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Micrel, Inc.
MIC4721
Output Capacitor
The MIC4721 is designed for a 4.7μF output capacitor.
X5R or X7R dielectrics are recommended for the output
capacitor. Y5V dielectrics lose most of their capacitance
over temperature and voltage and are therefore, not
recommended. Smaller case size capacitors are
recommended due to their lower ESL. The MIC4721
utilizes type III voltage mode internal compensation and
utilizes an internal zero to compensate for the double
pole roll off of the LC filter. For this reason, larger output
capacitors can create instabilities. In cases where a
4.7μF output capacitor is not sufficient, the MIC2208
offers the ability to externally control the compensation,
allowing for a wide range of output capacitor types and
values.
May 2007
12
M9999-052907-A
Inductor Selection
The MIC4721 is designed for use with a 1μH inductor.
Proper selection should ensure the inductor can handle
the maximum RMS and peak currents required by the
load. Maximum current ratings of the inductor are
generally given in two methods; permissible DC current
and saturation current. Permissible DC current can be
rated either for a 40°C temperature rise or a 10% to 20%
loss in inductance. Ensure the inductor selected can
handle the maximum operating current. When saturation
current is specified, make sure that there is enough
margin that the peak current since at higher
temperatures, the inductor will saturate at a lower
current.
Diode Selection
Since the MIC4721 is non-synchronous, a free-wheeling
diode is required for proper operation. A Schottky diode
is recommended due to the low forward voltage drop
and fast reverse recovery time. The diode should be
rated to handle the average output current. Also, the
reverse voltage rating of the diode should exceed the
maximum input voltage. Please refer to the layout
recommendations to minimize switching noise.
Feedback Resistors
The feedback resistor set the output voltage by dividing
down the output and sending it to the feedback pin. The
feedback voltage is 1.0V. Calculating the set output
voltage is as follows:
+
=
1
2
1
R
R
V
V
FB
OUT
Where R1 is the resistor from V
OUT
to FB and R2 is the
resistor from FB to GND.
The recommended feedback resistor values for common
output voltages are available in the bill of materials at the
end of this specification. Although the resistance range
of the FB resistors is very wide, R1 is recommended to
be 10K. This minimizes the effect the parasitic
capacitance of the FB node. Resistor R2 can be
calculated by:
FB
OUT
V
FB
V
V
R
R
×
=
1
2
Feedforward Capacitor (C
FF
)
A capacitor across the resistor from the output to the
feedback pin (R1) is recommended for most designs.
This capacitor can give a boost to phase margin and
increase the bandwidth for transient response. Also,
large values of feedforward capacitance can slow down
the turn-on characteristics, reducing inrush current. For
maximum phase boost, C
FF
can be calculated as follows:
1
KHz
×
π
1
200
2
R
C
FF
×
=
Bias filter
A small 10
resistor is recommended from the input
supply to the bias pin along with a small 0.1μF ceramic
capacitor from bias-to-ground. This will bypass the high
frequency noise generated by the violent switching of
high currents from reaching the internal reference and
control circuitry. Tantalum and electrolytic capacitors are
not recommended since these types of capacitors aren’t
as effective at filtering high frequencies.
Loop Stability and Bode Analysis
Bode analysis is an excellent way to measure small
signal stability and loop response in power supply
designs. Bode analysis monitors gain and phase of a
control loop. This is done by breaking the feedback loop
and injecting a signal into the feedback node and
comparing the injected signal to the output signal of the
control loop. This will require a network analyzer to
sweep the frequency and compare the injected signal to
the output signal. The most common method of injection
is the use of a transformer. Figure 7 demonstrates how a
transformer is used to inject a signal into the feedback
network.
Figure 7. Transformer Injection
A 50
resistor allows impedance matching from the
network analyzer source. This method allows the DC
loop to maintain regulation and allow the network
analyzer to insert an AC signal on top of the DC voltage.