PRODUCTPREVIEW
Redundant vs. Non-Redundant Inrush Current Limiting
If 12xCL[3:0] = 1111B,
12VNRS has no effect
I
MAX
I L
IM
IT
–
C
u
r
e
n
t
L
im
it
–
A
0
t – Time
(A)
60% I
MAX
t
FAULT
t – Time
(B)
t
FAULT
t – Time
(C)
t
FAULT
12 VNRS = x
12 VNRS = 0
12 VNRS = 1
Current Limiting Design Examples
STARTUP
CHARGE
LOAD
I
6.4 A
6.67 A
13.7 A
=
+
=
+
=
(7)
www.ti.com ............................................................................................................................................................................................ SLUS917 – FEBRUARY 2009
The TPS2459 can support redundant and non-redundant systems. Redundant systems generally use a single
fixed current limit, as described above. Non-redundant systems often allow a higher current limit during inrush to
compensate for the lack of a redundant supply. The MicroTCA standard allows up to 19.4 A for up to 200 ms
in non-redundant systems, while limiting individual supplies in redundant systems to 9.1 A at all times. Designers
can optimize the performance of the system for either application by properly setting the 12VNRS bit that controls
inrush limiting. The ability to change the inrush profile using 12VNRS makes it possible to reconfigure a controller
for redundant or non-redundant operation with a single bit. This is particularly useful for MicroTCA Power
Modules which may be deployed in redundant or non-redundamnt systems.
The 12VNRS bit affects the value of the 12CL bits during inrush. Setting 12VNRS causes the current limit
threshold and fast trip threshold to behave as if 12CL = 1111B during inrush. Once the current flowing through
the channel falls below the current limit threshold, the current limit threshold and fast trip threshold correspond to
the actual values of the 12CL bits.
Figure 23 illustrates the behavior of the 12VNRS bit. Figure A shows that setting the 12CL bits to 1111B results
in a current limit equal to IMAX. Figure 6B shows how the 12CL bits affect the current limit when the 12VNRS bit
is cleared. Setting 12CL = 0111B reduces the current limit to 60% of IMAX. Figure C shows how the 12CL bits
affect the current limit when the 12VNRS bit is set. The current limit initially equals IMAX, but as soon as the
current drops below this level, the current limit resets to 60% of IMAX and remains there so long as the channel
remains enabled.
A.
12xCL[3:0] = 111B
B.
The characteristics shown represent the current limit level versus time. It is not a representation of current versus
time.
Figure 23. Current Limits in Redundant and Non-Redundant Systems(A)(B) Example One
Set up a 12-V channel input voltage to start into an 80-W load and charge a 1600-
F capacitor in less than 3 ms.
Set an operational ILIMIT of 8.25 A ±10%.
Equation 7 calculate how much current is needed for capacitor charging and powering the load.
where
Copyright 2009, Texas Instruments Incorporated
27