LSN-16A D12 Series N O N - I S O L A T E D , 1 3 - 8 0 W S I P D C / D C C O N V E R T E R S
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Safety Considerations
LSN D12 SIP's are non-isolated DC/DC converters. In general, all DC/DC's
must be installed, including considerations for I/O voltages and spacing/
separation requirements, in compliance with relevant safety-agency speci-
fications (usually UL/IEC/EN60950).
In particular, for a non-isolated converter's output voltage to meet SELV
(safety extra low voltage) requirements, its input must be SELV compliant.
If the output needs to be ELV (extra low voltage), the input must be ELV.
Input Overvoltage and Reverse-Polarity Protection
LSN D12 SIP Series DC/DC's do not incorporate either input overvoltage
or input reverse-polarity protection. Input voltages in excess of the specified
absolute maximum ratings and input polarity reversals of longer than "instan-
taneous" duration can cause permanent damage to these devices.
Start-Up Time
The VIN to VOUT Start-Up Time is the interval between the time at which a
ramping input voltage crosses the lower limit of the specified input voltage
range (10 Volts) 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 capacitance, and the slew rate and final value of
the input voltage as it appears to the converter.
The On/Off to VOUT Start-Up Time assumes the converter is turned off via
the On/Off Control with the nominal input voltage already applied to the
converter. The specification defines the interval between the time at which the
converter is turned on and the fully loaded output voltage enters and remains
within its specified accuracy band. See Typical Performance Curves.
Remote Sense
LSN D12 SIP Series DC/DC converters offer an output sense function on
pin 3.
The sense function enables point-of-use regulation for overcoming
moderate IR drops in conductors and/or cabling. Since these are non-isolated
devices whose inputs and outputs usually share the same ground plane,
sense is provided only for the +Output.
The remote sense line is part of the feedback control loop regulating the
DC/DC converter’s output. The sense line carries very little current and
consequently requires a minimal cross-sectional-area conductor. As such, it
is not a low-impedance point and must be treated with care in layout
and cabling. Sense lines should be run adjacent to signals (preferably
ground), and in cable and/or discrete-wiring applications, twisted-pair or
similar techniques should be used. To prevent high frequency voltage differ-
ences between VOUT and Sense, we recommend installation of a 1000pF
capacitor close to the converter.
The sense function is capable of compensating for voltage drops between the
+Output and +Sense pins that do not exceed 10% of VOUT.
[VOUT(+) – Common] – [Sense(+) – Common] ≤ 10%VOUT
Power derating (output current limiting) is based upon maximum output
current and voltage at the converter's output pins. Use of trim and sense
functions can cause the output voltage to increase, thereby increasing output
power beyond the LSN's specified rating. Therefore:
(VOUT at pins) x (IOUT) ≤ rated output power
The internal 10.5Ω resistor between +Sense and +Output (see Figure 1)
serves to protect the sense function by limiting the output current flowing
through the sense line if the main output is disconnected. It also prevents
output voltage runaway if the sense connection is disconnected.
Note: Connect the +Sense pin (pin 3) to +Output (pin 4) at the DC/DC
converter pins, if the sense function is not used for remote regulation.
In particular, the LSN D12's input capacitors are specified for low ESR
and are fully rated to handle the units' input ripple currents. Similarly, the
internal output capacitors are specified for low ESR and full-range frequency
response. As shown in the Performance Curves, removal of the external 22µF
tantalum output caps has minimal effect on output noise.
In critical applications, input/output ripple/noise may be further reduced using
filtering techniques, the simplest being the installation of external I/O caps.
External input capacitors serve primarily as energy-storage devices. They
minimize high-frequency variations in input voltage (usually caused by IR
drops in conductors leading to the DC/DC) as the switching converter draws
pulses of current. Input capacitors should be selected for bulk capacitance (at
appropriate frequencies), low ESR, and high rms-ripple-current ratings. The
switching nature of modern DC/DC's requires that the dc input voltage
source have low ac impedance at the frequencies of interest. Highly inductive
source impedances can greatly affect system stability. Your specific system
configuration may necessitate additional considerations.
Output ripple/noise (also referred to as periodic and random deviations
or PARD) may be reduced below specified limits with the installation of
additional external output capacitors. Output capacitors function as true filter
elements and should be selected for bulk capacitance, low ESR, and appro-
priate frequency response. Any scope measurements of PARD should be
made directly at the DC/DC output pins with scope probe ground less than
0.5" in length.
All external capacitors should have appropriate voltage ratings and be located
as close to the converters as possible. Temperature variations for all relevant
parameters should be taken into consideration.
The most effective combination of external I/O capacitors will be a function
of your line voltage and source impedance, as well as your particular load and
layout conditions. Our Applications Engineers can recommend potential solu-
tions and discuss the possibility of our modifying a given device’s internal filter-
ing to meet your specific requirements. Contact our Applications Engineering
Group for additional details.
Input Fusing
Most applications and or safety agencies require the installation of fuses at
the inputs of power conversion components. LSN D12 Series DC/DC con-
verters are not internally fused. Therefore, if input fusing is mandatory, either
a normal-blow or a slow-blow fuse with a value no greater than 20 Amps
should be installed within the ungrounded input path to the converter.
As a rule of thumb however, we recommend to use a normal-blow or slow-
blow fuse with a typical value of about twice the maximum input current,
calculated at low line with the converters minimum efficiency.