Micrel, Inc.
MIC4720
Diode Selection
Component Selection
Since the MIC4720 is non-synchronous, a free-wheeling
diode is required for proper operation. A Schottky diode
is recommended due to the low forward voltage drop
and their fast reverse recovery time. The diode should
be rated to be able to handle the average output current.
Also, the reverse voltage rating of the diode should
exceed the maximum input voltage. The lower the
forward voltage drop of the diode the better the
efficiency. Please refer to the layout recommendations to
minimize switching noise.
Input Capacitor
A 10µF ceramic is recommended on each VIN pin for
bypassing. X5R or X7R dielectrics are recommended
for the input capacitor. Y5V dielectrics lose most of their
capacitance over temperature and are therefore not
recommended. Also, tantalum and electrolytic capacitors
alone are not recommended due their reduced RMS
current handling, reliability, and ESR increases.
An additional 0.1µF is recommended close to the VIN
and PGND pins for high frequency filtering. Smaller case
size capacitors are recommended due to their lower
ESR and ESL. Please refer to layout recommendations
for proper layout of the input capacitor.
Feedback Resistors
The feedback resistor set the output voltage by dividing
down the output and sending it to the feedback pin. The
feedback voltage is 1.0V. Calculating the set output
voltage is as follows;
Output Capacitor
The MIC4720 is designed for a 4.7µF output capacitor.
X5R or X7R dielectrics are recommended for the output
capacitor. Y5V dielectrics lose most of their capacitance
over temperature and are therefore not recommended.
R1
R2
⎛
⎜
⎞
VOUT = VFB
+ 1
⎟
⎝
⎠
Where R1 is the resistor from VOUT to FB and R2 is the
resistor from FB to GND. The recommended feedback
resistor values for common output voltages are available
in the bill of materials on page 19. Although the range of
resistance for the FB resistors is very wide, R1 is
recommended to be 10K. This minimizes the effect the
parasitic capacitance of the FB node.
In addition to a 4.7µF, a small 0.1µF is recommended
close to the load for high frequency filtering. Smaller
case size capacitors are recommended due to there
lower equivalent series ESR and ESL.
The MIC4720 utilizes type III voltage mode internal
compensation and utilizes an internal zero to
compensate for the double pole roll off of the LC filter.
For this reason, larger output capacitors can create
instabilities. In cases where a 4.7µF output capacitor is
not sufficient, the MIC4720 offers the ability to externally
control the compensation, allowing for a wide range of
output capacitor types and values.
Feedforward Capacitor (CFF)
A capacitor across the resistor from the output to the
feedback pin (R1) is recommended for most designs.
This capacitor can give a boost to phase margin and
increase the bandwidth for transient response. Also,
large values of feedforward capacitance can slow down
the turn-on characteristics, reducing inrush current. For
maximum phase boost, CFF can be calculated as follows;
Inductor Selection
The MIC4720 is designed for use with a 1µH inductor.
Proper selection should ensure the inductor can handle
the maximum average and peak currents required by the
load. Maximum current ratings of the inductor are
generally given in two methods; permissible DC current
and saturation current. Permissible DC current can be
rated either for a 40°C temperature rise or a 10% to 20%
loss in inductance. Ensure the inductor selected can
handle the maximum operating current. When saturation
current is specified, make sure that there is enough
margin that the peak current will not saturate the
inductor.
1
CFF
=
2π × 200kHz × R1
Bias filter
A small 10Ω resistor is recommended from the input
supply to the bias pin along with a small 0.1µF ceramic
capacitor from bias to ground. This will bypass the high
frequency noise generated by the violent switching of
high currents from reaching the internal reference and
control circuitry. Tantalum and electrolytic capacitors are
not recommended for the bias, these types of capacitors
lose their ability to filter at high frequencies.
M9999-051707
May 2007
13
MICREL [ MICREL SEMICONDUCTOR ]
