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LMZ34002: No output for -12V config w/ level shifter

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LMZ34002, LMZ34002EVM-001

Hello:

We've used two of the LMZ34002 chips on our board and fabricated three identical boards. We're using these to generate -12V from 24V but also using the inhibit feature, on one board we are achieving -12V with no issue but on the other two boards we have no output unless we input 20V instead of 24V.

I think a likely culprit of this issue is the addition of a level shifter to use the inhibit feature. The level shifter is implemented exactly as recommended in the datasheet (Pg 19) using the exact same suggested chip, then the -12V configuration is also implemented exactly as shown on Pg15 (Figure 34). However, Fig.34 does not show a level shifter so will the addition of this require component values need to change?

We've confirmed the thermal layout is correct, tested components and confirmed they are as advised and we've even found the schematic for the LMZ34002 (LMZ34002EVM-001) for comparison but see no obvious errors. The INH pin is being pulled down by something so we increased R10 to 64K to match the eval schematic but to no avail.

Do you have any suggestions? 

Our Layout: 

LMZ34002EVM-001 Layout:

  • My schematic vs eval. board schematic:
    - R10 = 11.5K when the eval. board is 63.4K
    - RT is connected to A_Vout but eval. board is not connected
    - Pin 31 is not connected but eval. board connects to A_Vout
    - minimum required capacitors used but eval. board has many more decoupling and electrolytic
    - SS pin is not connected but eval. board allows manipulation
    - using the recommended DCX144EH level shifter but the eval board shows a different part number

    Level Shifter - Pin 6:
    - measures as 0.29V on the non-functioning board
    - measures as -11.9V on the functioning board (which I thought should be above -11.85V to enable)
    - lifting pin 6 of the level shifter off the pad results in a successful -12V output
    - level shifter (U10) and mosfer (Q2) are working as expected

    Really stuck with this one!

  • Hi Harry,
    Can you contact me directly at jarrigo@ti.com?
    Thanks, Jason