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MCP1603
DS22042A-page 12
2007 Microchip Technology Inc.
4.0
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
4.1
Device Overview
The MCP1603 is a synchronous buck regulator that
operates in a Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM)
mode or a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode to
maximize system efficiency over the entire operating
current range. Capable of operating from a 2.7V to
5.5V input voltage source, the MCP1603 can deliver
500 mA of continuous output current.
When using the MCP1603, the PCB area required for
a complete step-down converter is minimized since
both the main P-Channel MOSFET and the synchro-
nous N-Channel MOSFET are integrated. Also while in
PWM mode, the device switches at a constant
frequency of 2.0 MHz (typ) which allow for small filter-
ing components. Both fixed and adjustable output
voltage options are available. The fixed voltage options
(1.2V, 1.5V 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V) do not require an external
voltage divider which further reduces the required
circuit board footprint. The adjustable output voltage
options allow for more flexibility in the design, but
require an external voltage divider.
Additionally the device features undervoltage lockout
(UVLO), overtemperature shutdown, overcurrent
protection, and enable/disable control.
4.2
Synchronous Buck Regulator
The MCP1603 has two distinct modes of operation that
allow the device to maintain a high level of efficiency
throughout the entire operating current and voltage
range. The device automatically switched between
PWM mode and PFM mode depending upon the output
load requirements.
4.2.1
FIXED FREQUENCY, PWM MODE
During heavy load conditions, the MCP1603 operates
at a high, fixed switching frequency of 2.0 MHz (typical)
using current mode control. This minimizes output rip-
ple (10 - 15 mV typically) and noise while maintaining
high efficiency (88% typical with V
IN
= 3.6V,
V
OUT
= 1.8V, I
OUT
= 300 mA).
During normal PWM operation, the beginning of a
switching cycle occurs when the internal P-Channel
MOSFET is turned on. The ramping inductor current is
sensed and tied to one input of the internal high-speed
comparator. The other input to the high-speed compar-
ator is the error amplifier output. This is the difference
between the internal 0.8V reference and the divided-
down output voltage. When the sensed current
becomes equal to the amplified error signal, the high-
speed comparator switches states and the P-Channel
MOSFET is turned off. The N-Channel MOSFET is
turned on until the internal oscillator sets an internal RS
latch initiating the beginning of another switching cycle.
PFM-to-PWM mode transition is initiated for any of the
following conditions:
Continuous device switching
Output voltage has dropped out of regulation
4.2.2
LIGHT LOAD, PFM MODE
During light load conditions, the MCP1603 operates in
a PFM mode. When the MCP1603 enters this mode, it
begins to skip pulses to minimize unnecessary quies-
cent current draw by reducing the number of switching
cycles per second. The typical quiescent current draw
for this device is 45 μA.
PWM-to-PFM mode transition is initiated for any of the
following conditions:
Discontinuous inductor current is sensed for a set
duration
Inductor peak current falls below the transition
threshold limit