the exceptionally low output noise and optimum
power supply ripple rejection should use 2.2μF or
greater for C
OUT
. In low output current applications,
where output load is less than 10mA, the minimum
value for C
OUT
can be as low as 0.47μF.
Equivalent Series Resistance:
ESR is a very
important characteristic to consider when selecting a
capacitor. ESR is the internal series resistance asso-
ciated with a capacitor that includes lead resistance,
internal connections, size and area, material compo-
sition, and ambient temperature. Typically, capacitor
ESR is measured in milliohms for ceramic capaci-
tors and can range to more than several ohms for
tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors.
Bypass Capacitor and Low Noise
Applications
A bypass capacitor pin is provided to enhance the
low noise characteristics of the LDO. The bypass
capacitor is not necessary for operation; however,
for best device performance, a small ceramic
capacitor in the range of 470pF to 10nF should be
placed between the bypass pin (BYP) and the
device ground pin (GND). To practically realize the
highest power supply ripple rejection and lowest
output noise performance, it is critical that the
capacitor connection between the BYP pin and
GND pin be direct and PCB traces should be as
short as possible.
DC leakage on this pin can affect the LDO regula-
tor output noise and voltage regulation perform-
ance. For this reason, the use of a low leakage,
high quality ceramic (NPO or C0G type) or film
capacitor is highly recommended.
Step-Down Converter
Inductor Selection:
The step-down converter
uses peak current mode control with slope com-
pensation to maintain stability for duty cycles
greater than 50%. The output inductor value must
be selected so the inductor current down slope
meets the internal slope compensation require-
ments. The internal slope compensation for the
adjustable and low-voltage fixed versions of the
AAT2506 is 0.24A/μsec. This equates to a slope
compensation that is 75% of the inductor current
down slope for a 1.5V output and 4.7μH inductor.
This is the internal slope compensation for the
adjustable (0.6V) version or low-voltage fixed ver-
sions. When externally programming the 0.6V ver-
sion to 2.5V, the calculated inductance is 7.5μH.
In this case, a standard 10μH value is selected.
For high-voltage fixed versions (2.5V and above),
m = 0.48A/μsec. Table 1 displays inductor values
for the AAT2506 fixed and adjustable options.
0.75
V
L = m
≈
3 A
V
O
0.24A
= 3 A
2.5V = 7.5
μ
H
0.75
V
O
μ
sec
μ
sec
A
μ
sec
0.75
V
m = L
0.75
1.5V
4.7
μ
H
A
μ
sec
AAT2506
1MHz Step-Down Converter/LDO Regulator
2506.2006.05.1.3
15
Table 1: Inductor Values.
Configuration
Output Voltage
Inductor
Slope Compensation
0.6V Adjustable With
External Resistive Divider
0.6V to 2.0V
4.7μH
0.24A/μsec
2.5V to V
IN
0.6V to 2.0V
10μH
0.24A/μsec
Fixed Output
4.7μH
0.24A/μsec
2.5V to V
IN
4.7μH
0.48A/μsec