This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

TPS3850: Sense Current question on TPS3850G09

Part Number: TPS3850

Working with a customer on this device, 

They are using the 0.9V version, but with an input resistor chain, and need to accurately model the input current.

 On Sheet 5 of the datasheet, Isense is given as 2.5µA max, 2.1µA typical, but at 5V. This implies an input resistance of 2MΩ.

However, in Figure 7.1 on Sheet 13, the resistor chain is shown as 4.5MΩ, but do understand this is indicative of one version only.

We need to know if the figures for Sense current at 5V hold for 0.9V, and to better understand the input chain resistance for this version.

Note: They are keen to know if this maximum (or typical) SENSE current is fully applicable to the low voltage versions, because they see less than half the bias current on the 0.9V version against the 3V3. Their application is quite sensitive to this current, so we want to fully understand it for the 0.9V version.

 

From product team in the past:

Isense takes into account multiple current draws, including the draw of the sense ladder and the internal amplifiers. The current draw of the operation amplifiers shown in Figure 7.1 contributes to the total current draw. The current sense ladder's total resistance is 4.5MOhm, and the 2.1µA typical/2.5µA maximum Isense characteristics apply to all variants except the adjustable.

  • Hi Kannan,

    Thank you for your question, I would just like to clarify, the customer is using an external voltage divider resistor chain with a fixed voltage device? 

    But, the total input resistance is 4.5Mohm and the 2.1µA typical/2.5µA maximum Isense. The Isense is a datasheet value which accounts for additional guard-bands and these values are applicable for all fixed voltage variants of this device. 

    Jesse 

  • Yes, we needed to use a resistor chain on these devices, because the adjustable version does not have the window comparator.

    We are keen to understand how the input chain can MΩ, with 2 µA of current, for the 0.9V voltage version.

    If the 2 µA is comparator bias current, is the input chain ~ 4 MΩ? I believe the current is actually less for the lower voltage parts.

    Does this current change significantly with temperature?

    We would like a better understanding of the input structure and leakage paths.

    Thank you for your help.

  • Hi Frank, 

    Yes the 2 µA is taken from the internal resistor ladder. This value is padded with additional guard-bands so customers would typically see less than the datasheet value, depending on the board parameters. These values are tested across temperatures, so the 2.5µA is the maximum Isense value at high temperature. 

    Jesse 

  • Thank you for this Jesse,

    I would like to know the expected range of this current - what is the typical range of current at 25'C? Could it be less than 1uA, if so how much less?

    If it is largely driven by the resistor ladder, what is the nominal ladder resistance for the 0.9V version?

    Thank you for your support on this issue.

    Regards,

    Frank

  • Hi Frank,

    For 25'C you can use the typical value of 2.1µA, but for the robustness of the design I would suggest using the 2.5µA. No, it should not hit less than 1µA, it will still be roughly around 2µA ± ~.5. The total resistance for the .9V version is still 4.5MΩ 

    Jesse 

  • Hi Jesse,

    Thank you for replying so quickly, and answering everything.

    It is very helpful!

    Best Regards,

    Frank