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Overcurrent Protection (OCP)
Output On/Off Inhibit
VI
L
O
A
D
1=Inhibit
GND
VO
Q1
BSS138
RSET
C1
C3
C2
PTV05010W
VI
VO
GND
Inhibit
V Adj
O
Track
SLTS242A – FEBRUARY 2005 – REVISED OCTOBER 2005
From the moment a valid input voltage is applied, the soft-start control introduces a short time delay (typically
8ms to 15ms) before allowing the output voltage to rise. The output then progressively rises to the module
set-point voltage.
Figure 8 shows the soft-start power-up characteristic of the PTV05010W, operating from a 5-V
input bus and configured for a 1.8-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.
For protection against load faults, the modules incorporate output overcurrent protection. Applying a load that
exceeds the overcurrent threshold causes the regulated output to shut down. Following shutdown, a module
periodically attempts to recover by initiating a soft-start power up. This is described as a hiccup mode of
operation, whereby the module continues in the cycle of successive shutdown and power up until the load fault is
removed. During this period, the average current flowing into the fault is significantly reduced. Once the fault is
removed, the module automatically recovers and returns to normal operation.
For applications requiring output voltage on/off control, the modules incorporate an output Inhibit control pin. The
inhibit feature can be used wherever there is a requirement for the output voltage from the regulator to be turned
off.
The power modules function normally when the Inhibit input is left open-circuit, providing a regulated output
whenever a valid source voltage is connected to VI with respect to GND.
Figure 9 shows the typical application of the inhibit function. Note the discrete transistor (Q1). The Inhibit input
has its own internal pullup (see footnotes to electrical characteristics table). The input is not compatible with TTL
logic devices. An open-collector (or open-drain) discrete transistor is recommended for control.
Figure 9. On/Off Inhibit Application Circuit
Turning Q1 on applies a low voltage to the Inhibit control and disables the output of the module. If Q1 is then
turned off, the module executes a soft-start power-up sequence. A regulated output voltage is produced within
25ms.
Figure 10 shows the typical rise in both the output voltage and input current, following the turnoff of Q1.
The turnoff of Q1 corresponds to the rise in the waveform, Q1 VDS. The waveforms were measured with a 5-A
constant current load.
Copyright 2005, Texas Instruments Incorporated
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