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DRV8301 Buck Output Problem

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRV8301

I am running into a problem using the DRV8301 in which the Buck Output voltage will drop out around the same time that the DC motor that I am driving reaches peak current.  With the OC_ADJ_SET to 17, and my board temperature around 0 deg C, the buck output voltage (5VDC) shortly after I begin to spin the motor.  When I set the OC_ADJ_SET to 15, I am able to run almost as low as -30 deg C.  Anything below -30 deg C at the OC_ADJ_SET value of 15 causes the Buck output voltage to drop.

Below is a screenshot of the Buck Output (5V) on Ch2, and the DRV8301 Fault Line (pulled high to the 3.3V supply that is regulated off of the 5 V output) is shown on Ch1.  I also have two current probes shown on Ch3 and Ch4.  They are connected to two parallel supply wires and their sum is the total DC Current Draw.  The total current peaks around 40 Amps when the 5 volt supply drops out.  This causes the 3.3V supply to drop as the voltage goes below the dropout voltage level of the regulator.  Soon after, the DRV8301 Fault Line goes low.  I'm not sure if this is a result of 3.3V supply dropping too low, but essentially this causes a brown out reset on my microcontroller.

Next, I have a screenshot of the Buck Enable line and the DC Power being supplied to the PVDD inputs, along with the 5V buck output and the DRV8301 Fault Line pulled up to 3.3 volts.  The Buck enable line stays floating near 4.8volts even though the 5 volt output drops out. 

At this point, I am not sure what else to try.  I have attached my schematic.  I feel that we have selected the correct components per the datasheet and that we have laid out the components adequately so that there is good grounding.  I have even tried adding additional capacitance to GVDD, DVDD, AVDD, but this did not seem to help any.

What could be causing the Buck Output to shutdown when I begin to reach peak current on the DC motor that I am driving?

  • Ryan

    Sincere apology for inconvenience. It seems the noise generated by FETs switching during motor current ramp may be coupling with buck-converter.  In order to find out real root-cause, can you help us:

    1. With scope-shot of PWRGD(pin4) and Vsense(pin 3) while 5V drop. Note that The PWRGD pin is pulled low when the VSENSE is lower than 92% or greater than 109% of the nominal internal reference voltage.
    2. If possible, try to reduce peak gate drive current. This will slow down turn-on and turn-off time and reduce the noise. Proceed with caution as too low setting, may increase switching losses also.

    Best Regards

    Milan-Motor Application Team

  • Milan,

    I monitored the PWRGD line and the VSense Line.  The PWRGD pin only pulls low after the 5V output drops.  Below is a screenshot of Vsense on CH1, 5Vout Ch2, PWRGD Ch3, and the Battery Power Ch4. 

    Since the PWRGD line is high, when the 5V drops, I'm guessing my only option is to reduce the gate drive current.  Any other options to try?

    Thanks,

    Ryan Konen

  • Ryan,

    Thanks for scope shots. So, it indicates that noise on Vsense is causing buck-converter to mal-function. Please go ahead with gate driver reduction to see if it helps.

    Meanwhile We will discuss this issue internally and come out with suggestions to resolve this, Please give us couple of days to come-back.

    Best Regards

    Milan-Motor Application Team

  • I see you have EN_BUCK floating.

    My BUCK wouldn't even start up with the VERY weak TI pull up they have on EN BUCK.

    You should tie it to 3- 3.3V to insure it is on when you need it on.

    Tom