APPLICATION HINTS
This current is normally the specified minimum load current of
10mA. Because IADJ is very small and constant it represents a
small error and it can usually be ignored.
Connected as shown, RP not multiplied by the divider ratio.
is
Using 16-gauge wire the parasitic line resistance is about 0.004Ω
per foot, translating to 4mV/ft at 1A load current. It is important
to keep the positive lead between regulator and load as short as
possible and use large wire or PC board traces.
AMS1587
VOUT
VIN
IN
OUT
ADJ
Thermal Considerations
VREF
R1
R2
The AMS1587 series have internal power and thermal limiting
circuitry designed to protect the device under overload conditions.
However maximum junction temperature ratings should not be
exceeded under continuous normal load conditions. Careful
consideration must be given to all sources of thermal resistance
from junction to ambient, including junction-to-case, case-to-heat
sink interface and heat sink resistance itself. To ensure safe
operating temperatures and reflect more accurately the device
temperature, new thermal resistance specifications have been
developed. Unlike older regulators with a single junction-to-case
thermal resistance specification, the data section for these new
regulators provides a separate thermal resistance and maximum
junction temperature for both the Control Section and the Power
Transistor. Calculations for both temperatures under certain
conditions of ambient temperature and heat sink resistance and to
ensure that both thermal limits are met.
IADJ
50µA
VOUT = VREF (1+ R2/R1)+IADJR2
Figure 1. Basic Adjustable Regulator
Load Regulation
True remote load sensing it is not possible to provide, because the
AMS1587 is a three terminal device. The resistance of the wire
connecting the regulator to the load will limit the load regulation.
The data sheet specification for load regulation is measured at the
bottom of the package. Negative side sensing is a true Kelvin
connection, with the bottom of the output divider returned to the
negative side of the load.
The best load regulation is obtained when the top of the resistor
divider R1 is connected directly to the case not to the load. If R1
were connected to the load, the effective resistance between the
regulator and the load would be:
Junction-to-case thermal resistance is specified from the IC
junction to the bottom of the case directly below the die. This is
the lowest resistance path for the heat flow. In order to ensure the
best possible thermal flow from this area of the package to the
heat sink proper mounting is required. Thermal compound at the
case-to-heat sink interface is recommended.
A thermally
conductive spacer can be used, if the case of the device must be
electrically isolated, but its added contribution to thermal
resistance has to be considered.
RP x ( R2+R1 ) , RP = Parasitic Line Resistance
R1
RP
PARASITIC
LINE RESISTANCE
AMS1587
VIN
IN
OUT
ADJ
RL
R1*
R2*
*CONNECT R1 TO CASE
CONNECT R2 TO LOAD
Figure 2. Connections for Best Load Regulation
Advanced Monolithic Systems http://www.ams-semitech.com
AMS [ Advanced Monolithic Systems Ltd ]
