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Power-Up Characteristics
When configured per the standard application, the PTN78060A power module produces a regulated output
voltage following the application of a valid input source voltage. During power up, internal soft-start circuitry slows
the rate that the output voltage rises, thereby limiting the amount of in-rush current that can be drawn from the
input source. The soft-start circuitry introduces a short time delay (typically 5 ms – 10 ms) into the power-up
characteristic. This is from the point that a valid input source is recognized.
Figure 19
shows the power-up
waveforms when operating from a 12-V input and with the output voltage adjusted to –5-V. The waveforms were
measured with a 2.8-A resistive load.
V
I
(5V/div)
V
O
(2V/div)
I
I
(2 A/div)
t-Time=5ms/div
Undervoltage Lockout
The undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuit prevents the module from attempting to power up until the input voltage
is above the UVLO threshold. This is to prevent the module from drawing excessive current from the input source
at power up. Below the UVLO threshold, the module is held off.
Current Limit Protection
The module is protected against load faults with a continuous current limit characteristic. Under a load-fault
condition, the output current increases to the current limit threshold. Attempting to draw current that exceeds the
current limit threshold causes the module to progressively reduce its output voltage. Current is continuously
supplied to the fault until the fault is removed. Once it is removed, the output voltage promptly recovers. When
limiting output current, the regulator experiences higher power dissipation, which increases its temperature. If the
temperature increase is excessive, the module's overtemperature protection begins to periodically turn the output
voltage off.
Overtemperature Protection
A thermal shutdown mechanism protects the module's internal circuitry against excessively high temperatures. A
rise in temperature may be the result of a drop in airflow, a high ambient temperature, or a sustained current limit
condition. If the internal temperature rises excessively, the module turns itself off, reducing the output voltage to
zero. The module exercises a soft-start power up when the sensed temperature has decreased by about 10°C
below the trip point.
PTN78060A
SLTS245A–APRIL 2005–REVISED MAY 2005
Figure 19. Power-Up Waveforms
NOTE:
Overtemperature protection is a last-resort mechanism to prevent damage to the module. It should not be
relied on as permanent protection against thermal stress. Always operate the module within its temperature
derated limits, for the worst-case operating conditions of output current, ambient temperature, and airflow.
Operating the module above these limits, albeit below the thermal shutdown temperature, reduces the long-term
reliability of the module.
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