1.2A PWM Step-Down Converter in
2mm x 2mm WLP/UCSP for PA Power
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
Detailed Description
The MAX8836Z is designed to provide a fixed output
voltage of 3.4V with ultra-low dropout. The device con-
tains a high-frequency, high-efficiency step-down con-
verter, and 200mA low-noise LDO. The step-down
converter delivers over 1.2A. The hysteretic PWM con-
trol scheme provides extremely fast transient response.
A 60m& bypass FET connects directly to the battery
during high-power transmission.
Step-Down Converter Control Scheme
A hysteretic PWM control scheme ensures high effi-
ciency, fast switching, fast transient response, low-out-
put ripple, and physically tiny external components.
The control scheme is simple: when the output voltage
is below the regulation threshold, the error comparator
begins a switching cycle by turning on the high-side
switch. This high-side switch remains on until the mini-
mum on-time expires and the output voltage is within
regulation, or the inductor current is above the current-
limit threshold. Once off, the high-side switch remains
off until the minimum off-time expires and the output
voltage falls again below the regulation threshold.
During the off period, the low-side synchronous rectifier
turns on and remains on until the high-side switch turns
on again. The internal synchronous rectifier eliminates
the need for an external Schottky diode.
Voltage-Positioning Load Regulation
The MAX8836Z step-down converter utilizes a unique
feedback network. By taking DC feedback from the LX
node through R1 in Figure 1, the usual phase lag due to
the output capacitor is removed, making the loop
exceedingly stable and allowing the use of very small
ceramic output capacitors. To improve the load regula-
tion, resistor R3 is included in the feedback. This config-
uration yields load regulation equal to half of the
inductors series resistance multiplied by the load cur-
rent. This voltage-positioning load regulation greatly
reduces overshoot during load transients or when
changing the output voltage from one level to another.
Step-Down Converter Bypass Mode
During high-power transmission, the bypass mode con-
nects IN1A and IN1B directly to PAA and PAB with the
internal 60m& (typ) bypass FET, while the step-down
converter is forced into 100% duty-cycle operation. The
low on-resistance in this mode provides low dropout,
long battery life, and high output current capability.
Automatic Bypass Mode
Forced bypass mode is automatically invoked when the
DC-DC converter operates at more than 99% duty cycle
(typ).See Figure 2. Note that IN2 is used instead of IN1
to prevent switching noise from causing false engage-
ment of automatic bypass mode. For this reason, IN2
must be connected to the same source as IN1.
Shutdown Mode
Connect PA_EN to GND or logic-low to place the
MAX8836Z PA step-down converter in shutdown mode.
In shutdown, the control circuitry, internal switching
MOSFET, and synchronous rectifier turn off and LX
becomes high impedance. Connect PA_EN to IN1_ or
logic-high for normal operation.
Connect EN2 to GND or logic-low to place LDO2 in
shutdown mode. In shutdown, the output of the LDO is
pulled to ground through an internal 1k&resistor.
When the PA step-down and LDO are in shutdown, the
MAX8836Z enters a very low power state, where the
input current drops to 0.1礎(chǔ) (typ).
Step-Down Converter Soft-Start
The MAX8836Z PA step-down converter has internal
soft-start circuitry that limits inrush current at startup,
reducing transients on the input source. Soft-start
is particularly useful for supplies with high output
impedance such as Li+ and alkaline cells. See the PA
Step-Down Converter Soft-Start Waveforms in the
Typical Operating Characteristics.
0
1.0
0.5
2.0
1.5
3.0
2.5
3.5
4.5
4.0
5.0
0    10 15 20
5
25 30 35    45
40    50
TIME (ms)
IN2
PAA/PAB
Figure 2. V
IN2
and V
PA_
with Automatic Entry/Exit into Bypass
Mode