I've got a design with the LMZ14202EXT with 22V to 36V input and 5V output right around 400mA. As the datasheet shows, the regulation suffers with loads less than ~400mA and I'm on the edge. However, I built eight engineering models and all of them passed with flying colors over extreme temperature. No shift in DC regulation or increased DCM noise.
Now, my production units are having problems at ambient temps. It doesn't enter CCM without an additional 30mA load. The only difference between the production and EM is that this is a new LOT of parts. (procured later in time). Is there anything in the fabrication of these parts that would change the critical conduction point? What is the critical conduction point for this part? If I'm right on the edge (as in my application); what do you recommend I try to improve it's performance.
Thanks,
Mike