Input Fusing
Certain applications and/or safety agencies may require the installation of
fuses at the inputs of power conversion components. Fuses should also be
used if the possibility of sustained, non-current-limited, input-voltage polarity
reversals exists. For DATEL ULQ series DC-DC converters, we recommend
the use of a time delay fuse, installed in the ungrounded input supply line,
with a value no greater than 20 Amps.
As a rule of thumb however, we recommend the use of a normal-blow or
slow-blow fuse with a typical value about twice the maximum input current,
calculated at low line with the converter's minimum efficiency.
All relevant national and international safety standards and regulations must
be observed by the installer. For system safety agency approvals, the
converters must be installed in compliance with the requirements of the end-
use safety standard, i.e. IEC/EN/UL60950.
Input Reverse-Polarity Protection
If the input voltage polarity is accidentally reversed, an internal diode will
become forward biased and likely draw excessive current from the power
source. If this source is not current limited or the circuit appropiately fused, it
could cause permanent damage to the converter.
Input Undervoltage Shutdown and Start-Up Threshold
Under normal start-up conditions, devices will not begin to regulate properly
until the ramping-up input voltage exceeds the Start-Up Threshold Voltage.
Once operating, devices will not turn off until the input voltage drops below
the Undervoltage Shutdown limit. Subsequent re-start will not occur until the
input is brought back up to the Start-Up Threshold. This built in hysteresis
prevents any unstable on/off situations from occurring at a single input
voltage.
Start-Up Time
The VIN to VOUT Start-Up Time is the time interval between the point at which
the ramping input voltage crosses the Start-Up Threshold and the fully loaded
output voltage enters and remains within its specified accuracy band. Actual
measured times will vary with input source impedance, external input capaci-
tance, and the slew rate and final value of the input voltage as it appears at
the converter. The ULQ Series implements a soft start circuit to limit the duty
cycle of its PWM controller at power up, thereby limiting the input inrush current.
The On/Off Control to VOUT start-up time assumes the converter has its
nominal input voltage applied but is turned off via the On/Off Control pin. The
specification defines the interval between the point at which the converter is
turned on (released) and the fully loaded output voltage enters and remains
within its specified accuracy band.
Similar to the VIN to VOUT start-up, the On/Off Control to VOUT start-up
time is also governed by the internal soft start circuitry and external load
capacitance. The difference in start up time from VIN to VOUT and from On/Off
Control to VOUT is therefore insignificant.
Input Overvoltage Shutdown
All 24VIN ULQ DC-DC's are equipped with input overvoltage protection. Input
voltages exceeding the input overvoltage shutdown specification listed in the
Performance/Functional Specifications will cause the device to shutdown.
A built-in hysterisis for all models will not allow the converter to restart until
the input voltage is sufficiently reduced.
All 48VIN models have the overvoltage shutdown function disabled, based
on requirements to withstand brief input surges and transients to 100V for
up to 100msec without voltage interruption. Contact DATEL to have input
overvoltage shutdown for 48VIN models enabled.
Input Source Impedance
The input of ULQ converters must be driven from a low ac-impedance
source. The DC-DC's performance and stability can be compromised by the
use of highly inductive source impedances. The input circuit shown in Figure
2 is a practical solution that can be used to minimize the effects of induc-
tance in the input traces. For optimum performance, components should be
mounted close to the DC-DC converter.
I/O Filtering, Input Ripple Current, and Output Noise
All models in the ULQ Series are tested/specified for input reflected ripple
current and output noise using the specified external input/output compo-
nents/circuits and layout as shown in the following two figures. External input
capacitors (CIN in Figure 2) serve primarily as energy-storage elements,
minimizing line voltage variations caused by transient IR drops in conductors
from backplane to the DC-DC. Input caps should be selected for bulk capaci-
tance (at appropriate frequencies), low ESR, and high rms-ripple-current
ratings. The switching nature of DC-DC converters requires that dc voltage
sources have low ac impedance as highly inductive source impedance
can affect system stability. In Figure 2, CBUS and LBUS simulate a typical dc
voltage bus. Your specific system configuration may necessitate additional
considerations.
TECHNICAL NOTES
In critical applications, output ripple/noise (also referred to as periodic and
random deviations or PARD) may be reduced below specified limits using fil-
tering techniques, the simplest of which is the installation of additional exter-
nal output capacitors. They function as true filter elements and should be
selected for bulk capacitance, low ESR and appropriate frequency response.
All external capacitors should have appropriate voltage ratings and be
located as close to the converter as possible. Temperature variations for all
relevant parameters should also be taken carefully into consideration. The
most effective combination of external I/O capacitors will be a function of
line voltage and source impedance, as well as particular load and layout
conditions. Our Applications Engineers can recommend potential solutions
and discuss the possibility of our modifying a given device's internal filtering
to meet your specific requirements. Contact our Applications Engineering
Group for additional details.
Figure 2. Measuring Input Ripple Current
C
IN
V
IN
C
BUS
L
BUS
C
IN
= 33µF, ESR < 700mΩ @ 100kHz
C
BUS
= 220µF, ESR < 100mΩ @ 100kHz
L
BUS
= 12µH
1
3
+VIN
–VIN
CURRENT
PROBE
TO
OSCILLOSCOPE
+
–
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ULQ Models
Single Output
, Low-Profile, Quarter-Brick
8-25 Amp Isolated DC-DC Converters
MDC_ULQ-15A.E05 Page 4 of 17