Features of the PTH Family of Non-Isolated Wide Output Adjust Power Modules
POLA Compatibility
Soft-Start Power Up
12 V
+
GND
3.3 V
PTH120 20W
7
10
4
5
6
2
3
9
Tr ack
GND
Inhibit
1
Up
Dn
Adjust
8
Sense
R
,2kHz
1%
0.05W
SET
C
330 F
O
m
C
1000 F
I
m
V
I
V
O
HORIZTAL SCALE:5ms/Div
V (5V/Div)
I
V
(1V/Div)
O
I (5 A/Div)
I
Overtemperature Protection (OTP)
www.ti.com............................................................................................................................................... SLTS237G – DECEMBER 2004 – REVISED MARCH 2009
The PTH/PTV family of nonisolated, wide-output adjustable power modules from Texas Instruments are
optimized for applications that require a flexible, high performance module that is small in size. Each of these
products are POLA compatible. POLA-compatible products are produced by a number of manufacturers, and
offer customers advanced, non-isolated modules with the same footprint and form factor. POLA parts are also
assured to be interoperable, thereby providing customers with second-source availability.
All POLA products include Auto-Track. This feature was specifically designed to simplify the task of
sequencing the supply voltages in a power system. This and other features are described in the following
sections.
The Auto-Track feature allows the power-up of multiple PTH modules to be directly controlled from the Track pin.
However in a stand-alone configuration, or when the Auto-Track feature is not being used, the Track pin should
be directly connected to the input voltage, VI (see Figure 10). Figure 10. Power-Up Application Circuit
Figure 11. Power-Up Waveforms
When the Track pin is connected to the input voltage the Auto-Track function is permanently disengaged. This
allows the module to power up entirely under the control of its internal soft-start circuitry. When power up is
under soft-start control, the output voltage rises to the set-point at a quicker and more linear rate.
From the moment a valid input voltage is applied, the soft-start control introduces a short time delay (typically
8 ms–15 ms) before allowing the output voltage to rise.
The output then progressively rises to the module’s setpoint voltage.
Figure 11 shows the soft-start power-up
characteristic of the 18-A output product (PTH12020W), operating from a 12-V input bus and configured for a
3.3-V output. The waveforms were measured with a 5-A resistive load and the Auto-Track feature disabled. The
initial rise in input current when the input voltage first starts to rise is the charge current drawn by the input
capacitors. Power-up is complete within 25 ms.
The PTH12020, PTH12030, and PTH12040 products have overtemperature protection. These products have an
on-board temperature sensor that protects the module’s internal circuitry against excessively high temperatures.
A rise in the internal temperature may be the result of a drop in airflow, or a high ambient temperature. If the
internal temperature exceeds the OTP threshold, the module’s Inhibit control is internally pulled low. This turns
the output off. The output voltage drops as the external output capacitors are discharged by the load circuit. The
recovery is automatic, and begins with a soft-start power up. It occurs when the the sensed temperature
decreases by about 10°C below the trip point.
Note: The overtemperature protection is a last resort mechanism to prevent thermal stress to the regulator.
Operation at or close to the thermal shutdown temperature is not recommended and reduces the long-term
reliability of the module. Always operate the regulator within the specified safe operating area (SOA) limits for
the worst-case conditions of ambient temperature and airflow.
Copyright 2004–2009, Texas Instruments Incorporated
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