Application Information
(Continued)
TABLE 3. Suggested Capacitors and Their Suppliers
Model
Size
Vendor
Phone
FAX
22μF, X7R or X5R Ceramic Capacitor for C2 (Output Filter Capacitor)
C3225X5RIA226M
1210
JMK325BJ226MM
1210
ECJ4YB0J226M
1210
GRM42-2X5R226K6.3
1210
10μF, 6.3V, X7R or X5R Ceramic Capacitor for C1 (Input Filter Capacitor)
C2012X5R0J106M
0805
JMK212BJ106MG
0805
ECJ3YB0J106K
1206
GRM40X5R106K6.3
0805
TDK
Taiyo-Yuden
Panasonic
muRata
847-803-6100
847-925-0888
714-373-7366
404-436-1300
847-803-6296
847-925-0899
714-373-7323
404-436-3030
TDK
Taiyo Yuden
Panasonic
muRata
847-803-6100
847-925-0888
714-373-7366
404-436-1400
847-803-6296
847-925-0899
714-373-7323
404-436-3030
Capacitor Selection
Use a 10μF, 6.3V, X7R or X5R ceramic input filter capacitor
and a 22uF, X7R or X5R ceramic output filter capacitor.
These provide an optimal balance between small size, cost,
reliability and performance. Do not use Y5V ceramic capaci-
tors.
Table 3
lists suggested capacitors and suppliers.
A 10μF ceramic capacitor can be used for the output filter
capacitor for smaller size in applications where the
worst-case transient load step is less than 200mA. Use of a
10μF output capacitor trades off smaller size for an increase
in output voltage ripple, and undershoot during line and load
transient response.
The input filter capacitor supplies current to the PFET switch
of the LM2612 in the first part of each cycle and reduces
voltage ripple imposed on the input power source. The out-
put filter capacitor smoothes out current flow from the induc-
tor to the load, helps maintain a steady output voltage during
transient load changes and reduces output voltage ripple.
These capacitors must be selected with sufficient capaci-
tance and sufficiently low ESR to perform these functions.
The ESR, or equivalent series resistance, of the filter capaci-
tors is a major factor in voltage ripple. The contribution from
ESR to voltage ripple is around 75-95% for most electrolytic
capacitors and considerably less for ceramic capacitors. The
remainder of the ripple is from charge storage due to capaci-
tance.
Diode Selection
An optional Schottky diode (D1 in Figure 1) can be added to
increase efficiency in PFM mode and PWM mode. This may
be desired in applications where increased efficiency for
improving operational battery life takes precedence over
increased system size associated with the Schottky diode.
Typically, use of an external schottky diode increases PFM
mode efficiency from 72.7% to 85.0% (20 mA load, V
=
1.8V, V
= 3.6V). See the efficiency curves in the
Typical
Operating Characteristics
.
Use a Schottky diode with a current rating higher than maxi-
mum current limit, such as an MBRM120T3 or MBRM140T3.
Use of a device rated for 30V or more reduces diode reverse
leakage in high temperature applications
Micro SMD Package Assembly and Use
Use of the micro SMD package requires specialized board
layout, precision mounting and careful reflow techniques, as
detailed
in
National
Semiconductor
AN-1112. Refer to the section
Surface Mount Technology
Application
Note
(SMT) Assembly Considerations
. For best results in assem-
bly, alignment ordinals on the PC board should be used to
facilitate placement of the device. Since micro SMD packag-
ing is a new technology, all layouts and assembly means
must be thoroughly tested prior to production. In particular,
proper placement, solder reflow and resistance to thermal
cycling must be verified.
The 10-Bump package used for the LM2612 has 300micron
solder balls and requires 10.82mil (0.275mm) pads for
mounting on the circuit board. The trace to each pad should
enter the pad with a 90 entry angle to prevent debris from
being caught in deep corners. Initially, the trace to each pad
should be 6 mil wide, for a section 6 mil long or longer, as a
thermal relief. Then each trace should neck up to its optimal
width over a span of 11 mils or more, so that the taper
extends beyond the edge of the package. The important
criterion is symmetry. This ensures the solder bumps on the
LM2612 re-flow evenly and that the device solders level to
the board. In particular, special attention must be paid to the
pads for bumps A3, B3, C3, D3 and A2. Because PVIN and
PGND are typically connected to large copper planes, inad-
equate thermal reliefs can result in late or inadequate reflow
of these bumps.
The pad style used with micro SMD package must be the
NSMD (non-solder mask defined) type. This means that the
solder-mask opening is larger than the pad size or 14.7mils
for the LM2612. This prevents a lip that otherwise forms if
the solder-mask and pad overlap. This lip can hold the
device off the surface of the board and interfere with mount-
ing. See Applications Note AN-1112 for specific instructions.
Board Layout Considerations
PC board layout is an important part of DC-DC converter
design. Poor board layout can disrupt the performance of a
DC-DC converter and surrounding circuitry by contributing to
EMI, ground bounce, and resistive voltage loss in the traces.
These can send erroneous signals to the DC-DC converter
IC, resulting in poor regulation or instability. Poor layout can
also result in reflow problems leading to poor solder joints
between the micro SMD package and board pads. Poor
solder joints can result in erratic or degraded performance.
Good layout for the LM2612 can be implemented by follow-
ing a few simple design rules:
L
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