voltage
(oscilloscope set at infinite persistence)
VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT = 4A
30052835
LM2854 500 kHz Startup Waveform
VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT = 0A
30052856
LM2854 500 kHz Pre-Biased Startup Waveform
(oscilloscope set at infinite persistence)
VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT = 0A, VPRE-BIAS = 1.25V
30052855
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LM2854
Block Diagram
30052836
Applications Information
GENERAL
The LM2854 PowerWise® synchronous DC-DC buck regu-
lator belongs to the National Semiconductor SIMPLE
SWITCHER® family of switching regulators. Integration of the
power MOSFETs and associated drivers, compensation com-
ponent network and the PWM controller reduces the number
of external components necessary for a complete power sup-
ply design, without sacrificing performance.
Operation Description
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
The LM2854 is available in two switching frequency options,
500 kHz and 1 MHz. Generally, a higher switching frequency
allows for faster transient response and a reduction in the
footprint area and volume of the external power stage com-
ponents, while a lower switching frequency affords better
efficiency. These factors should be considered when select-
ing the appropriate switching frequency for a given applica-
tion.
ENABLE
The LM2854 features a enable (EN) pin and associated com-
parator to allow the user to easily sequence the LM2854 from
an external voltage rail, or to manually set the input UVLO
threshold. The turn-on or rising threshold and hysteresis for
this comparator are typically 1.23V and 0.15V respectively.
The precise reference for the enable comparator allows the
user to guarantee that the LM2854 will be disabled when the
system demands it to be.
SOFT-START
The LM2854 begins to operate when both the AVIN and EN
voltages exceed the rising UVLO and enable thresholds, re-
spectively. A controlled soft-start eliminates inrush currents
during start-up and allows the user more control and flexibility
when sequencing the LM2854 with other power supplies. An
external soft-start capacitor is used to control the LM2854
start-up time. During soft-start, the voltage on the feedback
pin is connected internally to the non-inverting input of the
error amplifier. The soft-start period lasts until the voltage on
the soft-start pin exceeds the LM2854 reference voltage of
0.8V. At this point, the reference voltage takes over at the non-
inverting amplifier input.
In the event of either AVIN or EN decreasing below the falling
UVLO or enable threshold respectively, the voltage on the
soft-start pin is collapsed by discharging the soft-start capac-
itor through a 5 kΩ transistor to ground.
TRACKING
The LM2854 can track the output of a master power supply
during soft-start by connecting a resistor divider to the SS pin.
In this way, the output voltage slew rate of the LM2854 will be
controlled by a master supply for loads that require precise
sequencing. When the tracking function is used, a small value
soft-start capacitor can be connected to the SS pin to alleviate
output voltage overshoot when recovering from a current limit
fault.
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LM2854
30052857
PRE-BIASED STARTUP CAPABILITY
The LM2854 is in a pre-biased state when the device starts
up with an output voltage greater than zero. This often occurs
in many multi-rail applications such as when powering an FP-
GA, ASIC, or DSP. The output can be pre-biased in these
applications through parasitic conduction paths from one sup-
ply rail to another. Even though the LM2854 is a synchronous
converter, it will not pull the output low when a pre-bias con-
dition exists. The LM2854 will not sink current during start up
until the soft-start voltage exceeds the voltage on the FB pin.
Since the device can not sink current it protects the load from
damage that might otherwise occur if current is conducted
through the parasitic paths of the load.
FEEDBACK VOLTAGE ACCURACY
The FB pin is connected to the inverting input of the voltage
loop error amplifier and during closed loop operation its ref-
erence voltage is 0.8V. The FB voltage is accurate to within
-1.25% / +1.0% over temperature. Additionally, the LM2854
contains error nulling circuitry to substantially eliminate the
feedback voltage over temperature drift as well as the long
term aging effects of the internal amplifiers. In addition, the 1/
f noise of the bandgap amplifier and reference are dramati-
cally reduced. The manifestation of this circuit action is that
the duty cycle will have two slightly different but distinct op-
erating points, each evident every other switching cycle. The
oscilloscope plot shown previously of the SW pin with infinite
persistence set shows this behavior. No discernible effect is
evident on the output due to LC filter attenuation. For further
information, a National Semiconductor white paper is avail-
able on this topic.
POSITIVE CURRENT LIMIT
The LM2854 employs lossless cycle-by-cycle high-side cur-
rent limit circuitry to limit the peak current through the high-
side FET. The peak current limit threshold, denoted ICL, is
nominally set at 6A internally. When a current greater than
ICL is sensed through the PFET, its on-time is immediately
terminated and the NFET is activated. The NFET stays on for
the entire next four switching cycles (effectively four PFET
pulses are skipped). During these skipped pulses, the voltage
on the soft-start pin is reduced by discharging the soft-start
capacitor by a current sink on the soft-start pin of nominally 6
µA or 14 µA for the 500 kHz or 1 MHz options, respectively.
Subsequent over-current events will drain more and more
charge from the soft-start capacitor, effectively decreasing
the reference voltage as the output droops due to the pulse
skipping. Reactivation of the soft-start circuitry ensures that
when the over-current situation is removed, the part will re-
sume normal operation smoothly.
NEGATIVE CURRENT LIMIT
The LM2854 implements negative current limit detection cir-
cuitry to prevent large negative current in the inductor. When
the negative current sensed in the low-side NFET is below
approximately -0.4A, the present switching cycle is immedi-
ately terminated and both FETs are turned off. When both
FETs are off, the negative inductor current originally flowing
in the low-side NFET and into the SW pin commutates to the
high-side PFET’s body diode and ramps back to zero. At this
point, the SW pin becomes a high impedance node and ring-
ing can be observed on the SW node as the stored energy in
the inductor is dissipated while resonating with the parasitic
nodal capacitance.
OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION
When the LM2854 senses a junction temperature greater
than 165°C, both switching FETs are turned off and the part
enters a sleep state. Upon sensing a junction temperature
below 155°C, the part will re-initiate the soft-start sequence
and begin switching once again. This feature is provided to
prevent catastrophic failure due to excessive thermal dissi-
pation.
LOOP COMPENSATION
The LM2854 preserves flexibility by integrating the control
components around the error amplifier while utilizing three
small external compensation components from VOUT to FB.
An integrated type II (two pole, one zero) voltage-mode com-
pensation network is featured. To ensure stability, an external
resistor and small value capacitor can be added across the
upper feedback resistor as a pole-zero pair to complete a type
III (three pole, two zero) compensation network. For correct
selection of these components, see the design section of this
datasheet.
Design Guidelines
INPUT FILTER CAPACITOR
Fast switching currents place a large strain on the input supply
to a buck regulator. A capacitor placed close to the PVIN and
PGND pins of the LM2854 helps to supply the instantaneous
charge required when the regulator demands a pulse of cur-
rent every switching cycle. In fact, the input capacitor con-
ducts a square-wave current of peak-to-peak amplitude equal
to IOUT. With this high AC current present in the input capac-
itor, the RMS current rating becomes an important parameter.
The necessary RMS current rating of the input capacitor to a
buck regulator can be estimated by
where the PWM duty cycle, D, is given by
Neglecting capacitor ESR, the resultant input capacitor AC
ripple voltage is a triangular waveform with peak-to-peak am-
plitude specified as follows
The maximum input capacitor ripple voltage and RMS current
occur at 50% duty cycle. A 22 µF or 47 µF high quality di-
electric (X5R, X7R) ceramic capacitor with adequate voltage
rating is typically sufficient as an input capacitor to the
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LM2854
LM2854. The input capacitor should be placed as close as
possible to the PVIN and PGND pins to substantially eliminate
the parasitic effects of any stray inductance or resistance on
the PC board and supply lines. Additional bulk capacitance
with higher ESR may be required to damp any resonance ef-
fects of the input capacitance and parasitic inductance.
AVIN FILTERING COMPONENTS
In addition to the large input filter capacitor, a smaller ceramic
capacitor such as a 0.1 µF or 1.0 µF is recommended between
AVIN and AGND to filter high frequency noise present on the
PVIN rail from the quiet AVIN supply. For additional filtering
in noisy environments, a small RC filter can be used on the
AVIN pin as shown below.
30052840
In general, RF is typically selected between 1Ω and 10Ω so
that the steady state voltage drop across the resistor due to
the AVIN bias current does not affect the UVLO level. Rec-
ommended filter capacitor, CF, is 1.0 µF in X5R or X7R
dielectric.
SOFT-START CAPACITOR
When the LM2854 is enabled, the output voltage will ramp up
linearly in the time dictated by the following relationship
where VREF is the internal reference voltage (nominally 0.8V),
ISS is the soft-start charging current (nominally 2 µA) and
CSS is the external soft-start capacitance. Rearranging this
equation allows for the necessary soft-start capacitor for a
given startup time to be calculated as follows
Thus, the required soft start capacitor per unit output voltage
startup time is given by
CSS = 2.5 nF / ms
For example, a 10 nF soft-start capacitor will yield a 4 ms soft-
start time.
TRACKING - EQUAL SOFT-START TIME
One way to use the tracking feature is to design the tracking
resistor divider so that the master supply output voltage,
VOUT1, and the LM2854 output voltage, VOUT2, both rise to-
gether and reach their target values at the same time. This is
termed ratiometric startup. For this case, the equation gov-
erning the values of tracking divider resistors RT1 and RT2 is
given by
The above equation includes an offset voltage to ensure that
the final value of the SS pin voltage exceeds the reference
voltage of the LM2854. This offset will cause the LM2854 out-
put voltage to reach regulation slightly before the master
supply. A value of 33 kΩ 1% is recommended for RT2 as a
compromise between high precision and low quiescent cur-
rent through the divider while minimizing the effect of the 2 µA
soft-start current source.
For example, If the master supply voltage VOUT1 is 3.3V and
the LM2854 output voltage was 1.8V, then the value of RT1
needed to give the two supplies identical soft-start times
would be 14.3 kΩ. A timing diagram for this example, the
equal soft-start time case, is shown below.
30052859
TRACKING - EQUAL SLEW RATES
Alternatively, the tracking feature can be used to have similar
output voltage ramp rates. This is referred to as simultaneous
startup. In this case, the tracking resistors can be determined
based on the following equation
and to ensure proper overdrive of the SS pin
VOUT2 < 0.8 VOUT1
For the example case of VOUT1 = 5V and VOUT2 = 2.5V, with
RT2 set to 33 kΩ as before, RT1 is calculated from the above
equation to be 15.5 kΩ. A timing diagram for the case of equal
slew rates is shown below.
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LM2854
30052861
ENABLE AND UVLO
Using a resistor divider from VIN to EN as shown in the
schematic diagram below, the input voltage at which the part
begins switching can be increased above the normal input
UVLO level according to
For example, suppose that the required input UVLO level is
3.69V. Choosing REN2 = 10 kΩ, then we calculate REN1 = 20
kΩ.
30052844
Alternatively, the EN pin can be driven from another voltage
source to cater for system sequencing requirements com-
monly found in FPGA and other multi-rail applications. The
following schematic shows an LM2854 that is sequenced to
start based on the voltage level of a master system rail.
30052845
OUTPUT VOLTAGE SETTING
A divider resistor network from VOUT to the FB pin determines
the desired output voltage as follows
RFB1 is defined based on the voltage loop requirements and
RFB2 is then selected for the desired output voltage. These
resistors are normally selected as 0.5% or 1% tolerance.
COMPENSATION COMPONENT SELECTION
The power stage transfer function of a voltage mode buck
converter has a complex double pole related to the LC output
filter and a left half plane zero due to the output capacitor
ESR, denoted RESR. The locations of these singularities are
given respectively by
where CO is the output capacitance value appropriately der-
ated for applied voltage and operating temperature, RL is the
effective load resistance and RDCR is the series damping re-
sistance associated with the inductor and power switches.
30052848
The conventional compensation strategy employed with volt-
age mode control is to use two compensator zeros to offset
the LC double pole, one compensator pole located to cancel
the output capacitor ESR zero and one compensator pole lo-
cated between one third and one half switching frequency for
high frequency noise attenuation.
The LM2854 internal compensation components are de-
signed to locate a pole at the origin and a pole at high
frequency as mentioned above. Furthermore, a zero is locat-
ed at 8.8 kHz or 17.6 kHz for the 500 kHz or 1 MHz options,
respectively, to approximately cancel the likely location of one
LC filter pole.
The three external compensation components, RFB1, RCOMP
and CCOMP, are selected to position a zero at or below the LC
pole location and a pole to cancel the ESR zero. The voltage
loop crossover frequency, floop, is usually selected between
one tenth to one fifth of the switching frequency
0.1fSW ≤ floop ≤ 0.2fSW
A simple solution for the required external compensation ca-
pacitor, CCOMP, with type III voltage mode control can be
expressed as
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LM2854
where the constant α is nominally 0.038 or 0.075 for the 500
kHz or 1 MHz options, respectively. This assumes a com-
pensator pole cancels the output capacitor ESR zero. Fur-
thermore, since the modulator gain is proportional to VIN, the
loop crossover frequency increases with VIN. Thus, it is rec-
ommended to design the loop at maximum expected VIN.
The upper feedback resistor, RFB1, is selected to provide ad-
equate mid-band gain and to locate a zero at or below the LC
pole frequency. The series resistor, RCOMP, is selected to lo-
cate a pole at the ESR zero frequency. Thus
Note that the lower feedback resistor, RFB2, has no impact on
the control loop from an AC standpoint since the FB pin is the
input to an error amplifier and effectively at AC ground.
Hence, the control loop can be designed irrespective of output
voltage level. The only caveat here is the necessary derating
of the output capacitance with applied voltage. Having chosen
RFB1 as above, RFB2 is then selected for the desired output
voltage.
Table 1 and Table 2 list inductor and ranges of capacitor val-
ues that work well with the LM2854, along with the associated
compensation components to ensure stable operation. Val-
ues different than those listed may be used, but the compen-
sation components may need to be recalculated to avoid
degradation in phase margin. Note that the capacitance
ranges specified refer to in-circuit values where the nominal
capacitance value is adequately derated for applied voltage.
FILTER INDUCTOR AND OUTPUT CAPACITOR
SELECTION
In a buck regulator, selection of the filter inductor and capac-
itor will affect many key system parameters, including stabil-
ity, transient response and efficiency The LM2854 can
accommodate relatively wide ranges of output capacitor and
filter inductor values in a typical application and still achieve
excellent load current transient performance and low output
voltage ripple.
The inductance is chosen such that the peak-to-peak inductor
current ripple, ΔiL, is approximately 25 to 40% of IOUT as fol-
lows
Note that the peak inductor current is the DC output current
plus half the ripple current and reaches its highest level at
lowest duty cycle (or highest VIN). It is recommended that the
inductor should have a saturation current rating in excess of
the current limit level.
When operating the LM2854 at input voltages above 5.2V, the
inductor should be sized to keep the minimum inductor cur-
rent above -0.5A. For most applications this should only occur
at light loads or when the inductor is drastically undersized.
To ensure the current never goes below -0.5A for any appli-
cation, the peak-to-peak ripple current (ΔiL) in the inductor
should be less than 1A. Keeping the minimum inductor cur-
rent above -0.5A limits the energy storage in the inductor and
helps prevent the switch node voltage from exceeding the
absolute maximum specification when the low side FET turns
off.
Table 3 lists examples of off-the-shelf powdered iron and fer-
rite based inductors that are suitable for use with the LM2854.
The output capacitor can be of ceramic or electrolytic chem-
istry. The chosen output capacitor requires sufficient DC volt-
age rating and RMS ripple current handling capability.
The output capacitor RMS current and peak-to-peak output
ripple are given respectively by
In general, 22 µF to 100 µF of ceramic output capacitance is
sufficient for both LM2854 frequency options given the opti-
mal high frequency characteristics and low ESR of ceramic
dielectric. It is advisable to consult the manufacturer’s derat-
ing curves for capacitance voltage coefficient as the in-circuit
capacitance may drop significantly with applied voltage.
Tantalum or organic polymer electrolytic capacitance may be
suitable with the LM2854 500 kHz option, particularly in ap-
plications where substantial bulk capacitance per unit volume
is required. However, the high loop bandwidth achievable with
the LM2854 obviates the necessity for large bulk capacitance
during transient loading conditions.
Table 4 lists some examples of commercially available ca-
pacitors that can be used with the LM2854.
15 www.national.com
LM2854
TABLE 1. LM2854 500 kHz Compensation Component Values
VIN (V) LO (µH) CO (µF) ESR (mΩ) RFB1 (kΩ) CCOMP (pF) RCOMP (kΩ)
Min Max Min Max
5.0 1.5 40 100 2 10 150 47 1
1.5 100 200 1 5 150 100 1
1.5 100 220 15 25 150 120 25
2.2 40 100 2 10 150 68 1
2.2 100 200 1 5 150 120 1
2.2 100 220 15 25 120 120 15
3.3 1.5 40 100 2 10 150 68 1
1.5 100 200 1 5 100 150 1
1.5 100 220 15 25 100 150 15
2.2 40 100 2 10 150 100 1
2.2 100 200 1 5 100 220 1
2.2 100 220 15 25 100 220 10
TABLE 2. LM2854 1 MHz Compensation Component Values
VIN (V) LO (µH) CO (µF) ESR (mΩ) RFB1 (kΩ) CCOMP (pF) RCOMP (kΩ)
Min Max Min Max
5.0 0.68 20 60 2 10 120 33 1
0.68 60 150 1 5 75 100 1
0.68 100 220 15 25 100 100 20
1.0 20 60 2 10 100 56 1
1.0 60 150 1 5 75 150 1
1.0 100 220 15 25 75 150 15
3.3 0.68 20 60 2 10 75 56 1
0.68 60 150 1 5 50 150 1
0.68 100 220 15 25 50 150 12
1.0 20 60 2 10 75 82 1
1.0 60 150 1 5 50 220 1
1.0 100 220 15 25 33 330 10
www.national.com 16
LM2854
TABLE 3. Recommended Filter Inductors
Inductance (µH) DCR (mΩ) Manufacturer Manufacturer P/N Case Size (mm)
0.47 14.5 Vishay Dale IHLP1616BZERR47M11 4.06 x 4.45 x 2.00
1.0 24.0 Vishay Dale IHLP1616BZER1R0M11 4.06 x 4.45 x 2.00
0.47 8.4 Vishay Dale IHLP2525AHERR47M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 1.80
0.47 6.0 Vishay Dale IHLP2525BDERR47M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 2.40
0.68 8.7 Vishay Dale IHLP2525BDERR68M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 2.40
0.82 10.6 Vishay Dale IHLP2525BDERR82M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 2.40
1.0 13.1 Vishay Dale IHLP2525BDER1R0M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 2.40
1.5 18.5 Vishay Dale IHLP2525BDER1R5M01 6.47 x 6.86 x 2.40
2.2 15.7 Vishay Dale IHLP2525CZER2R2M11 6.47 x 6.86 x 3.00
0.47 3.5 Sumida CDMC6D28NP-R47M 6.50 x 7.25 x 3.00
0.68 4.5 Sumida CDMC6D28NP-R68M 6.50 x 7.25 x 3.00
1.0 17.3 Sumida CDMC6D28NP-1R0M 6.50 x 7.25 x 3.00
1.5 10.4 Sumida CDMC6D28NP-1R5M 6.50 x 7.25 x 3.00
2.2 16.1 Sumida CDMC6D28NP-2R2M 6.50 x 7.25 x 3.00
0.56 10 Coilcraft DO1813H-561ML 6.10 x 8.89 x 5.00
0.47 3.3 Coilcraft HA3619-471ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
0.68 4.8 Coilcraft HA3619-681ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
1.0 7.5 Coilcraft HA3619-102ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
1.2 9.4 Coilcraft HA3619-122ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
1.5 11.5 Coilcraft HA3619-152ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
1.8 16.5 Coilcraft HA3619-182ALC 7.0 x 7.0 x 3.0
0.47 3.3 TDK SPM6530T-R47M170 7.1 x 6.5 x 3.0
0.68 4.9 TDK SPM6530T-R68M140 7.1 x 6.5 x 3.0
1.0 7.1 TDK SPM6530T-1R0M120 7.1 x 6.5 x 3.0
1.5 9.7 TDK SPM6530T-1R5M100 7.1 x 6.5 x 3.0
0.47 14 Cyntec PCMC042T-0R47MN 4.0 x 4.5 x 2.0
1.0 9 Cyntec PCMC063T-1R0MN 6.5 x 6.9 x 3.0
1.5 14 Cyntec PCMC063T-1R5MN 6.5 x 6.9 x 3.0
TABLE 4. Recommended Filter Capacitors
Capacitance
(µF)
Voltage (V), ESR
(mΩ)
Chemistry Manufacturer Manufacturer P/N Case Size
22 6.3, < 5 Ceramic, X5R TDK C3216X5R0J226M 1206
47 6.3, < 5 Ceramic, X5R TDK C3216X5R0J476M 1206
47 6.3, < 5 Ceramic, X5R TDK C3225X5R0J476M 1210
47 10.0, < 5 Ceramic, X5R TDK C3225X5R1A476M 1210
100 6.3, < 5 Ceramic, X5R TDK C3225X5R0J107M 1210
100 6.3, 50 Tantalum AVX TPSD157M006#0050 D, 7.5 x 4.3 x 2.9 mm
100 6.3, 25 Organic Polymer Sanyo 6TPE100MPB2 B2, 3.5 x 2.8 x 1.9 mm
150 6.3, 18 Organic Polymer Sanyo 6TPE150MIC2 C2, 6.0 x 3.2 x 1.8 mm
330 6.3, 18 Organic Polymer Sanyo 6TPE330MIL D3L, 7.3 x 4.3 x 2.8 mm
470 6.3, 23 Niobium Oxide AVX NOME37M006#0023 E, 7.3 x 4.3 x 4.1 mm
17 www.national.com
LM2854
PC Board Layout Guidelines
PC board layout is an important part of DC-DC converter de-
sign. Poor board layout can disrupt the performance of a DC-
DC converter and surrounding circuitry by contributing to EMI,
ground bounce and resistive voltage drop in the traces. These
can send erroneous signals to the DC-DC converter resulting
in poor regulation or instability. Good layout can be imple-
mented by following a few simple design rules.
30052853
1. Minimize area of switched current loops.
There are two loops where currents are switched at high di/
dt slew rates in a buck regulator. The first loop represents the
path taken by AC current flowing during the high side PFET
on time. This current flows from the input capacitor to the reg-
ulator PVIN pins, through the high side FET to the regulator
SW pin, filter inductor, output capacitor and returning via the
PCB ground plane to the input capacitor.
The second loop represents the path taken by AC current
flowing during the low side NFET on time. This current flows
from the output capacitor ground to the regulator PGND pins,
through the NFET to the inductor and output capacitor. From
an EMI reduction standpoint, it is imperative to minimize this
loop area during PC board layout by physically locating the
input capacitor close to the LM2854. Specifically, it is advan-
tageous to place CIN as close as possible to the LM2854 PVIN
and PGND pins. Grounding for both the input and output ca-
pacitor should consist of a localized top side plane that con-
nects to PGND and the exposed die attach pad (DAP). The
inductor should be placed close to the SW pin and output ca-
pacitor.
2. Minimize the copper area of the switch node.
The LM2854 has two SW pins optimally located on one side
of the package. In general the SW pins should be connected
to the filter inductor on the top PCB layer. The inductor should
be placed close to the SW pins to minimize the copper area
of the switch node.
3. Have a single point ground for all device analog
grounds located under the DAP.
The ground connections for the Feedback, Soft-start, Enable
and AVIN components should be routed to the AGND pin of
the device. The AGND pin should connect to PGND under the
DAP. This prevents any switched or load currents from flow-
ing in the analog ground traces. If not properly handled, poor
grounding can result in degraded load regulation or erratic
switching behavior.
4. Minimize trace length to the FB pin.
Since the feedback (FB) node is high impedance, the trace
from the output voltage setpoint resistor divider to FB pin
should be as short as possible. This is most important as rel-
atively high value resistors are used to set the output voltage.
The FB trace should be routed away from the SW pin and
inductor to avoid noise pickup from the SW pin. Both feedback
resistors, RFB1 and RFB2, and the compensation components,
RCOMP and CCOMP, should be located close to the FB pin.
5. Make input and output bus connections as wide as
possible.
This reduces any voltage drops on the input or output of the
converter and maximizes efficiency. To optimize voltage ac-
curacy at the load, ensure that a separate feedback voltage
sense trace is made to the load. Doing so will correct for volt-
age drops and provide optimum output accuracy.
6. Provide adequate device heat-sinking.
Use an array of heat-sinking vias to connect the DAP to the
ground plane on the bottom PCB layer. If the PCB has a plu-
rality of copper layers, these thermal vias can also be em-
ployed to make connection to inner layer heat-spreading
ground planes. For best results use a 5 x 3 via array with
minimum via diameter of 10 mils. Ensure enough copper area
is used to keep the junction temperature below 125°C.
www.national.com 18
LM2854
LM2854 Application Circuit Schematic and BOMs
This section provides several application solutions with an
associated bill of materials. All bill of materials reference the
schematic below. The compensation for each solution was
optimized to work over the full input range. Many applications
have a fixed input voltage rail. It is possible to modify the
compensation to obtain a faster transient response for a given
input voltage operating point.
30052854
TABLE 5. LM2854 500kHz Bill of Materials, VIN = 5V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT(MAX) = 4A, Optimized for Efficiency
Ref Des Description Case Size Manufacturer Manufacturer P/N
U1 Synchronous Buck
Regulator
eTSSOP-16 National Semiconductor LM2854MHX-500
CIN 47 µF, X5R, 10V 1210 TDK C3225X5R1A476M
CO100 µF, X5R, 6.3V 1210 TDK C3225X5R0J107M
LO1.5 µH, 9.7 mΩ, 10A 7.1 x 6.5 x 3.0 mm TDK SPM6530T-1R5M100
RFB1 249 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06032493F-e3
RFB2 80.6 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW060328062F-e3
RCOMP 1.0 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06031001F-e3
RF1.0Ω 0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06031R0F-e3
CCOMP 33 pF, ±5%, C0G, 50V 0603 TDK C1608C0G1H330J
CSS 10 nF, ±10%, X7R, 16V 0603 Murata GRM188R71C103KA01
CF1.0 µF, ±10%, X7R, 10V 0603 Murata GRM188R71A105KA61
19 www.national.com
LM2854
TABLE 6. LM2854 1 MHz Bill of Materials, VIN = 3.3V to 5V, VOUT = 2.5V, IOUT (MAX) = 4A, Optimized for Electrolytic Input and
Output Capacitance
Ref Des Description Case Size Manufacturer Manufacturer P/N
U1 Synchronous Buck Regulator eTSSOP-16 National Semiconductor LM2854MHX-1000
CIN 150 µF, 6.3V, 18 mΩC2, 6.0 x 3.2 x 1.8 mm Sanyo 6TPE150MIC2
CO330 µF, 6.3V, 18 mΩD3L, 7.3 x 4.3 x 2.8 mm Sanyo 6TPE330MIL
LO2.2 µH, 16 mΩ, 7A 6.47 x 6.86 x 3.00 mm Vishay Dale IHLP2525CZER2R2M11
RFB1 100 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06031003F-e3
RFB2 47.5 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW060324752F-e3
RCOMP 15 kΩ0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06031502F-e3
RF1.0Ω 0603 Vishay Dale CRCW06031R0F-e3
CCOMP 330 pF, ±5%, C0G, 50V 0603 TDK C1608C0G1H331J
CSS 10 nF, ±10%, X7R, 16V 0603 Murata GRM188R71C103KA01
CF1.0 µF,±10%, X7R, 10V 0603 Murata GRM188R71A105KA61
TABLE 7. LM2854 1 MHz Bill of Materials, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 0.8V, IOUT (MAX) = 4A, Optimized for Solution Size and Transient
Response
Ref Des Description Case Size Manufacturer Manufacturer P/N
U1 Synchronous Buck Regulator eTSSOP-16 National Semiconductor LM2854MHX-1000
CIN 47 µF, X5R, 6.3V 1206 TDK C3216X5R0J476M
CO47 µF, X5R, 6.3V 1206 TDK C3216X5R0J476M
LO0.47 µH, 14.5 mΩ, 7A 4.06 x 4.45 x 2.00 mm Vishay Dale IHLP1616BZER0R47M11
RFB1 110 kΩ0402 Vishay Dale CRCW04021103F-e3
RCOMP 1.0 kΩ0402 Vishay Dale CRCW04021001F-e3
RF1.0Ω 0402 Vishay Dale CRCW04021R0F-e3
CCOMP 27 pF, ±5%, C0G, 50V 0402 Murata GRM1555C1H270JZ01
CSS 10 nF, ±10%, X7R, 16V 0402 Murata GRM155R71C103KA01
CF1.0 µF, ±10%, X7R, 10V 0402 Murata GRM155R61A105KE15
www.national.com 20
LM2854
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted
16-Lead eTSSOP Package
NS Package Number MXA16A
21 www.national.com
LM2854
Notes
LM2854 4A 500 kHz / 1 MHz Synchronous SIMPLE SWITCHER® Buck Regulator
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