LM3485
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SNVS178G –JANUARY 2002–REVISED FEBRUARY 2013
Figure 4. Current Sensing by VDS
The current limit is activated when the voltage at the ADJ pin exceeds the voltage at the ISENSE pin. The ISENSE
comparator triggers the 9µs one shot pulse generator forcing the driver to turn the PFET off. The driver turns the
PFET back on after 9µs. If the current has not reduced below the set threshold, the cycle will repeat
continuously.
A filter capacitor, CADJ, should be placed as shown in Figure 4. CADJ filters unwanted noise so that the ISENSE
comparator will not be accidentally triggered. A value of 100pF to 1nF is recommended in most applications.
Higher values can be used to create a soft-start function (see START UP).
The current limit comparator has approximately 100ns of blanking time. This ensures that the PFET is fully on
when the current is sensed. However, under extreme conditions such as cold temperature, some PFETs may not
fully turn on within the blanking time. In this case, the current limit threshold must be increased. If the current limit
function is used, the on time must be greater than 100ns. Under low duty cycle operation, the maximum
operating frequency will be limited by this minimum on time.
During current limit operation, the output voltage will drop significantly as will operating frequency. As the load
current is reduced, the output will return to the programmed voltage. However, there is a current limit fold back
phenomenon inherent in this current limit architecture. See Figure 5.
Figure 5. Current Limit Fold Back Phenomenon
At high input voltages (>28V) increased undershoot at the switch node can cause an increase in the current limit
threshold. To avoid this problem, a low Vf Schottky catch diode must be used (see CATCH DIODE SELECTION
(D1)). Additionally, a resistor can be placed between the ISENSE pin and the switch node. Any value up to
approximately 600Ω is recommended.
START UP
The current limit circuit is active during start-up. During start-up the PFET will stay on until either the current limit
or the feedback comparator is tripped
If the current limit comparator is tripped first then the fold back characteristic should be taken into account. Start-
up into full load may require a higher current limit set point or the load must be applied after start-up.
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