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Design assistance with isolated -36 and -46 supplies

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM5032

We have a very old dual-output design based on an LT1244 that we would like to see about cost reducing.  The thing that stands out the most is the custom transformer - so we're hoping for some design ideas that use off-the-shelf transformers, or at least, less expensive ones.

As we mention below, we are open to using two independent supplies, but presumably a dual-output should reduce part count and BOM cost.  

General requirements:

  • Isolation *required*
  • Input voltage range: -42 to -56 V  (or wider)
    • There are also separate digital +5V and -5V rails available if needed for reference/bias/VCC that could potentially reduce the cost (eliminate a tap for the transformer?)
  • Fixed Output A: -32V (up to ~700 mA)
  • Fixed Output B: something between -46 and -52V (up to ~700 mA)
    • To be clear, just need a single fixed output, somewhere in that range.  Prefer closer to -46 than -52.
  • Load split:
    • In some applications, load will all be on a single output
    • In other applications, load will be divided between outputs
  • Space is not a huge concern, so prefer cost focus rather than space focus
    • If that is more cost effective, two independent supplies might fit on the PCB, depending on size
    • Not particular about discrete or module
  • No preference for topology
  • I-temp (ambient: -40 to +65C [preferably higher])

Thank you!

  • Hi,

    The closest looks LM5032.

    You may consider to use two controllers if LM5032 not preferred.

  • It isn't clear to me how the LM5032 would be configured to be used for a negative input to dual negative output design. Can you provide a design that would meet the voltage requirements?

    And for a dual controller solution, again the TI design tools mostly do not appear to support my required input and output voltages. And what would these designs look like, with a 0V / return / GND that can be tied together?

    Thanks!

  • Hi,

    On the input voltage, its negative is relative to its own output terminals. If you swap connections to the converter, then your negative input would be possitive to the converter although the Vin self still negative. This has been used in many designs.

    The output also has two terminals, you can use the positive one to your load ground, then the output is negactive.

    This is similar to a battery, its terminals are + / -. If you connect its + to the load ground, then you get negative input.

    If still not clear, please provide a diagram how you need to connect a converter input to -56V, and how you connect to a negative voltage to load. After that, I can use a positive converter to show you if your intended connection is what I am thinking. 

  • Yes, input is obvious - it's the output that is not clear to me. Since the abstracted examples are for positive voltages, the FETs, chokes, and feedback are all focused on the rail with the higher potential when in reality I believe at least some of those need to be on the rail with lower potential.   The higher output potential rails need to be the "GND", and would be tied together.  

  • Hi,

    For the two outputs, if they are not isolated to each other, then connect their positive terminals together then connect this terminal to the load ground. The negative terminal of each output connect to the load. So now you have negative output voltage to the load. These FETs chokes, feedback, etc in converter still on the positive, but the converter output terminals are swapped to connect to load.

    Just think about a battery, you can connect it to load in two ways, positive and negative, think the converter terminals just like the battery. But inside, the circuits are not changed. 

  • Ah, ok.  I was originally thinking that would cause problems with the feedback, but I can see how the the feedback would be affected by the negative rail.

    Can you please provide a dual output design which would satisfy the voltage and current requirements?  Are your tools able to provide example part numbers for all the discretes?  That is a huge timesaver, and honestly something I'm not sure we have the time to go through an iterative process on.  At a minimum, we would need target specifications for each component (inductance, DCR, winding info, voltage ratings, etc, etc).  

    Many thanks.

  • Hi,

    We do not have an existing design to meet your specs. TI has reference design service but need you to ask your local TI office or your TI local support to help request. You will need to provide some more details of your specs and ask one of your TI local support to help to request TI reference design.

  • Hi,

    What I have found is that actually TI sales will contact you to help your reference design request.

    I have provided this thread to the relevant TI sales who will contact you to help soon. Please prepare the specs of your design to be ready for this reference design request.