www.enpirion.com
EP5388QI
800mA Synchronous Buck Regulator
With Integrated Inductor
3mm x 3mm x 1.1mm Package
July 2008
RoHS Compliant
Halogen Free
Product Overview
The EP5388QI is a synchronous buck
converter with integrated Inductor, PWM
controller, MOSFETS, and Compensation
providing the smallest possible solution size.
The EP5388QI requires only two small MLCC
capacitors to make a complete solution.
Integration of the inductor greatly simplifies
design, contains noise, reduces part count, and
reduces solution footprint. Low output ripple
ensures compatibility with RF systems.
The EP5388QI operates at a switching
frequency of 4 MHz, enabling this
unprecedented level of integration and small
external components. Type III voltage mode
control is used to provide high noise immunity
and wide control loop bandwidth.
The small footprint makes this part ideal for
space constrained portable applications.
Shutdown current of <1uA extends battery life
Output voltage level is programmed via a 3-pin
VID selector providing seven pre-programmed
output voltages along with an option for
external resistor divider.
Applications
Noise Sensitive RF Applications
Area Constrained Applications
Wireless Data Applications
Portable Gaming Devices
Personal Media Players
Advanced Mobile Processors, DSP, IO,
Memory, Video, Multimedia Engines
Ordering Information
Part Number Temp Rating (°C) Package
EP5388QI-T -40 to +85 16-pin QFN T&R
EP5388QI-E EP5388QI Evaluation Board
Product Highlights
Featuring Integrated Inductor Technology
3mm x 3mm x 1.1mm QFN package
Only two low cost MLCC caps required
4 MHz switching frequency
High efficiency, up to 94%
Up to 800mA continuous output current
Wide 2.4V to 5.5V input range
VOUT range 0.6V to VIN – 0.5V
3-Pin VID output voltage programming
100% duty cycle capable
Less than 1 µA standby current
Low VOUT ripple for RF compatibility
Short circuit and over current protection
UVLO and thermal protection
RoHS compliant; MSL 3 260°C reflow
Typical Application Circuit
VIN
VSense
Vin
VS1
VS2
VS0
EP5388QI 47uF
1206
4.7µF
0603
VOUT
Vout
GND
ENABLE
VFB
Voltage
Select
Figure 1. Typical application circuit.
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Pin Description
Figure 2. EP5388QI Package Pin-out.
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1, 15, 16 NC(SW)
No Connect. These pins are internally connected to the common switch
node of the internal MOSFETs. NC(SW) pins are not to be electrically
connected to any external signal, ground, or voltage. However, they
must be soldered to the PCB. Failure to follow this guideline may result
in part malfunction or damage.
2,3 PGND Power Ground.
4 VFB
Feed back pin for external divider option. When using the external
divider option (VS2=VS1=VS0= high) connect this pin to the center of
the external divider. Set the divider such that VFB = 0.603V. The
“ground” side of the external divider should be connected to AGND.
5 VSENSE Sense pin for preset output voltages. Connect at the output capacitor.
6 AGND Analog ground. This is the quiet ground for the internal control circuitry
7,8 VOUT
Regulated Output Voltage. Refer to application section for proper layout
and decoupling.
9 NC
No Connect. This pin should not be electrically connected to any
external signal, voltage, or ground.. This pin must be soldered to the
PCB.
10, 11,
12 VS2,VS1,VS0
Output voltage select. VS2=pin10 VS1=pin11, VS0=pin12. Selects one
of seven preset output voltages or choose external divider by connecting
pins to logic high or low. (refer to section on output voltage select for
more detail).
13 ENABLE Output enable. Enable = logic high, disable = logic low.
14 VIN Input voltage pin.
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Functional Block Diagram
Voltage
Select
DAC
Switch
VREF
(+)
(-)
Error
Amp
VSENSE
VFB
VOUT
VS0 VS1 VS2
Package Boundry
P-Drive
N-Drive
UVLO
Thermal Limit
Current Limit
Soft Start
Sawtooth
Generator
(+)
(-)
PWM
Comp
VIN
ENABLE
PGND
Logic
Compensation
Network
NC(SW)
AGND
Figure 3. EP5388QI Functional block diagram.
Absolute Maximum Ratings
CAUTION: Absolute Maximum ratings are stress ratings only. Functional operation beyond
recommended operating conditions is not implied. Stress beyond absolute maximum ratings may
cause permanent damage to the device. Exposure to absolute maximum rated conditions for
extended periods may affect device reliability.
PARAMETER SYMBOL MIN MAX UNITS
Input Supply Voltage VIN -0.3 7.0 V
Voltages on: ENABLE, VSENSE, VS0-VS2 -0.3 VIN + 0.3 V
Voltage on: VFB -0.3 2.7 V
Storage Temperature Range TSTG -65 150 °C
Reflow Temp, 10 Sec, MSL3 JEDEC J-STD-020C 260 °C
ESD Rating (based on Human Body Model) 2000 V
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Recommended Operating Conditions
PARAMETER SYMBOL MIN MAX UNITS
Input Voltage Range VIN 2.4 5.5 V
Output Voltage Range VOUT 0.603 VIN – 0.5 V
Output Current IOUT 0 800 mA
Operating Ambient Temperature TA -40 +85 °C
Operating Junction Temperature TJ -40 +125 °C
Thermal Characteristics
PARAMETER SYMBOL TYP UNITS
Thermal Resistance: Junction to Ambient (0 LFM)* θJA 100 °C/W
Thermal Shutdown Trip Point TJ-TP +150 °C
Thermal Shutdown Trip Point Hysteresis 15 °C
* Based on a 2 oz. copper board and proper thermal design in line with JEDEC EIJ-JESD51 standards.
Electrical Characteristics
NOTE: VIN = 3.6V, CIN = 4.7µF 0603 MLCC, COUT = 47uF 1206 MLCC. TA = -40°C to +85°C unless otherwise noted.
Typical values are at TA = 25°C.
PARAMETER SYMBOL TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Under-Voltage Lockout VUVLO V
IN going low to high 2.2 2.3 V
UVLO Hysteresis 0.145 V
VOUT Initial Accuracy VOUT_Initl T
A = 25C, 2.4V VIN 5.5V -2 +2 %
Line Regulation VOUT_linel 2.4V VIN 5.5V 0.06 %/V
Load Regulation VOUT_load 0A ILOAD 800mA 0.0003
%/mA
Temperature Variation VOUT_templ -40°C TA +85°C 0.008 %/°C
Overall VOUT Accuracy
(Line, Load, and
Temperature combined)
VOUT_All
2.4V VIN 5.5V
-40°C TA +85°C
0A ILOAD 800mA
-3 +3 %
Dynamic Voltage Slew
Rate Vslew 1.125 1.5 1.875 V/mS
Continuous Output
Current IOUT -20°C TA +85°C
-40°C TA +85°C
800
750 mA
Shut-Down Current ISD Enable = Low 0.75 µA
PFET OCP Threshold ILIM 1000 mA
Feedback Pin Voltage VFB
2.4V VIN 5.5V
-20°C TA +85°C
0A ILOAD 800mA
0.585 0.603 0.621 V
Feedback Pin Input
Current IFB 10 nA
VS2-VS0 Threshold VSX_TH Pin = Low
Pin = High
0.0
1.4 0.4
VIN V
VS2-VS0 Pin Input
Current IVSX 1 nA
Enable Pin Voltage
Thresholds VEN_TH Pin = Low
Pin = High
0.0
1.4 0.2
VIN V
Enable Pin Input Current IEN ENABLE = Vin = 3.6V 2 µA
Operating Frequency FOSC 4 MHz
PFET On Resistance RDS(ON) 340 m
NFET On Resistance RDS(ON) 270 m
Dropout Resistance RDROPOUT 450 m
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PARAMETER SYMBOL TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Soft-Start Operation
Soft-Start Slew Rate V
ss 1.125 1.5 1.875 V/mS
Time to 90% Vout Tss Vout = 3.3V 2 mS
† Parameter guaranteed by design.
Typical Performance Characteristics
Typical performance characteristics are measured using the application circuit in Figure 1. All
measurements made at 25ºC.
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80
Load Current (A)
Efficiency (%)
Efficiency, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 2.5V,1.8V,1.5V, 1.2V, Efficiency, VIN = 3.7V, VOUT = 2.5V,1.8V,1.5V, 1.2V,
top to bottom. top to bottom.
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80
Load Current (A)
Efficiency (%)
Efficiency, VIN = 5V, VOUT = 3.3V, 2.5V,1.8V,1.5V, 1.2V, Output Ripple, VIN = 5V, VOUT = 1.2V; Load = 500mA.
top to bottom.
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80
Load Curr ent (A)
Efficiency (%)
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Output Ripple, VIN = 5V, VOUT = 3.3V; Load = 500mA. Output Ripple, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V; Load = 500mA.
Output Ripple, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V; Load = 500mA. Output Ripple, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 2.5V; Load = 500mA.
Transient, VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 1.2V, Load = 0-800mA. Transient, VIN = 5.0V, VOUT = 3.3V, Load = 0-800mA.
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Transient, VIN =3.3V, VOUT = 1.2V, Load = 0-800mA. Transient, VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.8V, Load = 0-800mA.
Startup, VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 1.5V, Load = 500mA. Shutdown, VIN = 3.6V, VOUT = 1.5V, Load = 500mA.
Enable in light blue; VOUT in Dark blue. Enable in light blue; VOUT in Dark blue.
Detailed Description
Functional Overview
The EP5388QI is a complete DCDC converter
solution requiring only two low cost MLCC
capacitors. MOSFET switches, PWM
controller, Gate-drive, compensation, and
inductor are integrated into the tiny 3mm x
3mm x 1.1mm package to provide the smallest
footprint possible while maintaining high
efficiency, low ripple, and high performance.
The converter uses voltage mode control to
provide the simplest implementation and high
noise immunity. The device operates at a
4MHz switching frequency. The high switching
frequency allows for a wide control loop
bandwidth providing excellent transient
performance. The high switching frequency
further enables the use of very small
components making possible this
unprecedented level of integration.
Enpirion’s proprietary power MOSFET
technology provides very low switching loss at
frequencies of 4 MHz and higher, allowing for
the use of very small internal components, and
high performance. Integration of the magnetics
virtually eliminates the design/layout issues
normally associated with switch-mode DCDC
converters. All of this enables much easier
and faster incorporation into various
applications to meet demanding requirements.
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Output voltage is chosen from seven preset
values via a three pin VID voltage select
scheme. An external divider option enables
the selection of any voltage in 0.603V to
VIN-0.5V range. This reduces the number of
components that must be qualified and
reduces inventory burden. The VID pins can
be toggled on the fly to implement glitch free
dynamic voltage scaling between any two of
the seven preset VID voltage levels.
Protection features include under-voltage lock-
out (UVLO), over-current protection (OCP),
short circuit protection, and thermal overload
protection.
Integrated Inductor
Enpirion has introduced the world’s first
product family featuring integrated inductors.
The EP5388QI utilizes a proprietary low loss
integrated inductor. The use of an internal
inductor localizes the noises associated with
the output loop currents. The inherent shielding
and compact construction of the integrated
inductor reduces the radiated noise that
couples into the traces of the circuit board.
Further, the package layout is optimized to
reduce the electrical path length for the AC
ripple currents that are a major source of
radiated emissions from DCDC converters.
The integrated inductor significantly reduces
parasitic effects that can harm loop stability,
and makes layout very simple.
Stable Over Wide Range of Operating
Conditions
The EP5388QI utilizes an internal type III
compensation network and is designed to
provide a high degree of stability over a wide
range of operating conditions. The device
operates over the entire input and output
voltage range with no external modifications
required. The very high switching frequency
allows for a very wide control loop bandwidth.
Soft Start
Internal soft start circuits limit in-rush current
when the device starts up from a power down
condition or when the “ENABLE” pin is
asserted “high”. Digital control circuitry limits
the VOUT ramp rate to levels that are safe for
the Power MOSFETS and the integrated
inductor. The soft start ramp rate is nominally
1.5V/mS.
Over Current/Short Circuit Pr ote ction
When an over current condition occurs, VOUT is
pulled low. This condition is maintained for a
period of approximately 1.2 ms and then a
normal soft start cycle is initiated. If the over
current condition still persists, this cycle will
repeat.
Under Voltage Lockout
During initial power up an under voltage
lockout circuit will hold-off the switching
circuitry until the input voltage reaches a
sufficient level to insure proper operation. If
the voltage drops below the UVLO threshold
the lockout circuitry will again disable the
switching. Hysteresis is included to prevent
chattering between states.
Enable
The ENABLE pin provides a means to shut
down the converter or enable normal
operation. Transitioning from low to high will
cause the converter to go through a soft start
cycle. Transitioning from high to a low will
cause the device to discharge the output and
then shutdown. In shutdown mode, the device
quiescent current will be less than 1 uA.
NOTE: This pin must not be left floating.
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Thermal Shutdown
When excessive power is dissipated in the
chip, the junction temperature rises. Once the
junction temperature exceeds the thermal
shutdown temperature the thermal shutdown
circuit turns off the converter thus allowing the
device to cool. When the junction temperature
decreases by 15°C, the device will go through
the normal startup process.
Application Information
Output Voltage Select
To provide the highest degree of flexibility in
choosing output voltage, the EP5388QI uses a
3 pin VID, or Voltage ID, output voltage select
arrangement. This allows the designer to
choose one of seven preset voltages, or to use
an external voltage divider. Internally, the
output of the VID multiplexer sets the value for
the voltage reference DAC, which in turn is
connected to the non-inverting input of the
error amplifier. This allows the use of a single
feedback divider with constant loop gain and
optimum compensation, independent of the
output voltage selected.
Table 1 shows the various VS2-VS0 pin logic
states and the associated output voltage
levels. A logic “1” indicates a connection to VIN
or to a “high” logic voltage level. A logic “0”
indicates a connection to ground or to a “low”
logic voltage level. These pins can be either
hardwired to VIN or GND or alternatively can be
driven by standard logic levels. Logic low is
defined as VSX 0.4V. Logic high is defined as
1.4V VSX VIN. Any level between these two
values is indeterminate. These pins must not
be left floating.
External Voltage Divider
As described above, the external voltage
divider option is chosen by connecting the
VS0, VS1, and VS2 pins to VIN or logic high.
The EP5388QI uses a separate feedback pin,
VFB, when using the external divider. VSENSE
must be connected to VOUT as indicated in
Figure 4.
VIN
VSense
Vin
VS1
VS2
VS0
EP5388QI 47µF
1206
4.7uF
0603
VOUT
Vout
GND
ENABLE
Ra
Rb
VFB
Figure 4. External Divider application circuit.
The output voltage is nominally selected by the
following formula:
(
)
Rb
Ra
10.603V
+
=
OUT
V
Then Rb is given as:
=603.0
603.0
OUT
a
bV
xR
R
Ra must be chosen as nominally 200K to
maintain loop gain. VOUT can be programmed
over the range of 0.603V to VIN-0.5V.
Dynamically Adjustable Output
The EP5388QI is designed to allow for
dynamic switching between the seven
predefined VID voltage levels. The inter-
VS2 VS1 VS0 VOUT
0 0 0 3.3V
0 0 1 2.5V
0 1 0 1.8V
0 1 1 1.5V
1 0 0 1.25V
1 0 1 1.2V
1 1 0 0.8V
1 1 1 User
Selectable
Table 2. VID voltage select settings.
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voltage slew rate is optimized to prevent
excess undershoot or overshoot as the output
voltage levels transition. The slew rate is
identical to the soft-start slew rate of 1.5V/mS.
Dynamic transitioning between internal VID
settings and the external divider is not allowed.
Input and Output Capacitors
The input capacitance requirement is 4.7uF
0603 MLCC. Enpirion recommends that a low
ESR MLCC capacitor be used.
A variety of output capacitor configurations are
possible depending on footprint and ripple
requirements. For typical applications, it is
recommended to use a single 47uF 1206
MLCC capacitor. Ripple performance can be
improved by using 2 x 22uF 0805 MLCC
capacitors.
A single 10uF 0805 MLCC can be used if VOUT
programming is accomplished using an
external resistor divider, with the addition of a
10pF phase lead capacitor as shown in Figure
5. Note that in this configuration, VSENSE
should NOT be connected to VOUT. Ra and Rb
values are calculated as shown in the external
voltage divider section.
The Input and the output capacitor must use a
X5R or X7R or equivalent dielectric
formulation. Y5V or equivalent dielectric
formulations lose capacitance with frequency,
bias voltage, and temperature and are not
suitable for switch-mode DC-DC converter
output filter applications.
Contact Enpirion Applications for information
on other output capacitor usage.
VIN
VSense
Vin
VS1
VS2
VS0
EP5388QI
10µF
0805
4.7uF
0603
VOUT
Vout
GND
ENABLE
Ra
Rb
VFB
10pF
Figure 5. Applications circuit for COUT = 1 x 10uF 0805.
Layout Considerations*
*Optimized PCB layout file is downloadable from the Enpirion website to assure first pass design success.
Refer to figure 6 for the following layout recommendations.
Recommendation 1: The input and output filter capacitors should be placed as close to the
EP5388QI as possible to reduce EMI from input and output loop AC currents. This reduces the
physical area of these AC current loops.
Recommendation 2: The system ground plane should be the first layer immediately below the
surface layer (PCB layer 2). If it is not possible to make PCB layer 2 the system ground plane, a local
ground island should be created on PCB layer 2 under the Enpirion device and including the area
under the input and output filter capacitors. This ground plane, or ground island, should be
continuous and uninterrupted underneath the Enpirion device and the input and output filter
capacitors.
Recommendation 3: The surface layer ground pour should include a “slit” as shown in figure 6 to
separate the input and output AC loop currents. This will help reduce noise coupling from the input
current loop to the output current loop.
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Recommendation 4: Multiple small vias (approximately 0.25mm finished diameter) should be used
to connect the ground terminals of the input and output capacitors, and the surface ground pour
under the device, to the system ground plane. If a local ground island is used on PCB layer 2, the
vias should connect to the ground island and continue down to the PCB system ground plane.
Recommendation 5: The AGND pin should be connected to the system ground plane using a via as
described in recommendation 4. AGND must NOT be connected to the surface layer ground pour.
Recommendation 6: As with any switch-mode DC-DC converter, do not run any sensitive signal or
control lines under the converter package.
Vias Slit
Vias Slit
Figure 6. PCB layout recommendation.
Recommended PCB Footprint
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Package Dimensions
July 2008 EP5388QI
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Contact Information
Enpirion, Inc.
685 US Route 202/206 Suite 305
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Phone: +1 908-575-7550
Fax: +1 908-575-0775
Enpirion reserves the right to make changes in circuit design and/or specifications at any time without notice. Information furnished by Enpirion is
believed to be accurate and reliable. Enpirion assumes no responsibility for its use or for infringement of patents or other third party rights, which may
result from its use. Enpirion products are not authorized for use in nuclear control systems, as critical components in life support systems or equipment
used in hazardous environment without the express written authority from Enpirion.