
Application Notes
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PT5820 Series
Operating Features of the PT5820 Series of
Step-Down Integrated Switching Regulators
Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO)
The PT5820 series of non-isolated step-down ISRs
incorporate an under-voltage lockout (UVLO) function.
The UVLO provides a clean transition during power-up
and power-down, allowing the regulator to tolerate a
slowly rising input voltage. The UVLO prevents opera-
tion of the regulator until the input voltage is at or above
above the UVLO threshold. The UVLO threshold is just
below the minimum input voltage. Until the input voltage
is above this threshold, the status of the Inhibit control
(pin 2) is overriden, and the module will not produce an
output. When the minimum input voltage of 10.8V is
applied, the output status is determined by the Inhibit
control. If the Inhibit pin is open-circuit (not grounded),
the module will automatically power up. (Note: Even
though the applied input voltage may be above the UVLO
threshold, operation to the published specifications requires
that the input voltage be at or above the minimum specified.
Operation of the module below the minimum input voltage is
not recommended).
Soft-Start Power Up
Following either the application of a valid input source
voltage, or the removal of a ground signal to the Inhibit
control pin (with input power applied), the regulator will
initiate a soft-start power up. The soft start slows the
rate at which the output voltage rises, and also introduces a
short time delay, td (approx. 10–15ms). Figure 1-1 shows
the power-up characteristic of a PT5821 (3.3V). The
delay time, td, is measured from the point at which the
input voltage rises above the UVLO threshold to when
the output voltage starts to rise. During this period the
output of the regulator will assert a low impedance to
ground. This has the effect of discharging any residual
voltage across the output capacitors, and will crowbar
any voltage supplied from external sources.
Figure 1-1; Soft-Start Power Up
Over-Current Protection
To protect against load faults, the PT5820 series incor-
porates output over-current protection. Applying a load
that exceeds the regulator’s over-current threshold (see
data sheet specifications) will cause the regulated output
to shut down. Following shutdown the ISR will periodi-
cally attempt to recover by initiating a soft-start power-up.
This is often described as a “hiccup” mode of operation,
whereby the module continues in the cycle of successive
shutdown and power up until the load fault is removed.
During this period, the average current flowing into the
fault is significantly reduced. Once the fault is removed,
the converter automatically recovers and returns to normal
operation.
Thermal Shutdown
The PT5820 series ISRs incorporate thermal shutdown,
which protects the module’s internal circuitry against
excessively high temperatures. A rise in the temperature
of the internal components may be the result of a drop
in airflow, or a high ambient temperature. If the module’s
internal temperature exceeds the shutdown threshold
(see data sheet specifications), the regulator output is
disabled and the output voltage is reduced to zero. The
recovery is automatic, and begins with a soft-start power
up. It occurs when the the sensed temperature decreases
by about 10°C below the trip point.
Note: The over-temperature protection is a last resort mecha-
nism to prevent thermal stress to the regulator. Operation at
or close to the thermal shutdown temperature is not recom-
mended and will reduce the long-term reliability of the module.
Always operate the regulator within the specified Safe Operating
Area (SOA) limits for the worst-case conditions of ambient
temperature and airflow.
Output Voltage Adjustment
The PT5820 series ISRs offer OEMs two alternative
methods of output voltage adjustment. The Margin Up
and Margin Down control inputs provide a convenient
method of adjusting the output voltage by a nominal
±5% of the factory setpoint voltage. For a more perma-
nent and precise method of adjustment, the Vo Adjust
control allows the output to be adjusted in any incre-
ment by up to ±10%. For more information on this
subject, consult the related application note on output
voltage adjustment.
Vo (2V/Div)
Vin (5V/Div)
HORIZ SCALE: 5ms/Div
td