OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
ILED
PWM
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
N-Channel Controllers for Constant Current LED Drivers
Check for Samples: LM3421,LM3421-Q1,LM3423,LM3423-Q1
1FEATURES DESCRIPTION
The LM3421/23 are versatile high voltage N-channel
2 LM3421Q1/LM3423Q1 are Automotive Grade MosFET controllers for LED drivers . They can be
Products That are AEC-Q100 Grade 1 Qualified easily configured in buck, boost, buck-boost and
(-40°C to +125°C Operating Junction SEPIC topologies. This flexibility, along with an input
Temperature) and Similarly voltage rating of 75V, makes the LM3421/23 ideal for
LM3421Q0/LM3423Q0 are AEC-Q100 Grade 0 illuminating LEDs in a large family of applications.
Qualified (-40°C to +150°C Operating Junction Adjustable high-side current sense voltage allows for
Temperature) tight regulation of the LED current with the highest
VIN Range From 4.5V to 75V efficiency possible. The LM3421/23 uses Predictive
High-Side Adjustable Current Sense Off-time (PRO) control, which is a combination of
peak current-mode control and a predictive off-timer.
2, 1A Peak MosFET Gate Driver This method of control eases the design of loop
Input Under-Voltage and Output Over-Voltage compensation while providing inherent input voltage
Protection feed-forward compensation.
PWM and Analog Dimming The LM3421/23 devices include a high-voltage
Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit startup regulator that operates over a wide input
Programmable Switching Frequency range of 4.5V to 75V. The internal PWM controller is
designed for adjustable switching frequencies of up to
"Zero Current" Shutdown and Thermal 2.0 MHz, thus enabling compact solutions. Additional
Shutdown features include "zero current" shutdown, analog
LED Output Status Flag (LM3423/23Q1/23Q0 dimming, PWM dimming, over-voltage protection,
Only) under-voltage lock-out, cycle-by-cycle current limit,
and thermal shutdown.
Fault Status Flag and Timer
(LM3423/23Q1/23Q0 Only) The LM3423 also includes an LED output status flag,
a fault flag, a programmable fault timer, and a logic
APPLICATIONS input to select the polarity of the dimming output
driver.
LED Drivers - Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost, and
SEPIC The LM3421Q1/23Q1 are AEC-Q100 grade 1
qualified and LM3421Q0/23Q0 are AEC-Q100 grade
Indoor and Outdoor Area SSL 0 qualified.
Automotive
General Illumination
Constant-Current Regulators
Typical Boost Application Circuit
1Please be aware that an important notice concerning availability, standard warranty, and use in critical applications of
Texas Instruments semiconductor products and disclaimers thereto appears at the end of this data sheet.
2All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date. Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas
Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not
necessarily include testing of all parameters.
VCC
1
EN
VIN
OVP
RCT
FLT DPOL
DDRV
HSP
AGND
COMP
CSH
DAP
RPD
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
nDIM
TIMR LRDY
PGND
GATE
HSN
IS
21
VIN
OVP
RCT
AGND
COMP
CSH
nDIM
VCC
1
EN
DDRV
HSP
DAP
RPD
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9PGND
GATE
HSN
IS
17
VIN (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
95
90
85
80
10 15 20 25 30
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Figure 1. Boost Evaluation Board
9 Series LEDs at 1A
Connection Diagrams
Top View Top View
Figure 2. 16-Lead TSSOP Figure 3. 20-Lead TSSOP
Package Number PWP Package Number PWP
PIN DESCRIPTIONS
LM3423 LM3421 Name Description Function
Bypass with 100 nF capacitor to AGND as close to the device as
1 1 VIN Input Voltage possible in the circuit board layout.
Connect to AGND for zero current shutdown or apply > 2.4V to
2 2 EN Enable enable device.
3 3 COMP Compensation Connect a capacitor to AGND to set the compensation.
Connect a resistor to AGND to set the signal current. For analog
4 4 CSH Current Sense High dimming, connect a controlled current source or a potentiometer to
AGND as detailed in the ANALOG DIMMING section.
External RC network sets the predictive “off-time” and thus the
5 5 RCT Resistor Capacitor Timing switching frequency.
Connect to PGND through the DAP copper pad to provide ground
6 6 AGND Analog Ground return for CSH, COMP, RCT, and TIMR.
Connect to a resistor divider from VOto program output over-voltage
7 7 OVP Over-Voltage Protection lockout (OVLO). Turn-off threshold is 1.24V and hysteresis for turn-on
is provided by 23 µA current source.
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SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
PIN DESCRIPTIONS (continued)
LM3423 LM3421 Name Description Function
Connect a PWM signal for dimming as detailed in the PWM
Dimming Input / DIMMING section and/or a resistor divider from VIN to program input
8 8 nDIM Under-Voltage Protection under-voltage lockout (UVLO). Turn-on threshold is 1.24V and
hysteresis for turn-off is provided by 23 µA current source.
Connect to pull-up resistor from VIN and N-channel MosFET open
9 - FLT Fault Flag drain output is high when a fault condition is latched by the timer.
Connect a capacitor to AGND to set the time delay before a sensed
10 - TIMR Fault Timer fault condition is latched.
Connect to pull-up resistor from VIN and N-channel MosFET open
11 - LRDY LED Ready Flag drain output pulls down when the LED current is not in regulation.
Connect to AGND if dimming with a series P-channel MosFET or
12 - DPOL Dim Polarity leave open when dimming with series N-channel MosFET.
13 9 DDRV Dim Gate Drive Output Connect to the gate of the dimming MosFET.
Connect to AGND through the DAP copper pad to provide ground
14 10 PGND Power Ground return for GATE and DDRV.
15 11 GATE Main Gate Drive Output Connect to the gate of the main switching MosFET.
16 12 VCC Internal Regulator Output Bypass with 2.2 µF–3.3 µF ceramic capacitor to PGND.
Connect to the drain of the main N-channel MosFET switch for RDS-
17 13 IS Main Switch Current Sense ON sensing or to a sense resistor installed in the source of the same
device.
Connect the low side of all external resistor dividers (VIN UVLO, OVP)
18 14 RPD Resistor Pull Down to implement “zero-current” shutdown.
Connect through a series resistor to the positive side of the LED
19 15 HSP LED Current Sense Positive current sense resistor.
Connect through a series resistor to the negative side of the LED
20 16 HSN LED Current Sense Negative current sense resistor.
Star ground, connecting AGND and PGND. For thermal
DAP (21) DAP (17) DAP Thermal PAD on bottom of IC considerations please refer to (1).
(1) Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is highly board-layout dependent. The numbers listed in the table are given for an reference
layout wherein the 16L TSSOP package has its EP pad populated with 9 vias and the 20L TSSOP has its EP pad populated with 12
vias. In applications where high maximum power dissipation exists, namely driving a large MosFET at high switching frequency from a
high input voltage, special care must be paid to thermal dissipation issues during board design. In high-power dissipation applications,
the maximum ambient temperature may have to be derated. Maximum ambient temperature (TA-MAX) is dependent on the maximum
operating junction temperature (TJ-MAX-OP = 125°C for Q1, or 150°C for Q0), the maximum power dissipation of the device in the
application (PD-MAX), and the junction-to ambient thermal resistance of the package in the application (θJA), as given by the following
equation: TA-MAX = TJ-MAX-OP (θJA × PD-MAX). In most applications there is little need for the full power dissipation capability of this
advanced package. Under these circumstances, no vias would be required and the thermal resistances would be 104 °C/W for the 16L
TSSOP and 86.7 °C/W for the 20L TSSOP. It is possible to conservatively interpolate between the full via count thermal resistance and
the no via count thermal resistance with a straight line to get a thermal resistance for any number of vias in between these two limits.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 3
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LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
These devices have limited built-in ESD protection. The leads should be shorted together or the device placed in conductive foam
during storage or handling to prevent electrostatic damage to the MOS gates.
Absolute Maximum Ratings (1)(2)
VIN, EN, RPD, nDIM -0.3V to 76.0V
-1 mA continuous
OVP, HSP, HSN, LRDY, FLT, DPOL -0.3V to 76.0V
-100 µA continuous
RCT -0.3V to 76.0V
-1 mA to +5 mA continuous
IS -0.3V to 76.0V
-2V for 100 ns
-1mA continuous
VCC -0.3V to 8.0V
TIMR -0.3V to 7.0V
-100µA to +100µA Continuous
COMP, CSH -0.3V to 6.0V
-200 µA to +200 µA Continuous
GATE, DDRV -0.3V to VCC
-2.5V for 100 ns
VCC+2.5V for 100 ns
-1 mA to +1 mA continuous
PGND -0.3V to 0.3V
-2.5V to 2.5V for 100 ns
Maximum Junction Temperature Internally Limited
Storage Temperature Range 65°C to +150°C
Maximum Lead Temperature (Solder and Reflow) (3) 260°C
Continuous Power Dissipation Internally Limited
ESD Susceptibility(4) Human Body Model 2 kV
Charge Device Model 500V CSH pin
750V all other pins
(1) Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur, including inoperability and degradation of
device reliability and/or performance. Functional operation of the device and/or non-degradation at the Absolute Maximum Ratings or
other conditions beyond those indicated in the Operating Ratings is not implied. The recommended Operating Ratings indicate
conditions at which the device is functional and the device should not be operated beyond such conditions. All voltages are with respect
to the potential at the AGND pin, unless otherwise specified.
(2) If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required, please contact the Texas Instruments Sales Office/Distributors for availability and
specifications.
(3) Refer to http://www.ti.com/packaging for more detailed information and mounting techniques.
(4) The human body model is a 100 pF capacitor discharged through a 1.5 kresistor into each pin. The applicable standard is JESD22-
A114C.
Operating Conditions (1)
Operating Junction Temperature Range LM3421, LM3421Q1,
LM3423, LM3423Q1 40°C to +125°C
LM3421Q0, LM3423Q0 40°C to +150°C
Input Voltage VIN 4.5V to 75V
(1) Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur, including inoperability and degradation of
device reliability and/or performance. Functional operation of the device and/or non-degradation at the Absolute Maximum Ratings or
other conditions beyond those indicated in the Operating Ratings is not implied. The recommended Operating Ratings indicate
conditions at which the device is functional and the device should not be operated beyond such conditions. All voltages are with respect
to the potential at the AGND pin, unless otherwise specified.
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SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Electrical Characteristics (1)
Specifications in standard type face are for TJ= 25°C and those with boldface type apply over the full Operating
Temperature Range ( TJ=40°C to +150°C for LM3421Q0/LM3423Q0, TJ=40°C to +125°C for all others). Specifications
that differ between the two operating ranges will be identified in the Temp Range column as Q0 for TJ=40°C to +150°C
and as Q1 for TJ=40°C to +125°C. If no temperature range is indicated then the specification holds for both Q1 and Q0.
Minimum and Maximum limits are specified through test, design, or statistical correlation. Typical values represent the most
likely parametric norm at TJ= +25°C, and are provided for reference purposes only. Unless otherwise stated the following
condition applies: VIN = +14V. Temp
Symbol Parameter Conditions Min(2) Typ(3) Max(2) Units
Range
STARTUP REGULATOR
VCCREG VCC Regulation ICC = 0 mA 6.30 6.90 7.35 V
ICCLIM VCC Current Limit VCC = 0V 20 25
IQQuiescent Current EN = 3.0V, Static Q1 3mA
2
Q0 3.5
ISD Shutdown Current EN = 0V 0.1 1.0 µA
VCC SUPPLY
VCCUV VCC UVLO Threshold VCC Increasing 4.17 4.50
VCC Decreasing 3.70 4.08 V
VCCHYS VCC UVLO Hysteresis 0.1
EN THRESHOLDS
ENST EN Startup Threshold EN Increasing Q1 2.40
1.75
Q0 2.75 V
EN Decreasing 0.80 1.63
ENSTHYS EN Startup Hysteresis 0.1
REN EN Pulldown Resistance EN = 1V Q1 1.30
0.45 0.82 M
Q0 1.80
CSH THRESHOLDS
CSH High Fault CSH Increasing 1.6 V
CSH Low Condition on LRDY CSH increasing 1.0
Pin (LM3423)
OV THRESHOLDS
OVPCB OVP OVLO Threshold OVP Increasing 1.185 1.240 1.285 V
OVPHYS OVP Hysteresis Source OVP Active (high) Q1 25
20 23 µA
Current Q0 26
DPOL THRESHOLDS
DPOLTHRES DPOL Logic Threshold DPOL Increasing 2.0 2.3 2.6 V
H
RDPOL DPOL Pullup Resistance 500 1200 k
FAULT TIMER
VFLTTH Fault Threshold Q1 1.285
1.185 1.240 V
Q0 1.290
IFLT Fault Pin Source Current Q1 13.0
10.0 11.5 µA
Q0 13.5
(1) Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur, including inoperability and degradation of
device reliability and/or performance. Functional operation of the device and/or non-degradation at the Absolute Maximum Ratings or
other conditions beyond those indicated in the Operating Ratings is not implied. The recommended Operating Ratings indicate
conditions at which the device is functional and the device should not be operated beyond such conditions. All voltages are with respect
to the potential at the AGND pin, unless otherwise specified.
(2) All limits specified at room temperature (standard typeface) and at temperature extremes (bold typeface). All room temperature limits are
100% production tested. All limits at temperature extremes are specified via correlation using standard Statistical Quality Control (SQC)
methods. All limits are used to calculate Average Outgoing Quality Level (AOQL).
(3) Typical numbers are at 25°C and represent the most likely norm.
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LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Electrical Characteristics (1) (continued)
Specifications in standard type face are for TJ= 25°C and those with boldface type apply over the full Operating
Temperature Range ( TJ=40°C to +150°C for LM3421Q0/LM3423Q0, TJ=40°C to +125°C for all others). Specifications
that differ between the two operating ranges will be identified in the Temp Range column as Q0 for TJ=40°C to +150°C
and as Q1 for TJ=40°C to +125°C. If no temperature range is indicated then the specification holds for both Q1 and Q0.
Minimum and Maximum limits are specified through test, design, or statistical correlation. Typical values represent the most
likely parametric norm at TJ= +25°C, and are provided for reference purposes only. Unless otherwise stated the following
condition applies: VIN = +14V. Temp
Symbol Parameter Conditions Min(2) Typ(3) Max(2) Units
Range
ERROR AMPLIFIER
VREF CSH Reference Voltage With Respect to AGND 1.210 1.235 1.260 V
Error Amplifier Input Bias -0.6 0 0.6
Current µA
COMP Sink / Source Current Q1 35
22 30
Q0 36
Transconductance 100 µA/V
Linear Input Range (4) ±125 mV
Transconductance Bandwidth -6dB Unloaded Response (4) 0.5 1.0 MHz
OFF TIMER
Minimum Off-time RCT = 1V through Q1 75
35 ns
1 kQ0 90
RRCT RCT Reset Pull-down Q1 120
36
Resistance Q0 125
VRCT VIN/25 Reference Voltage VIN = 14V Q1 585
540 565 mV
Q0 590
f Continuous Conduction 2.2 nF > CT> 470 pF 25/(CTRT) Hz
Switching Frequency
PWM COMPARATOR
COMP to PWM Offset 700 800 900 mV
CURRENT LIMIT (IS)
ILIM Current Limit Threshold 215 245 275 mV
ILIM Delay to Output Q1 75
35
Q0 90 ns
Leading Edge Blanking Time 115 210 325
HIGH SIDE TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER
Input Bias Current 11.5 µA
Transconductance 20 119 mA/V
Input Offset Current -1.5 01.5 µA
Input Offset Voltage -7 07mV
Transconductance Bandwidth ICSH = 100 µA 250 500 kHz
(4)
GATE DRIVER (GATE)
RSRC(GATE) GATE Sourcing Resistance GATE = High 2.0 6.0
RSNK(GATE) GATE Sinking Resistance GATE = Low 1.3 4.5
DIM DRIVER (DIM, DDRV)
nDIMVTH nDIM / UVLO Threshold 1.185 1.240 1.285 V
nDIMHYS nDIM Hysteresis Current Q1 25
20 23 µA
Q0 26
RSRC(DDRV) DDRV Sourcing Resistance DDRV = High 13.5 30.0
RSNK(DDRV) DDRV Sinking Resistance DDRV = Low 3.5 10.0
(4) These electrical parameters are specified by design, and are not verified by test.
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SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Electrical Characteristics (1) (continued)
Specifications in standard type face are for TJ= 25°C and those with boldface type apply over the full Operating
Temperature Range ( TJ=40°C to +150°C for LM3421Q0/LM3423Q0, TJ=40°C to +125°C for all others). Specifications
that differ between the two operating ranges will be identified in the Temp Range column as Q0 for TJ=40°C to +150°C
and as Q1 for TJ=40°C to +125°C. If no temperature range is indicated then the specification holds for both Q1 and Q0.
Minimum and Maximum limits are specified through test, design, or statistical correlation. Typical values represent the most
likely parametric norm at TJ= +25°C, and are provided for reference purposes only. Unless otherwise stated the following
condition applies: VIN = +14V. Temp
Symbol Parameter Conditions Min(2) Typ(3) Max(2) Units
Range
PULL-DOWN N-CHANNEL MosFETS
RRPD RPD Pull-down Resistance Q1 300
145
Q0 350
RFLT FLT Pull-down Resistance Q1 300
145
Q0 350
RLRDY LRDY Pull-down Resistance Q1 300
135
Q0 350
THERMAL SHUTDOWN
TSD Thermal Shutdown Threshold (4) Q1 165
Q0 210 °C
THYS Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis (4) 25
THERMAL RESISTANCE
θJA Junction to Ambient (5) 16L TSSOP 37.4 °C/W
20L TSSOP 34.0
θJC Junction to Exposed Pad (EP) 16L TSSOP 2.3 °C/W
20L TSSOP 2.3
(5) Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is highly board-layout dependent. The numbers listed in the table are given for an reference
layout wherein the 16L TSSOP package has its EP pad populated with 9 vias and the 20L TSSOP has its EP pad populated with 12
vias. In applications where high maximum power dissipation exists, namely driving a large MosFET at high switching frequency from a
high input voltage, special care must be paid to thermal dissipation issues during board design. In high-power dissipation applications,
the maximum ambient temperature may have to be derated. Maximum ambient temperature (TA-MAX) is dependent on the maximum
operating junction temperature (TJ-MAX-OP = 125°C for Q1, or 150°C for Q0), the maximum power dissipation of the device in the
application (PD-MAX), and the junction-to ambient thermal resistance of the package in the application (θJA), as given by the following
equation: TA-MAX = TJ-MAX-OP (θJA × PD-MAX). In most applications there is little need for the full power dissipation capability of this
advanced package. Under these circumstances, no vias would be required and the thermal resistances would be 104 °C/W for the 16L
TSSOP and 86.7 °C/W for the 20L TSSOP. It is possible to conservatively interpolate between the full via count thermal resistance and
the no via count thermal resistance with a straight line to get a thermal resistance for any number of vias in between these two limits.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 7
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
ICSH (éA)
ILED (A)
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
DUTY CYCLE (%)
ILED (A)
25 kHz
1 kHz
100806040200
0.8
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
VIN (V)
ILED (A)
1.010
1.005
1.000
0.995
0.990
5 10 15 20 25 30
VIN (V)
ILED (A)
1.02
1.01
1.00
0.99
0.98
0 16 32 48 64 80
VIN (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
95
90
85
80
10 15 20 25 30
VIN (V)
EFFICIENCY (%)
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
0 16 32 48 64 80
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Typical Performance Characteristics
TA=+25°C and VIN = 14V unless otherwise specified
Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage Buck-Boost Efficiency vs. Input Voltage
VO= 32V (9 LEDs) (1) VO= 21V (6 LEDs) (2)
Figure 4. Figure 5.
Boost LED Current vs. Input Voltage Buck-Boost LED Current vs. Input Voltage
VO= 32V (9 LEDs) (1) VO= 21V (6 LEDs) (2)
Figure 6. Figure 7.
Analog Dimming PWM Dimming
VO= 21V (6 LEDs); VIN = 24V (2) VO= 32V (9 LEDs); VIN = 24V (1)
Figure 8. Figure 9.
(1) The measurements were made using the standard boost evaluation board from SNVA416.
(2) The measurements were made using the standard buck-boost evaluation board from .
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Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
TEMPERATURE (°C)
tON-MIN (ns)
225
220
215
210
205
200
195
-50 -14 22 58 94 130
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VRCT (mV)
567
566
565
564
563
562
-50 -14 22 58 94 130
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VLIM (mV)
248
246
244
242
240
-50 -14 22 58 94 130
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VCSH (V)
1.250
1.245
1.240
1.235
1.230
1.225
1.220
-50 -14 22 58 94 130
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VCC (V)
7.20
7.10
7.00
6.90
6.80
6.70
-50 -14 22 58 94 130
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Typical Performance Characteristics (continued)
TA=+25°C and VIN = 14V unless otherwise specified
VCSH vs. Junction Temperature VCC vs. Junction Temperature
Figure 10. Figure 11.
VRCT vs. Junction Temperature VLIM vs. Junction Temperature
Figure 12. Figure 13.
tON-MIN vs. Junction Temperature
Figure 14.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 9
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
IS
AGND
PWM
Start new on time
nDIM
COMP
REFERENCE
CURRENT
LIMIT
CSH
HSN
LOGIC
HSP
EN
OVP
HYSTERESIS
LED CURRENT LOW
S
R
Q
UVLO
DDRV
GATE
PGND
OVP
LRDY
RPD
EN
LatchOff TIMR
OVLO
FLT
LED CURRENT HIGH
Regulator
Thermal
Limit
TLIM
TLIM
OVLO
PGND
LatchOff
Standby
Dimming
Reset
Dominant
RCT
800 mV
STOP
820k
500k
LEB
In the LM3421, TIMR is internally shorted to AGND.
1.235V
6.9V LDO
(4.1V)
DPOL
Grey pins are available in the LM3423 only.
LEB
W = 150 ns
VIN/25
VIN UVLO
HYSTERESIS
1.24V
VCC
1.235V
VCC
1.24V
1.24V
0.245V
1.0V
1.6V
VCC UVLO
VCC
VCC UVLO
VIN
23 PA
23 PA
11.5 PA
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
BLOCK DIAGRAM
THEORY OF OPERATION
The LM3421/23 are N-channel MosFET (NFET) controllers for buck, boost and buck-boost current regulators
which are ideal for driving LED loads. The controller has wide input voltage range allowing for regulation of a
variety of LED loads. The high-side differential current sense, with low adjustable threshold voltage, provides an
excellent method for regulating output current while maintaining high system efficiency. The LM3421/23 uses a
Predictive Off-time (PRO) control architecture that allows the regulator to be operated using minimal external
control loop compensation, while providing an inherent cycle-by-cycle current limit. The adjustable current sense
threshold provides the capability to amplitude (analog) dim the LED current and the output enable/disable
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D=INO VV +
O
V
D= INO VV -
O
V
t
iL (t)
ÂiL-PP
IL-MAX
IL-MIN
IL
0
TS
tON = DTStOFF = (1-D)TS
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
function with external dimming FET driver allows for fast PWM dimming of the LED load. When designing, the
maximum attainable LED current is not internally limited because the LM3421/23 is a controller. Instead it is a
function of the system operating point, component choices, and switching frequency allowing the LM3421/23 to
easily provide constant currents up to 5A. This controller contains all the features necessary to implement a high
efficiency versatile LED driver.
Figure 15. Ideal CCM Regulator Inductor Current iL(t)
CURRENT REGULATORS
Current regulators can be designed to accomplish three basic functions: buck, boost, and buck-boost. All three
topologies in their most basic form contain a main switching MosFET, a recirculating diode, an inductor and
capacitors. The LM3421/23 is designed to drive a ground referenced NFET which is perfect for a standard boost
regulator. Buck and buck-boost regulators, on the other hand, usually have a high-side switch. When driving an
LED load, a ground referenced load is often not necessary, therefore a ground referenced switch can be used to
drive a floating load instead. The LM3421/23 can then be used to drive all three basic topologies as shown in the
Basic Topology Schematics section. Other topologies such as the SEPIC and flyback converter (both derivatives
of the buck-boost) can be implemented as well.
Looking at the buck-boost design, the basic operation of a current regulator can be analyzed. During the time
that the NFET (Q1) is turned on (tON), the input voltage source stores energy in the inductor (L1) while the output
capacitor (CO) provides energy to the LED load. When Q1 is turned off (tOFF), the re-circulating diode (D1)
becomes forward biased and L1 provides energy to both COand the LED load. Figure 15 shows the inductor
current (iL(t)) waveform for a regulator operating in CCM.
The average output LED current (ILED) is proportional to the average inductor current (IL) , therefore if ILis tightly
controlled, ILED will be well regulated. As the system changes input voltage or output voltage, the ideal duty cycle
(D) is varied to regulate ILand ultimately ILED. For any current regulator, D is a function of the conversion ratio:
Buck
(1)
Boost
(2)
Buck-boost
(3)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 11
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
TT
SW CR 25
fx
=
( )
2
OOIN VVV25 -
xx
SW
f=2
INTT VCR xx
fSW = 25 x VIN - VO
RT x CT X VIN
( )
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
PREDICTIVE OFF-TIME (PRO) CONTROL
PRO control is used by the LM3421/23 to control ILED. It is a combination of average peak current control and a
one-shot off-timer that varies with input voltage. The LM3421/23 uses peak current control to regulate the
average LED current through an array of HBLEDs. This method of control uses a series resistor in the LED path
to sense LED current and can use either a series resistor in the MosFET path or the MosFET RDS-ON for both
cycle-by-cycle current limit and input voltage feed forward. D is indirectly controlled by changes in both tOFF and
tON, which vary depending on the operating point.
Even though the off-time control is quasi-hysteretic, the input voltage proportionality in the off-timer creates an
essentially constant switching frequency over the entire operating range for boost and buck-boost topologies.
The buck topology can be designed to give constant ripple over either input voltage or output voltage, however
switching frequency is only constant at a specific operating point .
This type of control minimizes the control loop compensation necessary in many switching regulators, simplifying
the design process. The averaging mechanism in the peak detection control loop provides extremely accurate
LED current regulation over the entire operating range.
PRO control was designed to mitigate “current mode instability” (also called “sub-harmonic oscillation”) found in
standard peak current mode control when operating near or above 50% duty cycles. When using standard peak
current mode control with a fixed switching frequency, this condition is present, regardless of the topology.
However, using a constant off-time approach, current mode instability cannot occur, enabling easier design and
control.
Predictive off-time advantages:
There is no current mode instability at any duty cycle.
Higher duty cycles / voltage transformation ratios are possible, especially in the boost regulator.
The only disadvantage is that synchronization to an external reference frequency is generally not available.
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
An external resistor (RT) connected between the RCT pin and the switch node (where D1, Q1, and L1 connect),
in combination with a capacitor (CT) between the RCT and AGND pins, sets the off-time (tOFF) as shown in
Figure 16. For boost and buck-boost topologies, the VIN proportionality ensures a virtually constant switching
frequency (fSW).
For a buck topology, RTand CTare also used to set tOFF, however the VIN proportionality will not ensure a
constant switching frequency. Instead, constant ripple operation can be achieved. Changing the connection of RT
in Figure 16 from VSW to VIN will provide a constant ripple over varying VIN. Adding a PNP transistor as shown in
Figure 17 will provide constant ripple over varying VO.
The switching frequency is defined:
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VIN)
(4)
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VO)
(5)
Boost and Buck-boost
(6)
For all topologies, the CTcapacitor is recommended to be 1 nF and should be located very close to the
LM3421/23.
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Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
ILED = RSNS
1.24V
RSNS
VSNS RCSH
RHSP
= x
VSNS = 1.24V x RCSH
RHSP
ICSH = RHSP
VSNS
RSNS
ILED RHSP
RHSN HSN
HSP High-Side
Sense Amplifier
CSH 1.24V
CCMP
RCSH
COMP
Error Amplifier
VSNS
To PWM
Comparator
LM3421/23
ICSH
RT
CT
LM3421/23
RCT
Start tON
VIN/25
Reset timer
RSNS
VIN
LED-
RT
CT
VSW
LM3421/23
RCT
Start tON
VIN/25
Reset timer
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Figure 16. Off-timer Circuitry for Boost and Buck- Figure 17. Off-timer Circuitry for Buck Regulators
boost Regulators
Figure 18. LED Current Sense Circuitry
AVERAGE LED CURRENT
The LM3421/23 uses an external current sense resistor (RSNS) placed in series with the LED load to convert the
LED current (ILED) into a voltage (VSNS) as shown in Figure 18. The HSP and HSN pins are the inputs to the
high-side sense amplifier which are forced to be equal potential (VHSP=VHSN) through negative feedback.
Because of this, the VSNS voltage is forced across RHSP to generate the signal current (ICSH) which flows out of
the CSH pin and through the RCSH resistor. The error amplifier will regulate the CSH pin to 1.24V, therefore ICSH
can be calculated:
(7)
This means VSNS will be regulated as follows:
(8)
ILED can then be calculated:
(9)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 13
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CSH
RCSH
LM3421/23
VCC
RBIAS
RMAX
Q6
Q7
RADJ
Q8
RADJ
Variable Current Source
Variable
Resistance
VREF
VO = 76V - VIN
VHSP < 76V
VHSN > 3.5V
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
The selection of the three resistors (RSNS, RCSH, and RHSP) is not arbitrary. For matching and noise performance,
the suggested signal current ICSH is approximately 100 µA. This current does not flow in the LEDs and will not
affect either the off-state LED current or the regulated LED current. ICSH can be above or below this value, but
the high-side amplifier offset characteristics may be affected slightly. In addition, to minimize the effect of the
high-side amplifier voltage offset on LED current accuracy, the minimum VSNS is suggested to be 50 mV. Finally,
a resistor (RHSN = RHSP) should be placed in series with the HSN pin to cancel out the effects of the input bias
current (~10 µA) of both inputs of the high-side sense amplifier.
The sense resistor (RSNS) can be placed anywhere in the series string of LEDs as long as the voltage at the HSN
and HSP pins (VHSP and VHSN) satisfies the following conditions.
(10)
Typically, for a buck-boost configuration, RSNS is placed at the bottom of the string (LED-) which allows for
greater flexibility of input and output voltage. However, if there is substantial input voltage ripple allowed, it can
help to place RSNS at the top of the string (LED+) which limits the output voltage of the string to:
(11)
Note that he CSH pin can also be used as a low-side current sense input regulated to 1.24V. The high-side
sense amplifier is disabled if HSP and HSN are tied to AGND (or VHSN > VHSP) .
ANALOG DIMMING
The CSH pin can be used to analog dim the LED current by adjusting the current sense voltage (VSNS). There
are several different methods to adjust VSNS using the CSH pin:
1. External variable resistance : Adjust a potentiometer placed in series with RCSH to vary VSNS.
2. External variable current source: Source current (0 µA to ICSH) into the CSH pin to adjust VSNS.
Figure 19. Analog Dimming Circuitry
In general, analog dimming applications require a lower switching frequency to minimize the effect of the leading
edge blanking circuit. As the LED current is reduced, the output voltage and the duty cycle decreases.
Eventually, the minimum on-time is reached. The lower the switching frequency, the wider the linear dimming
range. Figure 19 shows how both CSH methods are physically implemented.
Method 1 uses an external potentiometer in the CSH path which is a simple addition to the existing circuitry.
However, the LEDs cannot dim completely because there is always some resistance causing signal current to
flow. This method is also susceptible to noise coupling at the CSH pin since the potentiometer increases the size
of the signal current loop.
14 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
ILIM = 245 mV
RLIM
LM3421/23
IT
PWM
COMP
IS
RLIM
Q1 GATE
LEB
PGND
0.245V
0.8V
RDS-ON
Sensing
RLIM
Sensing
ILED = (ICSH - IADD) x RHSP
RSNS¸
¹
·
¨
©
§
RADJ x VREF
IADD = RADJ + RMAX - VBE-Q6
¸
¹
·
¨
©
§
RBIAS
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Method 2 provides a complete dimming range and better noise performance, though it is more complex. It
consists of a PNP current mirror and a bias network consisting of an NPN, 2 resistors and a potentiometer
(RADJ), where RADJ controls the amount of current sourced into the CSH pin. A higher resistance value will source
more current into the CSH pin causing less regulated signal current through RHSP, effectively dimming the LEDs.
VREF should be a precise external voltage reference, while Q7 and Q8 should be a dual pair PNP for best
matching and performance. The additional current (IADD) sourced into the CSH pin can be calculated:
(12)
The corresponding ILED for a specific IADD is:
(13)
CURRENT SENSE/CURRENT LIMIT
The LM3421/23 achieves peak current mode control using a comparator that monitors the main MosFET (Q1)
transistor current, comparing it with the COMP pin voltage as shown in Figure 20. Further, it incorporates a
cycle-by-cycle over-current protection function. Current limit is accomplished by a redundant internal current
sense comparator. If the voltage at the current sense comparator input (IS) exceeds 245 mV (typical), the on
cycle is immediately terminated. The IS input pin has an internal N-channel MosFET which pulls it down at the
conclusion of every cycle. The discharge device remains on an additional 210 ns (typical) after the beginning of a
new cycle to blank the leading edge spike on the current sense signal. The leading edge blanking (LEB)
determines the minimum achievable on-time (tON-MIN).
Figure 20. Current Sense / Current Limit Circuitry
There are two possible methods to sense the transistor current. The RDS-ON of the main power MosFET can be
used as the current sense resistance because the IS pin was designed to withstand the high voltages present on
the drain when the MosFET is in the off state. Alternatively, a sense resistor located in the source of the MosFET
may be used for current sensing, however a low inductance (ESL) type is suggested. The cycle-by-cycle current
limit (ILIM) can be calculated using either method as the limiting resistance (RLIM):
(14)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 15
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
1P =Z1+D
OD Cr x
3
=
0U
T=SNSCSH RR500VD xxx
c620VD x
c
( ) LIM
LED RID1 xx+
( ) LIMHSP RRD1 xx+
x
=
¨
¨
©
§+s
1Z1P ¸
¸
¹
·
0U
T
U
T¨
¨
©
§-s
1Z1Z ¸
¸
¹
·
LM3421/23
VIN
EN
nDIM
VIN
VO
RPD
OVP
Enable
RUV2
RUV1
ROV2
ROV1
L1 D1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION
The LM3421/23 devices have a secondary method of over-current protection. Switching action is disabled
whenever the current in the LEDs is more than 30% above the regulation set point. The dimming MosFET switch
driver (DDRV) is not disabled however as this would immediately remove the fault condition and cause oscillatory
behavior.
ZERO CURRENT SHUTDOWN
The LM3421/23 devices implement "zero current" shutdown via the EN and RPD pins. When pulled low, the EN
pin places the devices into near-zero current state, where only the leakage currents will be observed at the pins
(typical 0.1 µA). The applications circuits, frequently have resistor dividers to set UVLO, OVLO, or other similar
functions. The RPD pin is an open drain N-channel MosFET that is enabled only when the device is enabled.
Tying the bottom of all resistor dividers to the RPD pin as shown in Figure 21 allows them to float during
shutdown, thus removing their current paths and providing true application-wide zero current shutdown.
Figure 21. Zero Current Shutdown Circuit
CONTROL LOOP COMPENSATION
The LM3421/23 control loop is modeled like any current mode controller. Using a first order approximation, the
uncompensated loop can be modeled as a single pole created by the output capacitor and, in the boost and
buck-boost topologies, a right half plane zero created by the inductor, where both have a dependence on the
LED string dynamic resistance. There is also a high frequency pole in the model, however it is near the switching
frequency and plays no part in the compensation design process therefore it will be neglected. Since ceramic
capacitance is recommended for use with LED drivers due to long lifetimes and high ripple current rating, the
ESR of the output capacitor can also be neglected in the loop analysis. Finally, there is a DC gain of the
uncompensated loop which is dependent on internal controller gains and the external sensing network.
A buck-boost regulator will be used as an example case. See the Design Guide section for compensation of all
topologies.
The uncompensated loop gain for a buck-boost regulator is given by the following equation:
(15)
Where the uncompensated DC loop gain of the system is described as:
(16)
And the output pole (ωP1) is approximated:
(17)
16 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
RSNS
ILED RHSP
RHSN HSN
HSP High-Side
Sense Amplifier
CSH 1.24V
CCMP
RCSH
COMP
Error Amplifier
VSNS
To PWM
Comparator
LM3421/23
CFS
RFS
sets öP3
RO
sets öP2
PHASE (°)
FREQUENCY (Hz)
GAIN (dB)
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
-60
135
90
45
0
-45
-90
-135
-180
-225
1e-1 1e1 1e3 1e5 1e7
Phase Margin
öP1
PHASE
GAIN
öZ1
=Dr 2
Dc
x
1Z
ZL1Dx
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
And the right half plane zero (ωZ1) is:
(18)
Figure 22. Uncompensated Loop Gain Frequency Response
Figure 22 shows the uncompensated loop gain in a worst-case scenario when the RHP zero is below the output
pole. This occurs at high duty cycles when the regulator is trying to boost the output voltage significantly. The
RHP zero adds 20dB/decade of gain while loosing 45°/decade of phase which places the crossover frequency
(when the gain is zero dB) extremely high because the gain only starts falling again due to the high frequency
pole (not modeled or shown in figure). The phase will be below -180° at the crossover frequency which means
there is no phase margin (180° + phase at crossover frequency) causing system instability. Even if the output
pole is below the RHP zero, the phase will still reach -180° before the crossover frequency in most cases yielding
instability.
Figure 23. Compensation Circuitry
To mitigate this problem, a compensator should be designed to give adequate phase margin (above 45°) at the
crossover frequency. A simple compensator using a single capacitor at the COMP pin (CCMP) will add a dominant
pole to the system, which will ensure adequate phase margin if placed low enough. At high duty cycles (as
shown in Figure 22), the RHP zero places extreme limits on the achievable bandwidth with this type of
compensation. However, because an LED driver is essentially free of output transients (except catastrophic
failures open or short), the dominant pole approach, even with reduced bandwidth, is usually the best approach.
The dominant compensation pole (ωP2) is determined by CCMP and the output resistance (RO) of the error
amplifier (typically 5 M):
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 17
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
VCMP
0tVCC tCMP tCO t
0.9V
PHASE (°)
FREQUENCY (Hz)
GAIN (dB)
80
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
-60
-80
90
45
0
-45
-90
-135
-180
-225
-270
1e-1 1e1 1e3 1e5 1e7
GAIN
60° Phase Margin
PHASE
öP2
öP3
öP1
öZ1
x= 0U
TT -1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z1
Z
xx +1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z3P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z2P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z1P
1
3P =Z
FSFS CR x
1
2P =Z
CMP
6Ce5 x
:
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
(19)
It may also be necessary to add one final pole at least one decade above the crossover frequency to attenuate
switching noise and, in some cases, provide better gain margin. This pole can be placed across RSNS to filter the
ESL of the sense resistor at the same time. Figure 23 shows how the compensation is physically implemented in
the system.
The high frequency pole (ωP3) can be calculated:
(20)
The total system transfer function becomes:
(21)
The resulting compensated loop gain frequency response shown in Figure 24 indicates that the system has
adequate phase margin (above 45°) if the dominant compensation pole is placed low enough, ensuring stability:
Figure 24. Compensated Loop Gain Frequency Response
Figure 25. Start-Up Waveforms
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Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
1¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§
x
=
-OFFTURN 24V.1V 1OV
R+2OVOV RR
1.24V
23 PA
LM3421/23
ROV2
ROV1
VO
OVLO
OVP
COCMPVCCSU tttt ++=
OCO Ct x
=O
V
LED
I
CMPCMP
CMP C36Ct x
k:
=
x
=PA
25
0.9V
BYPBYPVCC C168Ct x:
=
x
=mA25 V2.4
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
START-UP REGULATOR
The LM3421/23 includes a high voltage, low dropout bias regulator. When power is applied, the regulator is
enabled and sources current into an external capacitor (CBYP) connected to the VCC pin. The recommended
bypass capacitance for the VCC regulator is 2.2 µF to 3.3 µF. The output of the VCC regulator is monitored by an
internal UVLO circuit that protects the device from attempting to operate with insufficient supply voltage and the
supply is also internally current limited. Figure 25 shows the typical start-up waveforms for the LM3421/23.
First, CBYP is charged to be above VCC UVLO threshold (~4.2V). The CVCC charging time (tVCC) can be estimated
as:
(22)
CCMP is then charged to 0.9V over the charging time (tCMP) which can be estimated as:
(23)
Once CCMP = 0.9V, the part starts switching to charge COuntil the LED current is in regulation. The COcharging
time (tCO) can be roughly estimated as:
(24)
The system start-up time (tSU) is defined as:
(25)
In some configurations, the start-up waveform will overshoot the steady state COMP pin voltage. In this case, the
LED current and output voltage will overshoot also, which can trip the over-voltage or protection, causing a race
condition. The easiest way to prevent this is to use a larger compensation capacitor (CCMP), thereby slowing
down the control loop.
OVER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT (OVLO)
Figure 26. Over-Voltage Protection Circuitry
The LM3421/23 can be configured to detect an output (or input) over-voltage condition via the OVP pin. The pin
features a precision 1.24V threshold with 23 µA (typical) of hysteresis current as shown in Figure 26. When the
OVLO threshold is exceeded, the GATE pin is immediately pulled low and a 23 µA current source provides
hysteresis to the lower threshold of the OVLO hysteretic band.
If the LEDs are referenced to a potential other than ground (floating), as in the buck-boost and buck
configuration, the output voltage (VO) should be sensed and translated to ground by using a single PNP as
shown in Figure 27.
The over-voltage turn-off threshold (VTURN-OFF) is defined:
Ground Referenced
(26)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 19
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
1.24V
23 PA
LM3421/23
RUV2
RUV1
VIN
UVLO
nDIM
RUVH
(optional)
LM3421/23
OVP
ROV2
ROV1
LED+
LED-
2OVHYSO RA23V xP=
¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§
x
=
-OFFTURN 24V.1V x+
OV1 OV2
R5.0 R
1OV
R
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Floating
(27)
In the ground referenced configuration, the voltage across ROV2 is VO- 1.24V whereas in the floating
configuration it is VO- 620 mV where 620 mV approximates VBE of the PNP.
The over-voltage hysteresis (VHYSO) is defined:
(28)
Figure 27. Floating Output OVP Circuitry
The OVLO feature can cause some interesting results if the OVLO trip-point is set too cose to VO. At turn-on, the
converter has a modest amount of voltage overshoot before the control loop gains control of ILED. If the overshoot
exceeds the OVLO threshold, the controller shuts down, opening the dimming MosFET. This isolates the LED
load from the converter and the output capacitance. The voltage will then discharge very slowly through the HSP
and HSN pins until VOdrops below the lower threshold, where the process repeats. This looks like the LEDs are
blinking at around 2 Hz. This mode can be escaped if the input voltage is reduced.
INPUT UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT (UVLO)
The nDIM pin is a dual-function input that features an accurate 1.24V threshold with programmable hysteresis as
shown in Figure 28. This pin functions as both the PWM dimming input for the LEDs and as a VIN UVLO. When
the pin voltage rises and exceeds the 1.24V threshold, 23 µA (typical) of current is driven out of the nDIM pin into
the resistor divider providing programmable hysteresis.
Figure 28. UVLO Circuit
When using the nDIM pin for UVLO and PWM dimming concurrently, the UVLO circuit can have an extra series
resistor to set the hysteresis. This allows the standard resistor divider to have smaller resistor values minimizing
PWM delays due to a pull-down MosFET at the nDIM pin (see PWM DIMMING section). In general, at least 3V
of hysteresis is preferable when PWM dimming, if operating near the UVLO threshold.
The turn-on threshold (VTURN-ON) is defined as follows:
20 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421/23
RUV2
RUV1
VIN
nDIM
RUVH
QDIM
DDIM
Inverted
PWM
Standard
PWM
x
PA23
=
HYS
V¨
¨
©
§+
2UV
R¸
¸
¹
·
1UV
R
(+
x1UV
R)
2UV
R
UVH
R
2UV
RA23 x
P
HYS
V=
1¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§
x
=
-ONTURN 24V.1V 1UV
R+2UVUV RR
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
(29)
The hysteresis (VHYS) is defined as follows:
UVLO only
(30)
PWM dimming and UVLO
(31)
When "zero current" shutdown and UVLO are implemented together, the EN pin can be used to escape UVLO.
The nDIM pin will pull-up to VIN when EN is pulled low, therefore if VIN is within the UVLO hysteretic window
when EN is pulled high again, the controller will start-up even though VTURN-ON is not exceeded.
PWM DIMMING
The active low nDIM pin can be driven with a PWM signal which controls the main NFET and the dimming FET
(dimFET). The brightness of the LEDs can be varied by modulating the duty cycle of this signal. LED brightness
is approximately proportional to the PWM signal duty cycle, (i.e. 30% duty cycle ~ 30% LED brightness). This
function can be ignored if PWM dimming is not required by using nDIM solely as a VIN UVLO input as described
in the INPUT UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT (UVLO) section or by tying it directly to VCC or VIN.
Figure 29. PWM Dimming Circuit
Figure 29 shows how the PWM signal is applied to nDIM:
1. Connect the dimming MosFET (QDIM) with the drain to the nDIM pin and the source to AGND. Apply an
external logic-level PWM signal to the gate of QDIM.
2. Connect the anode of a Schottky diode (DDIM) to the nDIM pin. Apply an inverted external logic-level PWM
signal to the cathode of the same diode.
The DDRV pin is a PWM output that follows the nDIM PWM input signal. When the nDIM pin rises, the DDRV pin
rises and the PWM latch reset signal is removed allowing the main MosFET Q1 to turn on at the beginning of the
next clock set pulse. In boost and buck-boost topologies, the DDRV pin is used to control a N-channel MosFET
placed in series with the LED load, while it would control a P-channel MosFET in parallel with the load for a buck
topology.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 21
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
RSNS
LED+
Q7
Q6 Q4
10V VIN
5 k:
LM3421/23
500:
DDRV
VCC
100 pF
Q2
100 nF
10:
tPULSE = 2 x ILED x VO X L1
VIN2
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
The series dimFET will open the LED load, when nDIM is low, effectively speeding up the rise and fall times of
the LED current. Without any dimFET, the rise and fall times are limited by the inductor slew rate and dimming
frequencies above 1 kHz are impractical. Using the series dimFET, dimming frequencies up to 30 kHz are
achievable. With a parallel dimFET (buck topology), even higher dimming frequencies are achievable.
When using the PWM functionality in a boost regulator, the PWM signal can drive a ground referenced FET.
However, with buck-boost and buck topologies, level shifting circuitry is necessary to translate the PWM dim
signal to the floating dimFET as shown in Figure 30 and Figure 31. If high side dimming is necessary in a boost
regulator using the LM3423, level shifting can be added providing the polarity inverting DPOL pin is pulled low
(see LM3423 ONLY: DPOL, FLT, TIMR, and LRDY section) as shown in Figure 32.
When using a series dimFET to PWM dim the LED current, more output capacitance is always better. A general
rule of thumb is to use a minimum of 40 µF when PWM dimming. For most applications, this will provide
adequate energy storage at the output when the dimFET turns off and opens the LED load. Then when the
dimFET is turned back on, the capacitance helps source current into the load, improving the LED current rise
time.
A minimum on-time must be maintained in order for PWM dimming to operate in the linear region of its transfer
function. Because the controller is disabled during dimming, the PWM pulse must be long enough such that the
energy intercepted from the input is greater than or equal to the energy being put into the LEDs. For boost and
buck-boost regulators, the minimum dimming pulse length in seconds (tPULSE) is:
(32)
Even maintaining a dimming pulse greater than tPULSE, preserving linearity at low dimming duty cycles is difficult.
The second helpful modification is to remove the CFS capacitor and RFS resistor, eliminating the high frequency
compensation pole. This should not affect stability, but it will speed up the response of the CSH pin, specifically
at the rising edge of the LED current when PWM dimming, thus improving the achievable linearity at low dimming
duty cycles.
Figure 30. Buck-boost Level-Shifted PWM Circuit
22 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
TMR
C=11.5
FLT
txPA
V1.24
RSNS
Q6
10V
10 k:
LM3421/23
DDRV
VCC
100 pF
Q2
100
k:
VO
DPOL
RSNS
LM3421/23
DDRV
100 nF
100
k:
Q2
10V
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Figure 31. Buck Level-Shifted PWM Circuit
Figure 32. Boost Level-Shifted PWM Circuit
LM3423 ONLY: DPOL, FLT, TIMR, and LRDY
The LM3423 has four additional pins: DPOL, FLT, TIMR, and LRDY. The DPOL pin is simply used to invert the
DDRV polarity . If DPOL is left open, then it is internally pulled high and the polarity is correct for driving a series
N-channel dimFET. If DPOL is pulled low then the polarity is correct for using a series P-channel dimFET in high-
side dimming applications. For a parallel P-channel dimFET, as used in the buck topology, leave DPOL open for
proper polarity.
Among the LM3423's other additional pins are TIMR and FLT which can be used in conjunction with an input
disconnect MosFET switch as shown in Figure 33 to protect the module from various fault conditions.
A fault is detected and an 11.5 µA (typical) current is sourced from the TIMR pin whenever any of the following
conditions exist:
1. LED current is above regulation by more than 30%.
2. OVLO has engaged.
3. Thermal shutdown has engaged.
An external capacitor (CTMR) from TIMR to AGND programs the fault filter time as follows:
(33)
When the voltage on the TIMR pin reaches 1.24V, the device is latched off and the N-channel MosFET open
drain FLT pin transitions to a high impedance state. The TIMR pin will be immediately pulled to ground (reset) if
the fault condition is removed at any point during the filter period. Otherwise, if the timer expires, the fault will
remain latched until one of three things occurs:
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 23
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421/23
VIN
FLT
TIMR
LRDY
VIN
VSW
High = LED in regulation
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
1. The EN pin is pulled low long enough for the VCC pin to drop below 4.1V (approximately 200 ms).
2. The TIMR pin is pulled to ground.
3. A complete power cycle occurs.
When using the EN and OVP pins in conjunction with the RPD pull-down pin, a race condition exists when
exiting the disabled (EN low) state. When disabled, the OVP pin is pulled up to the output voltage because the
RPD pull-down is disabled, and this will appear to be a real OVLO condition. The timer pin will immediately rise
and latch the controller to the fault state. To protect against this behavior, a minimum timer capacitor (CTMR =
220pF) should be used. If fault latching is not required, short the TMR pin to AGND which will disable the FLT
flag function.
The LM3423 also includes an LED Ready (LRDY) flag to notify the system that the LEDs are in proper
regulation. The N-channel MosFET open drain LRDY pin is pulled low whenever any of the following conditions
are met:
1. VCC UVLO has engaged.
2. LED current is below regulation by more than 20%.
3. LED current is above regulation by more than 30%.
4. Over-voltage protection has engaged
5. Thermal shutdown has engaged.
6. A fault has latched the device off.
Note that the LRDY pin is pulled low during startup of the device and remains low until the LED current is in
regulation.
Figure 33. Fault Detection and LED Status Circuit
Design Considerations
This section describes the application level considerations when designing with the LM3421/23. For
corresponding calculations, refer to the Design Guide section.
INDUCTOR
The inductor (L1) is the main energy storage device in a switching regulator. Depending on the topology, energy
is stored in the inductor and transfered to the load in different ways (as an example, buck-boost operation is
detailed in the CURRENT REGULATORS section). The size of the inductor, the voltage across it, and the length
of the switching subinterval (tON or tOFF) determines the inductor current ripple (ΔiL-PP ). In the design process, L1
is chosen to provide a desired ΔiL-PP. For a buck regulator the inductor has a direct connection to the load, which
is good for a current regulator. This requires little to no output capacitance therefore ΔiL-PP is basically equal to
the LED ripple current ΔiLED-PP. However, for boost and buck-boost regulators, there is always an output
capacitor which reduces ΔiLED-PP, therefore the inductor ripple can be larger than in the buck regulator case
where output capacitance is minimal or completely absent.
24 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
In general, ΔiLED-PP is recommended by manufacturers to be less than 40% of the average LED current (ILED).
Therefore, for the buck regulator with no output capacitance, ΔiL-PP should also be less than 40% of ILED. For the
boost and buck-boost topologies, ΔiL-PP can be much higher depending on the output capacitance value.
However, ΔiL-PP is suggested to be less than 100% of the average inductor current (IL) to limit the RMS inductor
current.
L1 is also suggested to have an RMS current rating at least 25% higher than the calculated minimum allowable
RMS inductor current (IL-RMS).
LED DYNAMIC RESISTANCE
When the load is a string of LEDs, the output load resistance is the LED string dynamic resistance plus RSNS.
LEDs are PN junction diodes, and their dynamic resistance shifts as their forward current changes. Dividing the
forward voltage of a single LED (VLED) by the forward current (ILED) leads to an incorrect calculation of the
dynamic resistance of a single LED (rLED). The result can be 5 to 10 times higher than the true rLED value.
Figure 34. Dynamic Resistance
Obtaining rLED is accomplished by refering to the manufacturer's LED I-V characteristic. It can be calculated as
the slope at the nominal operating point as shown in Figure 34. For any application with more than 2 series
LEDs, RSNS can be neglected allowing rDto be approximated as the number of LEDs multiplied by rLED.
OUTPUT CAPACITOR
For boost and buck-boost regulators, the output capacitor (CO) provides energy to the load when the recirculating
diode (D1) is reverse biased during the first switching subinterval. An output capacitor in a buck topology will
simply reduce the LED current ripple (ΔiLED-PP) below the inductor current ripple (ΔiL-PP). In all cases, COis sized
to provide a desired ΔiLED-PP. As mentioned in the INDUCTOR section, ΔiLED-PP is recommended by
manufacturers to be less than 40% of the average LED current (ILED-PP).
COshould be carefully chosen to account for derating due to temperature and operating voltage. It must also
have the necessary RMS current rating. Ceramic capacitors are the best choice due to their high ripple current
rating, long lifetime, and good temperature performance. An X7R dieletric rating is suggested.
INPUT CAPACITORS
The input capacitance (CIN) provides energy during the discontinuous portions of the switching period. For buck
and buck-boost regulators, CIN provides energy during tON and during tOFF, the input voltage source charges up
CIN with the average input current (IIN). For boost regulators, CIN only needs to provide the ripple current due to
the direct connection to the inductor. CIN is selected given the maximum input voltage ripple (ΔvIN-PP) which can
be tolerated. ΔvIN-PP is suggested to be less than 10% of the input voltage (VIN).
An input capacitance at least 100% greater than the calculated CIN value is recommended to account for derating
due to temperature and operating voltage. When PWM dimming, even more capacitance can be helpful to
minimize the large current draw from the input voltage source during the rising transistion of the LED current
waveform.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 25
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
The chosen input capacitors must also have the necessary RMS current rating. Ceramic capacitors are again the
best choice due to their high ripple current rating, long lifetime, and good temperature performance. An X7R
dieletric rating is suggested.
For most applications, it is recommended to bypass the VIN pin with an 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed as close
as possible to the pin. In situations where the bulk input capacitance may be far from the LM3421/23 device, a
10 series resistor can be placed between the bulk input capacitance and the bypass capacitor, creating a
150 kHz filter to eliminate undesired high frequency noise.
MAIN MosFET / DIMMING MosFET
The LM3421/23 requires an external NFET (Q1) as the main power MosFET for the switching regulator. Q1 is
recommended to have a voltage rating at least 15% higher than the maximum transistor voltage to ensure safe
operation during the ringing of the switch node. In practice, all switching regulators have some ringing at the
switch node due to the diode parasitic capacitance and the lead inductance. The current rating is recommended
to be at least 10% higher than the average transistor current. The power rating is then verified by calculating the
power loss given the RMS transistor current and the NFET on-resistance (RDS-ON).
When PWM dimming, the LM3421/23 requires another MosFET (Q2) placed in series (or parallel for a buck
regulator) with the LED load. This MosFET should have a voltage rating equal to the output voltage (VO) and a
current rating at least 10% higher than the nominal LED current (ILED) . The power rating is simply VOmultiplied
by ILED, assuming 100% dimming duty cycle (continuous operation) will occur.
In general, the NFETs should be chosen to minimize total gate charge (Qg) when fSW is high and minimize RDS-ON
otherwise. This will minimize the dominant power losses in the system. Frequently, higher current NFETs in
larger packages are chosen for better thermal performance.
RE-CIRCULATING DIODE
A re-circulating diode (D1) is required to carry the inductor current during tOFF. The most efficient choice for D1 is
a Schottky diode due to low forward voltage drop and near-zero reverse recovery time. Similar to Q1, D1 is
recommended to have a voltage rating at least 15% higher than the maximum transistor voltage to ensure safe
operation during the ringing of the switch node and a current rating at least 10% higher than the average diode
current. The power rating is verified by calculating the power loss through the diode. This is accomplished by
checking the typical diode forward voltage from the I-V curve on the product datasheet and multiplying by the
average diode current. In general, higher current diodes have a lower forward voltage and come in better
performing packages minimizing both power losses and temperature rise.
BOOST INRUSH CURRENT
When configured as a boost converter, there is a “phantom” power path comprised of the inductor, the output
diode, and the output capacitor. This path will cause two things to happen when power is applied. First, there will
be a very large inrush of current to charge the output capacitor. Second, the energy stored in the inductor during
this inrush will end up in the output capacitor, charging it to a higher potential than the input voltage.
Depending on the state of the EN pin, the output capacitor would be discharged by:
1. EN < 1.3V: no discharge path (leakage only).
2. EN > 1.3V, the OVP divider resistor path, if present, and 10µA into each of the HSP & HSN pins.
In applications using the OVP divider and with EN > 1.3V, the output capacitor voltage can charge higher than
VTURN-OFF. In this situation, the FLT pin (LM3423 only) is open and the PWM dimming MosFET is turned off. This
condition (the system appearing disabled) can persist for an undesirably long time. Possible solutions to this
condition are:
Add an inrush diode from VIN to the output as shown in Figure 35.
Add an NTC thermistor in series with the input to prevent the inrush from overcharging the output capacitor
too high.
Use a current limited source supply.
Raise the OVP threshold.
26 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
VIN VO
L1 D1
Boost Inrush Diode
Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Figure 35. Boost Topology with Inrush Diode
CIRCUIT LAYOUT
The performance of any switching regulator depends as much upon the layout of the PCB as the component
selection. Following a few simple guidelines will maximimize noise rejection and minimize the generation of EMI
within the circuit.
Discontinuous currents are the most likely to generate EMI, therefore care should be taken when routing these
paths. The main path for discontinuous current in the LM3421/23 buck regulator contains the input capacitor
(CIN), the recirculating diode (D1), the N-channel MosFET (Q1), and the sense resistor (RLIM). In the LM3421/23
boost regulator, the discontinuous current flows through the output capacitor (CO), D1, Q1, and RLIM. In the buck-
boost regulator both loops are discontinuous and should be carefully layed out. These loops should be kept as
small as possible and the connections between all the components should be short and thick to minimize
parasitic inductance. In particular, the switch node (where L1, D1 and Q1 connect) should be just large enough
to connect the components. To minimize excessive heating, large copper pours can be placed adjacent to the
short current path of the switch node.
The RT, COMP, CSH, IS, HSP and HSN pins are all high-impedance inputs which couple external noise easily,
therefore the loops containing these nodes should be minimized whenever possible.
In some applications the LED or LED array can be far away (several inches or more) from the LM3421/23, or on
a separate PCB connected by a wiring harness. When an output capacitor is used and the LED array is large or
separated from the rest of the regulator, the output capacitor should be placed close to the LEDs to reduce the
effects of parasitic inductance on the AC impedance of the capacitor.
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 27
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
CO
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
Q2
D1
L1
CIN
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RCSH
RT
ROV2
ROV1
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Basic Topology Schematics
BOOST REGULATOR (VIN < VO)
28 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
RLIM
Q1
ROV2
ROV1
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q2
D2
L1 Q5
DIM
DIM
RPU
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
CIN
CBYP
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
CDIM
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
BUCK REGULATOR (VIN > VO)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 29
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
Q7
D1
ROV2
ROV1
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q6
Q5
Q4
D2
VIN
VIN
DIM
DIM
RPU
RSER
Q2
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
CIN
CG
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
BUCK-BOOST REGULATOR
30 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
D=INO VV +
O
V
D= INO VV -
O
V
rD = N x rLED
VO = N x VLED
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Design Guide
Refer to the Basic Topology Schematics section.
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of series LEDs: N
Single LED forward voltage: VLED
Single LED dynamic resistance: rLED
Nominal input voltage: VIN
Input voltage range: VIN-MAX, VIN-MIN
Switching frequency: fSW
Current sense voltage: VSNS
Average LED current: ILED
Inductor current ripple: ΔiL-PP
LED current ripple: ΔiLED-PP
Peak current limit: ILIM
Input voltage ripple: ΔvIN-PP
Output OVLO characteristics: VTURN-OFF, VHYSO
Input UVLO characteristics: VTURN-ON, VHYS
1. OPERATING POINT
Given the number of series LEDs (N), the forward voltage (VLED) and dynamic resistance (rLED) for a single LED,
solve for the nominal output voltage (VO) and the nominal LED string dynamic resistance (rD):
(34)
(35)
Solve for the ideal nominal duty cycle (D):
Buck
(36)
Boost
(37)
Buck-boost
(38)
Using the same equations, find the minimum duty cycle (DMIN) using maximum input voltage (VIN-MAX) and the
maximum duty cycle (DMAX) using the minimum input voltage (VIN-MIN). Also, remember that D' = 1 - D.
2. SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Set the switching frequency (fSW) by assuming a CTvalue of 1 nF and solving for RT:
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 31
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
IL-RMS = ILED x 1 + 1
12 xILED
'IL-PP
¸
¹
·
¨
©
§2
L1= IN DV x
i
üSWPP-L fx
30
1L =)
ODV x
-
(IN
V
SWPP-L f
ü
ix
1.24V
RHSP =RRI SNSCSHLED xx
SNS
R = SNS
V
LED
I
T25
R = TSW Cf x
( )
T25
R=2
OOIN VVV -
xx 2
INTSW VCf xx
RT = 25 x VIN - VO
fSW x CT X VIN
( )
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Buck (Constant Ripple vs. VIN)
(39)
(40)
Boost and Buck-boost
(41)
3. AVERAGE LED CURRENT
For all topologies, set the average LED current (ILED) knowing the desired current sense voltage (VSNS) and
solving for RSNS:
(42)
If the calculated RSNS is too far from a desired standard value, then VSNS will have to be adjusted to obtain a
standard value.
Setup the suggested signal current of 100 µA by assuming RCSH = 12.4 kand solving for RHSP:
(43)
If the calculated RHSP is too far from a desired standard value, then RCSH can be adjusted to obtain a standard
value.
4. INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT
Set the nominal inductor ripple current (ΔiL-PP) by solving for the appropriate inductor (L1):
Buck
(44)
Boost and Buck-boost
(45)
To set the worst case inductor ripple current, use VIN-MAX and DMIN when solving for L1.
The minimum allowable inductor RMS current rating (IL-RMS) can be calculated as:
Buck
(46)
32 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
x
=
¨
¨
©
§+s
1Z1P ¸
¸
¹
·
0U
T
U
T1
LIM
R=LIM
I
245 mV
1-DMAX
DMAX
ICO-RMS = ILED x
IRMSCO =
-12PP-LED
iü
O
C = SWPP-LEDD f
ü
i
r xx LED DI x
O
C = PPL
i-
'
PPLEDDSW irf8 -
'xxx
IL-RMS = 1 + 1
12 xILED
'IL-PP x D' ¸
¹
·
¨
©
§2
D'
ILED x
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Boost and Buck-boost
(47)
5. LED RIPPLE CURRENT
Set the nominal LED ripple current (ΔiLED-PP), by solving for the output capacitance (CO):
Buck
(48)
Boost and Buck-boost
(49)
To set the worst case LED ripple current, use DMAX when solving for CO. Remember, when PWM dimming it is
recommended to use a minimum of 40 µF of output capacitance to improve performance.
The minimum allowable RMS output capacitor current rating (ICO-RMS) can be approximated:
Buck
(50)
Boost and Buck-boost
(51)
6. PEAK CURRENT LIMIT
Set the peak current limit (ILIM) by solving for the transistor path sense resistor (RLIM):
(52)
7. LOOP COMPENSATION
Using a simple first order peak current mode control model, neglecting any output capacitor ESR dynamics, the
necessary loop compensation can be determined.
First, the uncompensated loop gain (TU) of the regulator can be approximated:
Buck
(53)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 33
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
1Z1P )
,min( Z
Z
5x0U
T
2P =
Z
=
0U
T=SNSCSH RR500VD xxx
c620VD x
c
( ) LIM
LED RID1 xx+
( ) LIMHSP RRD1 xx+
=
0U
T=SNSCSH RR500VD xxx
c310VD x
c
LIMLED RI x
LIMHSP RR2 xx
SNS 620V
RR500V =
xx CSH
LIMLED RI x
0U
T=LIMHSP RR x
=Dr 2
Dc
x
1Z
ZL1Dx
=Dr 2
Dc
x
1Z
ZL1
1P =Z1+D
OD Cr x
3
1P =Z2
OD Cr x
3
1P =Z1
OD Cr x
3
x
=
¨
¨
©
§+s
1Z1P ¸
¸
¹
·
0U
T
U
T¨
¨
©
§-s
1Z1Z ¸
¸
¹
·
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Boost and Buck-boost
(54)
Where the pole (ωP1) is approximated:
Buck
(55)
Boost
(56)
Buck-boost
(57)
And the RHP zero (ωZ1) is approximated:
Boost
(58)
Buck-boost
(59)
And the uncompensated DC loop gain (TU0) is approximated:
Buck
(60)
Boost
(61)
Buck-boost
(62)
For all topologies, the primary method of compensation is to place a low frequency dominant pole (ωP2) which
will ensure that there is ample phase margin at the crossover frequency. This is accomplished by placing a
capacitor (CCMP) from the COMP pin to AGND, which is calculated according to the lower value of the pole and
the RHP zero of the system (shown as a minimizing function):
(63)
34 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
(1-DMID)DII LEDRMSCIN xx=
- MID
CIN = 'VIN-PP x fSW
ILED x D
CIN = 8 x 'VIN-PP x fSW
'iL-PP
CIN = ILED x (1 - D) x D
'VIN-PP x fSW
x= 0U
TT -1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z1
Z
xx +1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z3P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z2P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z1P
x= 0U
TT 1
xx +1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z3P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z2P
+1 ¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§s
Z1P
1
=
CFS 3P
10xZ
300
max
3P =
Z( ) 10, 1Z1P x
ZZ
1
CMP
C=6
2P e5
x
Z
300
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
(64)
If analog dimming is used, CCMP should be approximately 4x larger to maintain stability as the LEDs are dimmed
to zero.
A high frequency compensation pole (ωP3) can be used to attenuate switching noise and provide better gain
margin. Assuming RFS = 10, CFS is calculated according to the higher value of the pole and the RHP zero of
the system (shown as a maximizing function):
(65)
(66)
The total system loop gain (T) can then be written as:
Buck
(67)
Boost and Buck-boost
(68)
8. INPUT CAPACITANCE
Set the nominal input voltage ripple (ΔvIN-PP) by solving for the required capacitance (CIN):
Buck
(69)
Boost
(70)
Buck-boost
(71)
Use DMAX to set the worst case input voltage ripple, when solving for CIN in a buck-boost regulator and DMID = 0.5
when solving for CIN in a buck regulator.
The minimum allowable RMS input current rating (ICIN-RMS) can be approximated:
Buck
(72)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 35
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
VRD-MAX = VIN-MAX
DSON
2
RMSTT RIP x= -
IRMST =
-D
x
ILED
Dc
DIT- ILEDRMS x=
IT-MAX = x ILED
1 - DMAX
DMAX
IT-MAX = DMAX x ILED
OMAXINMAXT VVV +
=--
O
V
=
MAXT
V-
MAXINMAXT VV -- =
1-DMAX
DMAX
ICIN-RMS = ILED x
12
ICIN-RMS = 'iL-PP
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Boost
(73)
Buck-boost
(74)
9. NFET
The NFET voltage rating should be at least 15% higher than the maximum NFET drain-to-source voltage (VT-
MAX):
Buck
(75)
Boost
(76)
Buck-boost
(77)
The current rating should be at least 10% higher than the maximum average NFET current (IT-MAX):
Buck
(78)
Boost and Buck-boost
(79)
Approximate the nominal RMS transistor current (IT-RMS) :
Buck
(80)
Boost and Buck-boost
(81)
Given an NFET with on-resistance (RDS-ON), solve for the nominal power dissipation (PT):
(82)
10. DIODE
The Schottky diode voltage rating should be at least 15% higher than the maximum blocking voltage (VRD-MAX):
Buck
(83)
36 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
RUV1 =1.24VV ONTURN -
-
R1.24V UV2
x
RUV2 =A23P
VHYS
ROV1=R1.24V OV2
xVm620V OFFTURN -
-
ROV1 =1.24VV OFFTURN -
-
R1.24V OV2
x
ROV2 =VHYSO
A23P
FDDD VIP x=
ID-MAX = ILED
ID-MAX = (1 - DMIN) x ILED
VRD-MAX = VIN-MAX + VO
VRD-MAX = VO
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Boost
(84)
Buck-boost
(85)
The current rating should be at least 10% higher than the maximum average diode current (ID-MAX):
Buck
(86)
Boost and Buck-boost
(87)
Replace DMAX with D in the ID-MAX equation to solve for the average diode current (ID). Given a diode with forward
voltage (VFD), solve for the nominal power dissipation (PD):
(88)
11. OUTPUT OVLO
For boost and buck-boost regulators, output OVLO is programmed with the turn-off threshold voltage (VTURN-OFF)
and the desired hysteresis (VHYSO). To set VHYSO, solve for ROV2:
(89)
To set VTURN-OFF, solve for ROV1:
Boost
(90)
Buck-boost
(91)
A small filter capacitor (COVP = 47 pF) should be added from the OVP pin to ground to reduce coupled switching
noise.
12. INPUT UVLO
For all topologies, input UVLO is programmed with the turn-on threshold voltage (VTURN-ON) and the desired
hysteresis (VHYS).
Method #1: If no PWM dimming is required, a two resistor network can be used. To set VHYS, solve for RUV2:
(92)
To set VTURN-ON, solve for RUV1:
(93)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 37
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
( )
RR +x 2UV1UV
A23P
( )
xHYS A23V xP- R 2UV
R1UV
UVH
R =
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
Method #2: If PWM dimming is required, a three resistor network is suggested. To set VTURN-ON, assume RUV2 =
10 kand solve for RUV1 as in Method #1. To set VHYS, solve for RUVH:
(94)
13. PWM DIMMING METHOD
PWM dimming can be performed several ways:
Method #1: Connect the dimming MosFET (Q3) with the drain to the nDIM pin and the source to AGND. Apply
an external PWM signal to the gate of QDIM. A pull down resistor may be necessary to properly turn off Q3.
Method #2: Connect the anode of a Schottky diode to the nDIM pin. Apply an external inverted PWM signal to
the cathode of the same diode.
The DDRV pin should be connected to the gate of the dimFET with or without level-shifting circuitry as described
in the PWM DIMMING section. The dimFET should be rated to handle the average LED current and the nominal
output voltage.
14. ANALOG DIMMING METHOD
Analog dimming can be performed several ways:
Method #1: Place a potentiometer in series with the RCSH resistor to dim the LED current from the nominal ILED
to near zero.
Method #2: Connect a controlled current source as detailed in the ANALOG DIMMING section to the CSH pin.
Increasing the current sourced into the CSH node will decrease the LEDs from the nominal ILED to zero current in
the same manner as the thermal foldback circuit.
38 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
1A
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q2
VIN
VIN
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
CT
CIN
10V ± 70V
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
Design Example
DESIGN #1 - LM3421 BUCK-BOOST Application
SPECIFICATIONS
N=6
VLED = 3.5V
rLED = 325 m
VIN = 24V
VIN-MIN = 10V
VIN-MAX = 70V
fSW = 500 kHz
VSNS = 100 mV
ILED = 1A
ΔiL-PP = 700 mA
ΔiLED-PP = 12 mA
ΔvIN-PP = 100 mV
ILIM = 6A
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 39
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
DMAX == 677.0
=
V21 V10V21 +
VO
VV IN-MINO +
21V
=21V + 70V = 0.231
DMIN = VO + VIN-MAX
VO
533.0467.01D1'D =
-
=
-
=
D== 467.0
=
V21 V24V21 +
VOVV INO +
:
=
:x
=
x
=95.1m3256rNr LEDD
V21V5.36VNV LEDO =
x
=
x
=
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
VTURN-ON = 10V
VHYS = 3V
VTURN-OFF = 40V
VHYSO = 10V
1. OPERATING POINT
Solve for VOand rD:
(95)
(96)
Solve for D, D', DMAX, and DMIN:
(97)
(98)
(99)
(100)
40 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
A89.1
12
1
1
IRMSL =
+
x
=
-
I
ILED
RMSL x
=
-12
1
12
x
+¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§Di PPL c
x
'-
ILED
Dc
533.0mA678 2
x¸
¸
¹
·
¨
¨
©
§A1
x
533.0 A1
PP- ==
LDVIN xf1L SW
xkHz015H33 xP
467.0V42 x mA678
=
'i
== DVIN xfSW
x467.0V42 x PH
32
=
1L PP-
'iLkHz015700 mA x
:
k4.21RCSH =
:
k1RR HSN ==
HSP
0.1R NSS =:
ILED = = k0.11.24V :xA0.1=
k4.121.0 :x:
RR CSHSNS xR1.24V HSP
x
=1.24V1.24V
=
RHSP :
=k0.1
:
x
:
x0.1k12.4A1
xx RRI SNSCSHLED
:
=== 1.0
1A
RSNS ILED
mV100
VSNS
CT = 1 nF
RT = 49.9 k:
2525 =49.9 k: x 1 nF
fSW = RT x CT= 501 kHz
2525 =500 kHz x 1 nF = 50 k:
RT =fSW x CT
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
2. SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Assume CT= 1 nF and solve for RT:
(101)
The closest standard resistor is 49.9 ktherefore fSW is:
(102)
The chosen component from step 2 is:
(103)
3. AVERAGE LED CURRENT
Solve for RSNS:
(104)
Assume RCSH = 12.4 kand solve for RHSP:
(105)
The closest standard resistor for RSNS is actually 0.1and for RHSP is actually 1 ktherefore ILED is:
(106)
The chosen components from step 3 are:
(107)
4. INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT
Solve for L1:
(108)
The closest standard inductor is 33 µH therefore ΔiL-PP is:
(109)
Determine minimum allowable RMS current rating:
(110)
The chosen component from step 4 is:
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 41
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
sec
rad
k36=== 533.095.1 2
x:H33467.0 Px
Dr 2
Dc
xL1Dx
1Z
Z
sec
rad
k19=== 1.467 F40
1.95:Px
CO
rDxD1+
1P
Z
0.04:RLIM =
:04.0 === 6.13A
mV245mV245
ILIM RLIM
:=== 041.0
6A
RLIM mV245mV245
ILIM
CO = 4 x 10 PF
x
A1
=ILED
IRMSCO- =
1- 0.677
677.0 1.45A
x1- DMAX
DMAX =
DILED x
=
'iPP-LED SW
fxrDxCO
2
= =
kHz01595.1 xx:1 mA
467.0A1 x F40P
'iPP-LED
f
'i
rSWPP-LEDD xx DILED x
CO=
2
= F39.8P=
kHz015mA195.1 xx:
467.0A1 x
CO
H331L P
=
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
(111)
5. OUTPUT CAPACITANCE
Solve for CO:
(112)
The closest capacitance totals 40 µF therefore ΔiLED-PP is:
(113)
Determine minimum allowable RMS current rating:
(114)
The chosen components from step 5 are:
(115)
6. PEAK CURRENT LIMIT
Solve for RLIM:
(116)
The closest standard resistor is 0.04 therefore ILIM is:
(117)
The chosen component from step 6 is:
(118)
7. LOOP COMPENSATION
ωP1 is approximated:
(119)
ωZ1 is approximated:
(120)
TU0 is approximated:
42 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
V91V21V70VVV OMAXINMAXT =+=+= --
CIN = 4 x 4.7 PF
x
A1
=ILED
IRMSIN- =
1- 0.677
677.0 1.45A
x1- DMAX
DMAX =
CIN == kHz504mV100 x 467.0A1 x F27.9 P=
f
'vSWPPIN- x
DILED x
F27.0CFS P=
F0.33CCMP P=
:10RFS =
1
= F28.0
1P==CFS 10:xsec
rad
k360
10:3P
Zx
ZP3 = (max ZP1, ZZ1) x 10 = ZZ1 x 10
ZP3 = 36k sec
rad x 10 = 360ksec
rad
F30.0
1
1
CCMP P=== 675.0 e5
sec
rad 6
x:
e5 6
2P xZ:
= = sec
rad
675.0=
sec
rad
k19
min(ZP1, ZZ1)
ZP2 = 5 x TU0
ZP1
5 x 5630 5 x 5630
=T 0U = 5630=
04.0A1467.1 :
xx V620533.0 x
( )
D1+RI LIMLED xx V620D x
c
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
(121)
To ensure stability, calculate ωP2:
(122)
Solve for CCMP:
(123)
To attenuate switching noise, calculate ωP3:
(124)
Assume RFS = 10and solve for CFS:
(125)
The chosen components from step 7 are:
(126)
8. INPUT CAPACITANCE
Solve for the minimum CIN:
(127)
To minimize power supply interaction a 200% larger capacitance of approximately 20 µF is used, therefore the
actual ΔvIN-PP is much lower. Since high voltage ceramic capacitor selection is limited, four 4.7 µF X7R capacitors
are chosen.
Determine minimum allowable RMS current rating:
(128)
The chosen components from step 8 are:
(129)
9. NFET
Determine minimum Q1 voltage rating and current rating:
(130)
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 43
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
k:301R 2UV =k:18.2R 1UV =
RUV1
()
RR1.24V UV2UV1+x
VONTURN =
-
= V10.1=
( )
k130k18.21.24V :+:xk18.2 :
VONTURN-
:== k4.18
-
-1.24VV ONTURN
xR1.24V UV2
=RUV1
:x k1301.24V-1.24V10V
2.99VA23k130A23RV 2UVHYS =
x:
=
x
=PP
=== A
23
3V
RUV2 P:k130
VHYS
A23P
D1 o 12A, 100V, DPAK
mW600mV600A1VIP FDDD =
x
=
x
=
A1II LEDMAXD ==
-
V91V21V70VVV OMAXINMAXRD =
+
=
+
=--
Q1 o 32A, 100V, DPAK
mW82m50A28.1RIP 2
DSON
2
RMSTT =
:x
=
x
=-
x
IRMST =
-ILED
Dc=xA28.1
=
0.467
A1
533.0
D
=A2.1A1 =
x
677.01- 677.0
IMAXT-
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
(131)
A 100V NFET is chosen with a current rating of 32A due to the low RDS-ON = 50 m. Determine IT-RMS and PT:
(132)
(133)
The chosen component from step 9 is:
(134)
10. DIODE
Determine minimum D1 voltage rating and current rating:
(135)
(136)
A 100V diode is chosen with a current rating of 12A and VD= 600 mV. Determine PD:
(137)
The chosen component from step 10 is:
(138)
11. INPUT UVLO
Solve for RUV2:
(139)
The closest standard resistor is 130 ktherefore VHYS is:
(140)
Solve for RUV1:
(141)
The closest standard resistor is 18.2 kmaking VTURN-ON:
(142)
The chosen components from step 11 are:
(143)
44 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
ROV1 = 13.7 k:
ROV2 = 432 k:
=
VOFFTURN =
-
V= 39.7
ROV1
k7.13 :
( )
k432k7.131.24V :+:x
()
RR1.24V OV2OV1+x
VOFFTURN-
0.5x
0.5x
:== k13.6
-
-0.62VV OFFTURN
xR1.24V OV2
=ROV1
:x k4321.24V- 0.62V40V
29.94VA23k432A23RV OVHYSO =
x:
=
x
=P
P
=== A
23
10V
ROV2 P:k435
VHYSO
A23P
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
12. OUTPUT OVLO
Solve for ROV2:
(144)
The closest standard resistor is 432 ktherefore VHYSO is:
(145)
Solve for ROV1:
(146)
The closest standard resistor is 13.7 kmaking VTURN-OFF:
(147)
The chosen components from step 12 are:
(148)
DESIGN #1 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3421 Buck-boost controller TI LM3421MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 0.33 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E334KA01L
1 CFS 0.27 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E274KA01L
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 100V 12A VISHAY 12CWQ10FNPBF
1 L1 33 µH 20% 6.3A COILCRAFT MSS1278-333MLB
1 Q1 NMOS 100V 32A FAIRCHILD FDD3682
1 Q2 PNP 150V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5401
1 RCSH 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 101% VISHAY CRCW080510R0FKEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 RLIM 0.041% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0400FEA
1 ROV1 13.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080513K7FKEA
1 ROV2 432 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805432KFKEA
1 RSNS 0.11% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R1000FEA
1 RT49.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080549K9FKEA
1 RUV1 18.2 k1% VISHAY CRCW080518K2FKEA
1 RUV2 130 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805130KFKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 45
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
8V ± 28V
1A
ILED
Q2
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
CIN
D2
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
The following designs are provided as reference circuits. For a specific design, the steps in the Design Procedure
section should be performed. In all designs, an RC filter (0.1 µF, 10) is recommended at VIN placed as close
as possible to the LM3421/23 device. This filter is not shown in the following designs.
DESIGN #2 - LM3421 BOOST Application
Features
Input: 8V to 28V
Output: 9 LEDs at 1A
PWM Dimming up to 30kHz
700 kHz Switching Frequency
46 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #2 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3421 Boost controller TI LM3421MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
0 CFS DNP
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
2 D1, D2 Schottky 60V 5A COMCHIP CDBC560-G
1 L1 33 µH 20% 6.3A COILCRAFT MSS1278-333MLB
2 Q1, Q2 NMOS 60V 8A VISHAY SI4436DY
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 115mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
2 RCSH, ROV1 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 01% VISHAY CRCW08050000Z0EA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 RLIM 0.061% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0600FEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
1 RSNS 0.11% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R1000FEA
1 RUV2 10.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW080510K0FKEA
1 RT35.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080535K7FKEA
1 RUV1 1.82 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K82FKEA
1 RUVH 17.8 k1% VISHAY CRCW080517K8FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 47
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
Q1
ROV2
ROV1
2A
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q5
VIN
10V ± 30V
Q7
Q6 Q4
D2
VIN
DIM
RPU
RSER
DIM
CB
CF
RF
Q2
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
CIN
RPOT
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #3 - LM3421 BUCK-BOOST Application
Features
Input: 10V to 30V
Output: 4 LEDs at 2A
PWM Dimming up to 10kHz
Analog Dimming
600 kHz Switching Frequency
48 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #3 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3421 Buck-boost controller TI LM3421MH
1 CB100 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H101JA01D
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
3 CCMP, CREF, CSS 1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E105KA01L
1 CF0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
0 CFS DNP
4 CIN 6.8 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C5750X7R1H685K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 100V 12A VISHAY 12CWQ10FNPBF
1 D2 Zener 10V 500mA ON-SEMI BZX84C10LT1G
1 L1 22 µH 20% 7.2A COILCRAFT MSS1278-223MLB
2 Q1, Q2 NMOS 60V 8A VISHAY SI4436DY
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 260mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
1 Q4 PNP 40V 200 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5087
1 Q5 PNP 150V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5401
1 Q6 NPN 300V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBTA42
1 Q7 NPN 40V 200 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT6428
1 RCSH 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RF101% VISHAY CRCW080510R0FKEA
1 RFS 01% VISHAY CRCW08050000Z0EA
1 RUV2 10.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW080510K0FKEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 RLIM 0.041% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0400FEA
1 ROV1 18.2 k1% VISHAY CRCW080518K2FKEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
1 RPOT 1 Mpotentiometer BOURNS 3352P-1-105
1 RPU 4.99 k1% VISHAY CRCW08054K99FKEA
1 RSER 4991% VISHAY CRCW0805499RFKEA
1 RSNS 0.051% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0500FEA
1 RT41.2 k1% VISHAY CRCW080541K2FKEA
1 RUV1 1.43 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K43FKEA
1 RUVH 17.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080517K4FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 49
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
700 mA
ILED
RBIAS2
RMAX
Q7
Q5
RADJ
Q4
RCSH
VCC
18V ± 38V
OVP
nDIM
LM3423
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
RHSN
RHSP
CT
CIN
FLT DPOL
9 12
TIMR LRDY
10 11
VREF
VCC
Q6
D3 Q2
RPU
RSER
CDIM
RPD
RPD
External
Enable
Q3 PWM
RUVH
D2
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #4 - LM3423 BOOST Application
Features
Input: 18V to 38V
Output: 12 LEDs at 700mA
High Side PWM Dimming up to 30 kHz
Analog Dimming
Zero Current Shutdown
700 kHz Switching Frequency
50 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #4 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3423 Boost controller TI LM3423MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E105KA01L
1 CFS 0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
2 D1, D2 Schottky 60V 5A COMCHIP CDBC560-G
1 D3 Zener 10V 500mA ON-SEMI BZX84C10LT1G
1 L1 47 µH 20% 5.3A COILCRAFT MSS1278-473MLB
1 Q1 NMOS 60V 8A VISHAY SI4436DY
1 Q2 PMOS 70V 5.7A ZETEX ZXMP7A17K
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 260mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
1 Q4, Q5 (dual pack) Dual PNP 40V 200mA FAIRCHILD FFB3906
1 Q6 NPN 300V 600mA FAIRCHILD MMBTA42
1 Q7 NPN 40V 200 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT3904
1 RADJ 100 kpotentiometer BOURNS 3352P-1-104
1 RBIAS2 17.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080517K4FKEA
2 RCSH, ROV1 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 101% VISHAY CRCW080510R0FKEA
3 RHSP, RHSN, RMAX 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 RLIM 0.061% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0600FEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
1 RSNS 0.151% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R1500FEA
1 RT35.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080535K7FKEA
1 RUV1 1.43 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K43FKEA
1 RUV2 10.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW080510K0FKEA
1 RUVH 16.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080516K9FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 51
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
500 mA
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q5
VIN
10V ± 70V
Q7
Q6 Q4
D2
VIN
DIM
RPU
RSER
DIM
CB
CF
RF
Q2
Q1
PWM
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
CBYP
CCMP
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3
CT
CIN
RCSH
RUVH
L1
CCSH
External
Enable
CEN
Q8
RCT
RCT
Q9
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #5 - LM3421 BUCK-BOOST Application
Features
Input: 10V to 70V
Output: 6 LEDs at 500mA
PWM Dimming up to 10 kHz
Slow Fade Out
MosFET RDS-ON Sensing
700 kHz Switching Frequency
52 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #5 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3421 Buck-boost controller TI LM3421MH
1 CB100 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H101JA01D
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E105KA01L
1 CF0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
0 CFS DNP
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 100V 12A VISHAY 12CWQ10FNPBF
1 D2 Zener 10V 500mA ON-SEMI BZX84C10LT1G
1 L1 68 µH 20% 4.3A COILCRAFT MSS1278-683MLB
2 Q1, Q2 NMOS 100V 32A FAIRCHILD FDD3682
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 260mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
2 Q4, Q8 PNP 40V 200mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5087
1 Q5 PNP 150V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5401
1 Q6 NPN 300V 600mA FAIRCHILD MMBTA42
2 Q7, Q9 NPN 40V 200mA FAIRCHILD MMBT6428
1 RCSH 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 01% VISHAY CRCW08050000Z0EA
1 RUV2 10.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW080510K0FKEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 ROV1 15.8 k1% VISHAY CRCW080515K8FKEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
1 RPU 4.99 k1% VISHAY CRCW08054K99FKEA
1 RSER 4991% VISHAY CRCW0805499RFKEA
1 RSNS 0.21% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R2000FEA
1 RT35.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080535K7FKEA
1 RUV1 1.43 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K43FKEA
1 RUVH 17.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080517K4FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 53
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
RLIM
Q1
ROV1
COV
15V ± 50V
PWM
CO
D1
ROV2
1.25A
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
Q2
D2
L1 Q4
RPU
CDIM
OVP
nDIM
LM3423
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
CBYP
CCMP
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
RHSN
RHSP
Q3
CT
CIN
FLT DPOL
9 12
TIMR LRDY
10 11
RCSH
RUVH
VIN
LED
STATUS
LIGHT
RPU2
RPD
RPD
External
Enable
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #6 - LM3423 BUCK Application
Features
Input: 15V to 50V
Output: 3 LEDs at 1.25A
PWM Dimming up to 50 kHz
LED Status Indicator
Zero Current Shutdown
700 kHz Switching Frequency
54 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #6 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3423 Buck controller TI LM3423MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
2 CCMP, CDIM 0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
0 CFS DNP
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
0 CODNP
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 100V 12A VISHAY 12CWQ10FNPBF
1 D2 Zener 10V 500mA ON-SEMI BZX84C10LT1G
1 L1 22 µH 20% 7.3A COILCRAFT MSS1278-223MLB
1 Q1 NMOS 60V 8A VISHAY SI4436DY
1 Q2 PMOS 30V 6.2A VISHAY SI3483DV
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 115mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
1 Q4 PNP 150V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5401
1 RCSH 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 01% VISHAY CRCW08050000OZEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
1 RLIM 0.041% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0400FEA
1 ROV1 21.5 k1% VISHAY CRCW080521K5FKEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
3 RPU, RPU2, RUV2 100 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805100KFKEA
1 RT35.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080535K7FKEA
1 RSNS 0.081% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0800FEA
1 RUV1 11.5 k1% VISHAY CRCW080511K5FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 55
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
2.5A
ILED
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
Q5
VIN
15V ± 60V
Q1
OVP
nDIM
LM3423
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
CBYP
CCMP
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
RHSN
RHSP
CT
CIN
FLT DPOL
9 12
TIMR LRDY
10 11
RCSH
L1
VIN
CTMR
RFLT
RPU D2
Q2
RPD
RPD
External
Enable
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #7 - LM3423 BUCK-BOOST Application
Features
Input: 15V to 60V
Output: 8 LEDs at 2.5A
Fault Input Disconnect
Zero Current Shutdown
500 kHz Switching Frequency
56 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #7 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3423 Buck-boost controller TI LM3423MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 0.33 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E334KA01L
1 CFS 0.1 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E104KA01L
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 CTMR 220 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H221JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 100V 12A VISHAY 12CWQ10FNPBF
1 D2 Zener 10V 500mA ON-SEMI BZX84C10LT1G
1 L1 22 µH 20% 7.2A COILCRAFT MSS1278-223MLB
1 Q1 NMOS 100V 32A FAIRCHILD FDD3682
1 Q2 PMOS 70V 5.7A ZETEX ZXMP7A17K
1 Q5 PNP 150V 600 mA FAIRCHILD MMBT5401
2 RCSH, ROV1 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 101% VISHAY CRCW080510R0FKEA
2 RFLT, RPU2 100 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805100KFKEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 1.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K00FKEA
2 RLIM, RSNS 0.041% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0400FEA
1 ROV1 15.8 k1% VISHAY CRCW080515K8FKEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
1 RT49.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080549K9FKEA
1 RUV1 13.7 k1% VISHAY CRCW080513K7FKEA
1 RUV2 150 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805150KFKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 57
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
CO
D1
ROV2
ROV1
RSNS
RFS
CFS
COV
9V ± 36V
750 mA
ILED
Q2
L2
OVP
nDIM
LM3421
AGND
VIN
PGND
DDRV
DAP
GATE
EN
COMP
VIN
CSH
RCT
IS
HSP
RPD
VCC
HSN
L1
CBYP
RLIM
Q1
CCMP
RCSH
RT
RUV2
RUV1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
RHSN
RHSP
Q3 PWM
RUVH
CT
CIN
CSEP
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
DESIGN #8 - LM3421 SEPIC Application
Features
Input: 9V to 36V
Output: 5 LEDs at 750mA
PWM Dimming up to 30 kHz
500 kHz Switching Frequency
58 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
www.ti.com
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
DESIGN #8 Bill of Materials
Qty Part ID Part Value Manufacturer Part Number
1 LM3421 SEPIC controller TI LM3421MH
1 CBYP 2.2 µF X7R 10% 16V MURATA GRM21BR71C225KA12L
1 CCMP 0.47 µF X7R 10% 25V MURATA GRM21BR71E474KA01L
0 CFS DNP
4 CIN 4.7 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C5750X7R2A475K
4 CO10 µF X7R 10% 50V TDK C4532X7R1H106K
1 CSEP 1.0 µF X7R 10% 100V TDK C4532X7R2A105K
1 COV 47 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V AVX 08055A470JAT2A
1 CT1000 pF COG/NPO 5% 50V MURATA GRM2165C1H102JA01D
1 D1 Schottky 60V 5A COMCHIP CDBC560-G
2 L1, L2 68 µH 20% 4.3A COILCRAFT DO3340P-683
2 Q1, Q2 NMOS 60V 8A VISHAY SI4436DY
1 Q3 NMOS 60V 115 mA ON-SEMI 2N7002ET1G
1 RCSH 12.4 k1% VISHAY CRCW080512K4FKEA
1 RFS 01% VISHAY CRCW08050000OZEA
2 RHSP, RHSN 7501% VISHAY CRCW0805750RFKEA
1 RLIM 0.041% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R0400FEA
1 ROV1 15.8 k1% VISHAY CRCW080515K8FKEA
1 ROV2 499 k1% VISHAY CRCW0805499KFKEA
2 RREF1, RREF2 49.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080549K9FKEA
1 RSNS 0.11% 1W VISHAY WSL2512R1000FEA
1 RT49.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080549K9FKEA
1 RUV1 1.62 k1% VISHAY CRCW08051K62FKEA
1 RUV2 10.0 k1% VISHAY CRCW080510K0FKEA
1 RUVH 16.9 k1% VISHAY CRCW080516K9FKEA
Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated Submit Documentation Feedback 59
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
LM3421, LM3421-Q1
LM3423, LM3423-Q1
SNVS574E JULY 2008REVISED MAY 2013
www.ti.com
REVISION HISTORY
Changes from Revision D (May 2013) to Revision E Page
Changed layout of National Data Sheet to TI format .......................................................................................................... 59
60 Submit Documentation Feedback Copyright © 2008–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Product Folder Links: LM3421 LM3421-Q1 LM3423 LM3423-Q1
PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM
www.ti.com 2-May-2013
Addendum-Page 1
PACKAGING INFORMATION
Orderable Device Status
(1)
Package Type Package
Drawing Pins Package
Qty Eco Plan
(2)
Lead/Ball Finish MSL Peak Temp
(3)
Op Temp (°C) Top-Side Markings
(4)
Samples
LM3421MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 92 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3421
MH
LM3421MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3421
MH
LM3421Q0MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 92 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 150 LM3421
Q0MH
LM3421Q0MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 150 LM3421
Q0MH
LM3421Q1MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 92 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3421
Q1MH
LM3421Q1MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3421
Q1MH
LM3423MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 73 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3423
MH
LM3423MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3423
MH
LM3423Q0MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 73 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 150 LM3423
Q0MH
LM3423Q0MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 150 LM3423
Q0MH
LM3423Q1MH/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 73 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3423
Q1MH
LM3423Q1MHX/NOPB ACTIVE HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 Green (RoHS
& no Sb/Br) CU SN Level-1-260C-UNLIM -40 to 125 LM3423
Q1MH
(1) The marketing status values are defined as follows:
ACTIVE: Product device recommended for new designs.
LIFEBUY: TI has announced that the device will be discontinued, and a lifetime-buy period is in effect.
NRND: Not recommended for new designs. Device is in production to support existing customers, but TI does not recommend using this part in a new design.
PREVIEW: Device has been announced but is not in production. Samples may or may not be available.
OBSOLETE: TI has discontinued the production of the device.
(2) Eco Plan - The planned eco-friendly classification: Pb-Free (RoHS), Pb-Free (RoHS Exempt), or Green (RoHS & no Sb/Br) - please check http://www.ti.com/productcontent for the latest availability
information and additional product content details.
TBD: The Pb-Free/Green conversion plan has not been defined.
PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM
www.ti.com 2-May-2013
Addendum-Page 2
Pb-Free (RoHS): TI's terms "Lead-Free" or "Pb-Free" mean semiconductor products that are compatible with the current RoHS requirements for all 6 substances, including the requirement that
lead not exceed 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials. Where designed to be soldered at high temperatures, TI Pb-Free products are suitable for use in specified lead-free processes.
Pb-Free (RoHS Exempt): This component has a RoHS exemption for either 1) lead-based flip-chip solder bumps used between the die and package, or 2) lead-based die adhesive used between
the die and leadframe. The component is otherwise considered Pb-Free (RoHS compatible) as defined above.
Green (RoHS & no Sb/Br): TI defines "Green" to mean Pb-Free (RoHS compatible), and free of Bromine (Br) and Antimony (Sb) based flame retardants (Br or Sb do not exceed 0.1% by weight
in homogeneous material)
(3) MSL, Peak Temp. -- The Moisture Sensitivity Level rating according to the JEDEC industry standard classifications, and peak solder temperature.
(4) Multiple Top-Side Markings will be inside parentheses. Only one Top-Side Marking contained in parentheses and separated by a "~" will appear on a device. If a line is indented then it is a
continuation of the previous line and the two combined represent the entire Top-Side Marking for that device.
Important Information and Disclaimer:The information provided on this page represents TI's knowledge and belief as of the date that it is provided. TI bases its knowledge and belief on information
provided by third parties, and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of such information. Efforts are underway to better integrate information from third parties. TI has taken and
continues to take reasonable steps to provide representative and accurate information but may not have conducted destructive testing or chemical analysis on incoming materials and chemicals.
TI and TI suppliers consider certain information to be proprietary, and thus CAS numbers and other limited information may not be available for release.
In no event shall TI's liability arising out of such information exceed the total purchase price of the TI part(s) at issue in this document sold by TI to Customer on an annual basis.
OTHER QUALIFIED VERSIONS OF LM3421, LM3421-Q1, LM3423, LM3423-Q1 :
Catalog: LM3421, LM3423
Automotive: LM3421-Q1, LM3423-Q1
NOTE: Qualified Version Definitions:
Catalog - TI's standard catalog product
Automotive - Q100 devices qualified for high-reliability automotive applications targeting zero defects
TAPE AND REEL INFORMATION
*All dimensions are nominal
Device Package
Type Package
Drawing Pins SPQ Reel
Diameter
(mm)
Reel
Width
W1 (mm)
A0
(mm) B0
(mm) K0
(mm) P1
(mm) W
(mm) Pin1
Quadrant
LM3421MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 330.0 12.4 6.95 8.3 1.6 8.0 12.0 Q1
LM3421Q0MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 330.0 12.4 6.95 8.3 1.6 8.0 12.0 Q1
LM3421Q1MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 330.0 12.4 6.95 8.3 1.6 8.0 12.0 Q1
LM3423MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 330.0 16.4 6.95 7.1 1.6 8.0 16.0 Q1
LM3423Q0MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 330.0 16.4 6.95 7.1 1.6 8.0 16.0 Q1
LM3423Q1MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 330.0 16.4 6.95 7.1 1.6 8.0 16.0 Q1
PACKAGE MATERIALS INFORMATION
www.ti.com 8-May-2013
Pack Materials-Page 1
*All dimensions are nominal
Device Package Type Package Drawing Pins SPQ Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm)
LM3421MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
LM3421Q0MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
LM3421Q1MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 16 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
LM3423MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
LM3423Q0MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
LM3423Q1MHX/NOPB HTSSOP PWP 20 2500 367.0 367.0 35.0
PACKAGE MATERIALS INFORMATION
www.ti.com 8-May-2013
Pack Materials-Page 2
MECHANICAL DATA
PWP0020A
www.ti.com
MXA20A (Rev C)
MECHANICAL DATA
PWP0016A
www.ti.com
MXA16A (Rev A)
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