a quarter of the maximum current limit (ILX(MAX)). If
the output does not reach regulation within 1ms, soft-
start enters phase II, and the current limit is increased
by another 25%. This process is repeated for phase III.
The maximum 1.5A (typ) current limit is reached within
3072 clock cycles or when the output reaches regulation,
whichever occurs first (see the startup waveforms in the
Typical Operating Characteristics).
For the charge pumps (MAX1778/MAX1880–MAX1882
only), soft-start is achieved by controlling the rate of rise
of the output voltage. Both charge-pump output volt-
ages are controlled to be in regulation within 4096 clock
cycles, regardless of output capacitance and load, limited
only by the charge pump’s output impedance. Although
the MAX1883–MAX1885 controllers do not include the
charge pumps, the soft-start logic still contains the 4096
clock cycle startup periods for both charge pumps.
Fault Trip Level (FLTSET)
The MAX1778/MAX1880–MAX1885 feature dual-mode
operation to allow operation with either a preset fault trip
level or an adjustable trip level for the step-up converter
and positive charge-pump outputs. Connect FLTSET to
GND to select the preset 0.9 x VREF fault threshold. The
fault trip level can also be adjusted by connecting a volt-
age-divider from REF to FLTSET (Figure 8). For greatest
accuracy, the total load on the reference (including current
through the negative charge-pump feedback resistors)
should not exceed 50μA so that VREF is guaranteed
to be in regulation (see the Electrical Characteristics).
Therefore, select R10 in the 100kΩ to 1MΩ range, and
calculate R9 with the following equation:
R9 = R10 [(VREF/VFLTSET) - 1]
where VREF = 1.25V, and VFLTSET can range from 0.67
x VREF to 0.85 x VREF. FLTSET’s input bias current has
a maximum value of 50nA. For 1% error, the current
through R10 should be at least 100 times the FLTSET
input bias current (IFLTSET).
Fault Condition
Once RDY is low, if the output of the main regulator
or either low-power charge pump falls below its fault
detection threshold, or if the input drops below its under-
voltage threshold, then RDY goes high impedance and
all outputs shut down; however, the reference remains
active. After removing the fault condition, toggle shutdown
(below 0.8V) or cycle the input voltage (below 0.2V) to
clear the fault latch and reactivate the device.
The reference fault threshold is 1.05V. For the step-up
converter and positive charge-pump, the fault trip level is
set by FLTSET (see the Fault Trip Level (FLTSET) sec-
tion). For the negative charge pump, the fault threshold
measured at the charge-pump’s feedback input (FBN) is
140mV (typ).
Power Ready (RDY)
RDY is an open-drain output. When the power-up
sequence for the main step-up converter and low-power
charge pumps has properly completed, the 14V MOSFET
turns on and pulls RDY low with a 125Ω (typ) on-
resistance. If a fault is detected on any of these three
outputs, the internal open-drain MOSFET appears as
a high impedance. Connect a 100kΩ pullup resistor
between RDY and IN for a logic-level output.
Voltage Reference (REF)
The voltage at REF is nominally 1.25V. The reference
can source up to 50μA with good load regulation (see
the Typical Operating Characteristics). Connect a 0.22μF
ceramic bypass capacitor between REF and GND.
Thermal-Overload Protection
Thermal-overload protection limits total power dissipation
in the MAX1778/MAX1880–MAX1885. When the junction
temperature exceeds TJ = +160°C, a thermal sensor acti-
vates the fault protection, which shuts down the controller,
allowing the IC to cool. Once the device cools down by
15°C, toggle shutdown (below 0.8V) or cycle the input
voltage (below 0.2V) to clear the fault latch and reactivate
the controller. Thermal-overload protection protects the
controller in the event of fault conditions. For continuous
operation, do not exceed the absolute maximum junction-
temperature rating of TJ = +150°C.
Operating Region and Power Dissipation
The MAX1778/MAX1880–MAX1885s’ maximum power
dissipation depends on the thermal resistance of the IC
package and circuit board, the temperature difference
between the die junction and ambient air, and the rate of
any airflow. The power dissipated in the device depends on
the operating conditions of each regulator and the buffer.
The step-up controller dissipates power across the inter-
nal n-channel MOSFET as the controller ramps up the
inductor current. In continuous conduction, the power dis-
sipated internally can be approximated by:
2
2
MAIN MAIN IN
STEP UP IN OSC
DS(ON)
I V VD
1
P
V 12 f L
RD
−
≈+
×
MAX1778/MAX1880–MAX1885 Quad-Output TFT LCD DC/DC
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