The Sumida CD54-470N (47µH, 720mA, 370mΩ) is suit-
able for a wide range of applications, and the larger
CD105-470N (47µH, 1.17A, 170mΩ) permits higher cur-
rent levels and efficiencies.
Diode Selection
The MAX749’s high switching frequency demands a high-
speed rectifier. Schottky diodes such as the 1N5817-
1N5822 family are recommended. Choose a diode with an
average current rating approximately equal to the peak
current, as determined by 180mV/RSENSE and a break-
down voltage greater than V ++ I-VOUTMAXI.
External Switching Transistor
The MAX749 can drive a PNP transistor or a P-channel
logic-level MOSFET. The choice of a power switch is
dictated by the input voltage range, cost, and efficiency.
MOSFETs provide the highest efficiency because they
do not draw any DC gate-drive current (see
Typical
Operating Characteristics
graphs). However, a gate-
source voltage of several volts is needed to turn on a
MOSFET, so a 5V or greater input supply is required
(although this restriction may change as lower-thresh-
old P-channel MOSFETs become available). PNP tran-
sistors, meanwhile, may be used over the entire 2V to
6V operating voltage range of the MAX749.
When using a MOSFET, connect DHI and DLOW to its
gate (see
Typical Operating Circuit
). When using a PNP
transistor, connect DHI to its base, and connect a resis-
tor between the base and DLOW (RBASE) (Figure 1). The
PNP transistor is turned off quickly by the direct pull-up
of DHI, and turned on by the base current provided
through RBASE. This resistor limits the transistor’s base-
drive current to (VIN - 140mV - VBE)/RBASE, where VIN is
the input voltage, 140mV is the drop across RSENSE, VBE
is the transistor’s base-emitter voltage, and RBASE is the
current-limiting resistor. For maximum efficiency, make
RBASE as large as possible, but small enough so that the
transistor is always driven into saturation.
Highest efficiency with a PNP transistor comes from
using a device with a low collector-emitter saturation
voltage and a high current gain. Use a fast-switching
type. For example the Zetex ZTX792A has switching
speeds of 40ns (tON) and 500ns (tOFF).
The transistor must have a collector-to-emitter (PNP) or
drain-to-source (MOSFET) voltage rating greater than the
input-to-output voltage differential (VIN - VOUT). In either
case the transistor must have a current rating that exceeds
the peak current set by the current-sense resistor.
PNP transistors are generally less expensive than P-
channel MOSFETs. Table 2 lists some suppliers of
switching transistors suitable for use with the MAX749.
Table 2. Component Suppliers
Base Resistor
The base resistor, R BASE in Figure 1, controls the amount of
base current in the PNP transistor. A low value for RBASE
increases base drive, which provides higher output cur-
rents and compensates for lower input voltages, but
decreases efficiency. Conversely, a high RBASE value
increases efficiency but reduces the output capability,
especially at low voltages. When using high-gain transis-
tors, e.g. the Zetex ZTX750 or ZTX792, typical values for
RBASE are in the 150Ωto 510Ωrange, but will depend on
the required input voltage range and output current (see
Typical Operating Characteristics
). Lower-gain transistors
require lower values for RBASE and are less efficient. Larger
RBASE values are suitable if less output power is required.
MAX749
Digitally Adjustable LCD Bias Supply
10 _____________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPLIER
INDUCTORS
Coiltronics (305) 781-8900 (305) 782-4163
Gowanda (716) 532-2234 (716) 532-2702
Sumida USA (708) 956-0666 (708) 956-0702
Sumida Japan 81-3-3607-511 81-3-3607-5428
CAPACITORS
Kemet (803) 963-6300 (803) 963-6322
Matsuo (714) 969-2491 (714) 960-6492
Nichicon (708) 843-7500 (708) 843-2798
Sprague (603) 224-1961 (603) 224-1430
Sanyo USA (619) 661-6322
Sanyo Japan 81-3-3837-6242
United Chemi-Con (714) 255-9500 (714) 255-9400
DIODES
Motorola (800) 521-6274
Nihon USA (805) 867-2555 (805) 867-2698
Nihon Japan 81-3-3494-7411 81-3-3494-7414
POWER TRANSISTORS - MOSFETS
Harris (407) 724-3739 (407) 724-3937
International
Rectifier (213) 772-2000 (213) 772-9028
Siliconix (408) 988-8000 (408) 727-5414
POWER TRANSISTORS - PNP TRANSISTORS
Zetex USA (516) 543-7100 (516) 864-7630
Zetex UK 44 (61) 727 5105 44 (61) 627 5467
CURRENT-SENSE RESISTORS
IRC (512) 992-7900 (512) 992-3377
FAXPHONE