Introduction
Positive-to-negative DC/DC conversion (inverting output) is widely used in LCD devices, OLED displays, audio amplifiers, industrial equipment, measurement tools, test systems, LED drivers and battery chargers. In all of these cases, the inverting converter must be compact, support high power and accommodate an extended input voltage range. The LTC7149 satisfies all of these requirements. Its integrated 4 A switches and wide 3.4 V to 60 V input voltage range exceed the requirements of the most demanding applications, including those in automotive environments.
Circuit Description and Functionality
Figure 1 shows a positive-to-negative converter based on the LTC7149. This solution delivers –10 V at 2 A from an input voltage of 12 V – an automotive rail, for instance. The power train components were selected for a nominal 12 V input, but with proper derating, the input voltage of this application can be as low as 4 V or as high as 50 V.
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| Figure 1. | LTC7149, Positive-to-Negative Converter (VIN: 4 V – 50 V, VOUT–: –10 V at 2 A). | |
In automotive applications, the LTC7149’s ability to handle high voltage inputs eliminates the need for costly voltage suppressors. The very low minimum input voltage keeps sensitive systems operational even during cold crank conditions. Guidelines for calculating voltage and current stress on the components around the LTC7149 are detailed in the LTC7149 data sheet. As an example, derating of the output current at input voltages below 12 V is shown in Figure 2.
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| Figure 2. | Output Current Derating vs Input Voltage for Figure 1. | |
The circuit of Figure 1 uses external loop compensation. Connecting ITH to INTVCC allows internal compensation to be used, as shown in Figure 3. Tying the MODE/SYNC to GND activates Burst Mode® operation. Synchronization pulses referenced to GND can be applied to this pin if needed. Efficiency of this solution reaches 94%.
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| Figure 3. | Positive-to-Negative Converter with Variable VOUT– from –5 V to –10 V. | |
Voltage Controlled Variable Negative Output Circuit
A significant number of applications require on-the-fly changes to the negative bias, including LCD, OLED monitors and test equipment systems. The LTC7149 includes features to simplify this task.
Figure 3 shows a negative voltage source, where the negative output is controlled by a positive signal voltage. The positive control voltage, referenced to GND, is applied to the VOUTSNS pin. In Figure 3, this is VCTRL, in the range of 0 V to 5 V. The resulting negative output voltage VOUT– is determined by:
VOUT– = –50 μA • RSET + VCTRL.
The lowpass filter RF/CF provides noise suppression. The VOUTSNS pin cannot be left floating under any circumstances – some voltage potential must be present on this pin at all times. If this requirement cannot be met, for example during system testing, then resistor RP should be installed.
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| Figure 4. | Variable Negative Output VOUT– as a Linear Function of VCTRL. | |
Figure 4 shows VOUT– as a function of VCTRL. Figure 5 illustrates the broad application potential of this approach as the VCTRL voltage is shaped as a sine wave with a 2.5 V amplitude.
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| Figure 5. | Variable Negative Output VOUT– Following the Sine Waveform on VCTRL. | |
Conclusion
The LTC7149 is a high efficiency 50 V, 4 A synchronous monolithic regulator for negative output power supplies. It combines wide input and output voltage ranges and integrated switching transistors, which simplify the converter design. The solutions and circuitry discussed in this design note can assist with the implementation of this regulator in automotive and industrial applications, display and monitor systems.
