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LM5176: LM5176 efficiency and stability issues

Part Number: LM5176
(We modify the capacitance and resistance value on the LM5176EVM )

We changed the feedback resistance to: R11=100k, R14=475K. Our Vin=24V /Vin=12V ,My customer’s goal is that when the input is Vin=24V/Vin=12V, the efficiency can reach more than 95%(vout=24V@3A)  the data sheet, this value can be achieved)But when I was testing, I found the following problems:

1.Insufficient efficiency

2.Abnormal waveform

  • When I set the voltage nominal value to 24V,Inductance does not change,The output capacitance is 684uf (4.7uf*5 ceramic capacitor +330uf electrolytic capacitor,We estimate ESR to be 2 m ohms) ,The MOS is: BSC093N04LS.We use the calculation tool to get the result:

                                                                                     

We set up according to him, but the result is not ideal.I found that the efficiency can reach 96% at 24 to 24@3A, but at 12 to 24@3A, the efficiency will drop to about 92%, and the SW waveform is abnormal

                                                         

  • When I set the voltage nominal value to 12V,Inductance does not change,The output capacitance is 684uf (4.7uf*5 ceramic capacitor +330uf electrolytic capacitor,We estimate ESR to be 2 m ohms) ,The MOS is: BSC093N04LS.We use the calculation tool to get the result

when 24 to 24@3A   The SW waveform is abnormal and the efficiency drops to 94%

when 12 Vto 24@3A   The SW waveform is abnormal and the efficiency drops to 90%


So I have the following questions:

  1. Why is the SW waveform abnormal? How should I set my voltage normal to 12/24V?
  2. How should I set up to make my efficiency higher? (I think the switching loss caused by the abnormal SW waveform is too much, but I don’t know how to make the SW waveform normal)
  3. How should I set my crossover frequency(The data sheet and the calculation tool indicate different values)? What will it affect my system?
  4. Which parameters are related to efficiency and stability, and how should I improve (I know the crossover frequency, ESR, compensation device will affect, but what is their relationship? I hope to understand)

 

thanks

BR

jeson

  • Hi team,

    I have other questions as follows:

    1.How should I calculate my ESR, do I need to calculate the ceramic capacitor + electrolytic capacitor ESR, or just calculate the electrolytic capacitor ESR? Do I just need a simple parallel calculation?

    2.After testing and modifying the compensation value, the SW waveform looks better.However, the efficiency did not meet the customer's requirements, about 24V to 24@3A~96%, 12V to 24V@3A~94%,and in Boost mode, the SW point waveforms above 20V and below 20V are different,Why is this?And how can I improve my efficiency?

                                            input=20V                                                      

                                                input=22V

    Please help answer my question and the question I asked yesterday,thanks!

    BR

    jenson

  • Hello Jenson,

    You are still using the EVM for all your measurements, correct? If yes, please help me to understand which components you changed and why by listing them like this (list all components you changed with the name on the EVM):

    R1 = XXX
    R2 = YYY
    C1 = ...

    And so on. Or take the schematic and mark the components. Otherwise it is not possible for me to follow your explanation.

    In addition, please check if this input and output understanding from my side is correct:

    VINmin = 12V
    VINmax = 24V
    VOUT = 24V
    IOUTmax = 3A

    What is the variation of the 12V and 24V supply?
    This helps to find the right value for the inductor and sense resistor.

    Best would be you fill in all your requirements into the quickstart calculator and post this file here.

    For the compensation, please leave it at the beginning as it was on the EVM and let's modify it step by step after we observe issues with it.

    And not let's try to answer your questions:

    1. Abnormal switch waveform: sense issue or compensation issue

    2. Higher efficiency: first you need a stable converter, then you can increase the inductor value to reduce the peak currents and then you could check for optimized MOSFETs.

    3. A good starting point is 1/10th of the RHPZ frequency.

    4. ESR should not be an issue as long as you have ceramic and electrolytic caps in parallel, so select caps, check ESR, calculate the parallel value and do not forget to add some margin for wiring. Efficiency, see answer 2, compensation use quickstart tool at lowest input voltage to set the compensation.

    5. Switch waveform: you need to check both switch nodes, not just one.

  • Hello Jenson,

    Do you have some update on this issue for me?

  • Hello Brigitte,

    Thank you for your answers, I have no other questions.

    Thanks again for your help

    Best regards

    Jenson