28-03-2014, 03:14 PM
LM2596 SIMPLE SWITCHER® Power Converter 150 kHz 3A Step-Down Voltage Regulator
DESCRIPTION
The LM2596 series of regulators are monolithic
integrated circuits that provide all the active functions
for a step-down (buck) switching regulator, capable of
driving a 3A load with excellent line and load
regulation. These devices are available in fixed output
voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, and an adjustable output
version.
EXTERNAL COMPONENTS
INPUT CAPACITOR
CIN — A low ESR aluminum or tantalum bypass capacitor is needed between the input pin and ground pin. It
must be located near the regulator using short leads. This capacitor prevents large voltage transients from
appearing at the input, and provides the instantaneous current needed each time the switch turns on.
The important parameters for the Input capacitor are the voltage rating and the RMS current rating. Because of
the relatively high RMS currents flowing in a buck regulator's input capacitor, this capacitor should be chosen for
its RMS current rating rather than its capacitance or voltage ratings, although the capacitance value and voltage
rating are directly related to the RMS current rating.
The RMS current rating of a capacitor could be viewed as a capacitor's power rating. The RMS current flowing
through the capacitors internal ESR produces power which causes the internal temperature of the capacitor to
rise. The RMS current rating of a capacitor is determined by the amount of current required to raise the internal
temperature approximately 10°C above an ambient temperature of 105°C. The ability of the capacitor to dissipate
this heat to the surrounding air will determine the amount of current the capacitor can safely sustain. Capacitors
that are physically large and have a large surface area will typically have higher RMS current ratings. For a given
capacitor value, a higher voltage electrolytic capacitor will be physically larger than a lower voltage capacitor, and
thus be able to dissipate more heat to the surrounding air, and therefore will have a higher RMS current rating.
The consequences of operating an electrolytic capacitor above the RMS current rating is a shortened operating
life. The higher temperature speeds up the evaporation of the capacitor's electrolyte, resulting in eventual failure.
OUTPUT CAPACITOR
COUT — An output capacitor is required to filter the output and provide regulator loop stability. Low impedance or
low ESR Electrolytic or solid tantalum capacitors designed for switching regulator applications must be used.
When selecting an output capacitor, the important capacitor parameters are; the 100 kHz Equivalent Series
Resistance (ESR), the RMS ripple current rating, voltage rating, and capacitance value. For the output capacitor,
the ESR value is the most important parameter.
The output capacitor requires an ESR value that has an upper and lower limit. For low output ripple voltage, a
low ESR value is needed. This value is determined by the maximum allowable output ripple voltage, typically 1%
to 2% of the output voltage. But if the selected capacitor's ESR is extremely low, there is a possibility of an
unstable feedback loop, resulting in an oscillation at the output. Using the capacitors listed in the tables, or
similar types, will provide design solutions under all conditions.
OUTPUT CAPACITOR
COUT — An output capacitor is required to filter the output and provide regulator loop stability. Low impedance or
low ESR Electrolytic or solid tantalum capacitors designed for switching regulator applications must be used.
When selecting an output capacitor, the important capacitor parameters are; the 100 kHz Equivalent Series
Resistance (ESR), the RMS ripple current rating, voltage rating, and capacitance value. For the output capacitor,
the ESR value is the most important parameter.
The output capacitor requires an ESR value that has an upper and lower limit. For low output ripple voltage, a
low ESR value is needed. This value is determined by the maximum allowable output ripple voltage, typically 1%
to 2% of the output voltage. But if the selected capacitor's ESR is extremely low, there is a possibility of an
unstable feedback loop, resulting in an oscillation at the output. Using the capacitors listed in the tables, or
similar types, will provide design solutions under all conditions.