
LT4430
14
4430f
S U
APPLICATIO
In both configurations, the terms R
D
, CTR, r
π
, C
CB
and C
BE
.
vary from part to part and also change with bias current.
For most optocouplers, R
D
is 50
Ω
at a DC bias of 1mA,
and 25
Ω
at a DC bias of 2mA. CTR is the small signal
AC current transfer ratio. As an example, the Fairchild
MOC207 optocoupler has an AC CTR around 1, even
though the DC CTR is much lower when biased at 1mA
or 2mA. Most optocoupler datasheets do not specify the
terms C
CB
, C
BE
and r
π
and values must be obtained from
empirical measurements.
This frequency compensation discussion only addresses
the transfer function from the output back to the control
node on the primary-side. Compensation of the entire
feedback loop must combine this transfer function with
the transfer function of the power processing circuitry,
commonly referred to as the modulator. In an isolated
power supply, the modulator’s transfer function depends
on topology (flyback, forward, push-pull, bridge), current
or voltage mode control, operation in discontinuous or
continuous mode, input/output voltage, transformer turns
ratio and output load current. It is beyond this datasheet’s
scope to detail the transfer functions for all of the vari-
ous combinations. However, the power supply designer
must fully characterize and understand the modulator’s
transfer function to successfully frequency compensate
the feedback loop for all operating conditions.
W
U
U
OptoCouplers
Optocouplers are available in a wide variety of package
styles and performance criteria including isolation rating,
CTR, output transistor breakdown voltage, output transistor
current capability, and response time. Table 1 lists several
manufacturers of optocoupler devices, although this is by
no means a complete list.
Table 1. Optocoupler Vendors
VENDOR
Agilent Technologies
Fairchild Semiconductor
Isocom
Kodenshi Korea Corp.
NEC
Sharp Microelectronics
Toshiba
Vishay
PHONE
800-235-0312
207-775-8100
214-495-0755
82-63-839-2111
81-44-435-1588
877-343-2181
949-455-2000
402-563-6866
URL
www.agilent.com
www.fairchildsemi.com
www.isocom.com
www.kodenshi.co.kr
www.ncsd.necel.com
www.sharpsma.com
www.toshiba.com
www.vishay.com
Setting Overshoot Control Time
Figure 7 shows how to calculate the overshoot time by
connecting a capacitor from the OC pin to GND.
The overshoot control time, t
OC
, is set by the formula:
t
OC
= (C
OC
0.6V)/8.5μA
The OC pin requires a minimum capacitor of 100pF due to
stability requirements with the overshoot control amplifier.
This yields a minimum time of 7μs which is generally on
the order of a few cycles of the switching regulator. Us-
ing the minimum capacitor value results in no influence
on startup characteristics. Larger OC capacitor values
increase the overshoot control time and only increase the
amplifier stability.
Do not
modulate the overshoot control
time by externally increasing the OC charging current or
by externally driving the OC pin.
Choosing the Overshoot Control (OC) Capacitor Value
As discussed in the frequency compensation section,
the designer enjoys considerable freedom in setting the
feedback loop’s pole and zero locations for stability. Dif-
ferent pole and zero combinations can produce the same
gain-phase characteristics, but result in noticeably different
large-signal responses. Choosing frequency compensation
values that optimize both small-signal and large-signal
responses is difficult. Compromise values often result.
Power supply startup and short-circuit recovery are the
worst-case large signal conditions. Input voltage and
output load characteristics heavily influence power supply
behavior as it attempts to bring the output voltage into
regulation. Frequency compensation values that provide
stable response under normal operating conditions can
allow severe output voltage overshoot to occur during
startup and short-circuit recovery conditions. Large over-
shoot often results in damage or destruction to the load
circuitry being powered, not a desirable trait.
Figure 7. Setting Overshoot Control Time
4430 F07
V
IN
OC
C
OC
I
8.5μA