
SLVS617D – APRIL 2006 – REVISED SEPTEMBER 2009 ............................................................................................................................................... www.ti.com
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Boost Converter
The main boost converter operates in pulse-width modulation (PWM) and at a fixed switching frequency of
500 kHz or 750 kHz set by the FREQ pin. The converter uses an unique fast response, voltage-mode controller
scheme with input voltage feedforward. This achieves excellent line and load regulation (0.03%-A load regulation
typical) and allows the use of small external components. To add higher flexibility to the selection of external
component values, the device uses external loop compensation. Although the boost converter looks like a
nonsynchronous boost converter topology operating in discontinuous conduction mode at light load, the
TPS65161 maintains continuous conduction even at light-load currents. This is achieved with a novel architecture
using an external Schottky diode with an integrated MOSFET in parallel connected between SW and OS. See
the Functional Block Diagram. The intention of this MOSFET is to allow the current to go negative that occurs at
light-load conditions. For this purpose, a small integrated P-Channel MOSFET with typically 10-
rDS(on) is
sufficient. When the inductor current is positive, the external Schottky diode with the lower forward voltage
conducts the current. This causes the converter to operate with a fixed frequency in continuous conduction mode
over the entire load current range. This avoids the ringing on the switch pin as seen with standard
nonsynchronous boost converter and allows a simpler compensation for the boost converter.
Soft Start (Boost Converter)
The main boost converter has an adjustable soft start to prevent high inrush current during start-up. The soft-start
time is set by the external capacitor connected to the SS pin. The capacitor connected to the SS pin is charged
with a constant current that increases the voltage on the SS pin. The internal current limit is proportional to the
voltage on the soft-start pin. When the threshold voltage of the internal soft-start comparator is reached, the full
current limit is released. The larger the soft-start capacitor value, the longer the soft-start time.
Overvoltage Protection of the Boost Converter
The main boost converter has an overvoltage protection to protect the main switch Q2 at pin (SW) in case the
feedback (FB) pin is floating or shorted to GND. In such an event, the output voltage rises and is monitored with
the overvoltage protection comparator over the OS pin. See the functional block diagram. As soon as the
comparator trips at typically 20 V, TPS65161, the boost converter turns the N-Channel MOSFET switch off. The
output voltage falls below the overvoltage threshold and the converter continues to operate.
Frequency Select Pin (FREQ)
The frequency select pin (FREQ) allows setting the switching frequency of the entire device to 500 kHz (FREQ =
low) or 750 kHz (FREQ = high). A lower switching frequency gives a higher efficiency with a slightly reduced load
transient regulation.
Thermal Shutdown
A thermal shutdown is implemented to prevent damage caused by excessive heat and power dissipation.
Typically, the thermal shutdown threshold is 155°C.
Step-Down Converter
The nonsynchronous step-down converter operates at a fixed switching frequency using a fast response voltage
mode topology with input voltage feedforward. This topology allows simple internal compensation, and it is
designed to operate with ceramic output capacitors. The converter drives an internal 3.2-A N-channel MOSFET
switch. The MOSFET driver is referenced to the switch pin SWB. The N-channel MOSFET requires a gate drive
voltage higher than the switch pin to turn the N-Channel MOSFET on. This is accomplished by a bootstrap gate
drive circuit running of the step-down converter switch pin. When the switch pin SWB is at ground, the bootstrap
capacitor is charged to 8 V. This way, the N-channel gate drive voltage is typically around 8 V.
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