The MIC2141 is a micropower boost switching regulator that
can operate from 3- or 4-cell nickel-metal-hydride batteries or
a single Li-ion cell. This regulator employs a constant 330kHz,
fixed 18% duty-cycle, gated-oscillator architecture.
The MIC2141 can be used in applications where the output
voltage must be dynamically adjusted. The device features a
control signal input which is used to proportionally adjust the
output voltage. The control signal input has a gain of 6,
allowing a 0.8V to 3.6V control signal to vary a 4.8V to 22V
output.
The MIC2141 requires only three external components to
operate and is available in a tiny 5-lead SOT-23 package for
space and power-sensitive portable applications. The
MIC2141 draws only 70µA of quiescent current and can
operate with an efficiency exceeding 85%.
Features
• Implements low-power boost, SEPIC, or flyback
• 2.5V to 14V input voltage
• 330kHz switching frequency
•<2µA shutdown current
•70µA quiescent current
• 1.24V bandgap reference
• typical output current 1mA to 10mA
• SOT-23-5 Package
Applications
• LCD bias supply
• CCD digital camera supply
Ordering Information
Part NumberJunction Temp. RangePackage
MIC2141-BM5–40°C to +85°CSOT-23-5
Typical Application
(from DAC)
VC*
10µH
MIC2141
15
2
34
10µF
Variable
V
OUT
(V)
V
vs. Output Voltage
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
C
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
0510152025
DAC-Controlled LCD Bias Voltage Supply
Control Voltage
V
(V)
OUT
Micrel, Inc. • 1849 Fortune Drive • San Jose, CA 95131 • USA • tel + 1 (408) 944-0800 • fax + 1 (408) 944-0970 • http://www.micrel.com
June 20001MIC2141
Page 2
MIC2141Micrel
Pin Configuration
GND
2
IN
13
Part
Identification
VCFB
SW
SAxx
45
SOT-23-5 (BM)
Pin Description
Pin NumberPin NamePin Function
1INInput: +2.5V to +14V supply for internal circuity.
2GNDGround: Return for internal circuitry and internal MOSFET (switch) source.
3SWSwitch Node (Input): Internal MOSFET drain; 22V maximum.
4FBFeedback (Input): Output voltage sense node. Compared to V
input voltage.
5VCControl (Input): Output voltage control signal input. Input voltage of 0.8V to
3.6V is proportional to 4.8V to 22V output voltage (gain of 6). If the pin is not
connected, the output voltage will be VIN – 0.5V.
control
C
MIC21412June 2000
Page 3
MIC2141Micrel
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 1)
Supply Voltage (VIN) ...................................................+18V
Switch Voltage (V
Feedback Voltage (F
Control Input Voltage (VC), Note 3 ..VIN–200mV ≤ VC ≤ 4V
Note 1.Exceeding the absolute maximum rating may damage the device.
Note 2.The device is not guaranteed to function outside its operating rating.
Note 3.VC = 4V sets V
Note 4.Devices are ESD sensitive. Handling precautions recommended. Human body model, 1.5k in series with 100pF.
to 24V (absolute maximum level on VSW); VC must be ≤ VIN – 200mV.
OUT
June 20003MIC2141
Page 4
MIC2141Micrel
µ
Typical Characteristcs
Feedback Current
vs. Output Voltage
25
20
15
10
5
FEEDBACK CURRENT (µA)
0
0510152025
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Control Current
vs. Control Voltage
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CONTROL CURRENT (nA)
0
01234
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
Control Voltage
vs. Output Voltage
20
VIN = 5V
L = 33µH
15
= 100mA
L = 33
= 150mA
L = 22µH
VIN = 2.5V
H
VIN = 5V
10
5
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
15.00
14.95
14.90
14.85
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
14.80
VIN = 3.6V
0
01234
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
Load Regulation
I
PEAK
I
PEAK
012345
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
Gain
vs. Output Voltage
6.4
6.3
6.2
6.1
GAIN
6.0
5.9
5.8
5.7
0510152025
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
15.0
14.8
14.6
14.4
14.2
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
14.0
Line Regulation
24681012
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VIN = 5V
L = 33µH
L = 33µH
I
= 100µA
L
Oscillator Frequency
400
380
360
340
FREQUENCY (kHz)
320
300
vs. Input Voltage
2 4 6 8 10121416
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Frequency
350
340
330
320
FREQUENCY (kHz)
310
300
vs. Temperature
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Quiescent Current
280
240
200
160
120
QUIESCENT CURRENT (µA)
vs. Input Voltage
80
40
0
0246810121416
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0.60
0.58
0.56
0.54
ON-TIME (µs)
0.52
0.50
Duty Cycle
vs. Temperature
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
DUTY CYCLE (%)
12
11
10
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
On-Time
vs. Temperature
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
MIC21414June 2000
Page 5
MIC2141Micrel
14.00
14.20
14.40
14.60
14.80
15.00
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
01234
EFFICIENCY (%)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
R
DS(on)
(Ω)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Quiescent Current
vs. Temperature
88
86
84
82
80
QUIESCENT CURRENT (µA)
78
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VIN = 5V
Switch Voltage Drop
vs. Temperature
VIN = 3.3V
I
= 100mA
D
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
(mV)
DS
V
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Output Voltage
vs. Temperature
VIN = 5V
L = 33µH
Switch On-Resistance
vs. Temperature
VIN = 3.3V
Gain
6.00
5.98
5.96
GAIN
5.94
5.92
5.90
vs. Temperature
VIN = 5V
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Switch Voltage Drop
vs. Input Voltage
IDS = 100mA
0
246810 12 14
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
(mV)
DS
V
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
ON-RESISTANCE (Ω)
1
0
246810 12 14
June 20005MIC2141
On-Resistance vs.
Input Voltage
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Efficiency
BAT54HT1 Diode
1N4148 Diode
VIN = 5V
V
= 15V
OUT
L = 33µH
Ripple Voltage vs.
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
RIPPLE VOLTAGE (mV)
10
0
Input Voltage
L = 100µH
V
= 15V
OUT
I
= 1mA
L
24681012
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Page 6
MIC2141Micrel
Functional Diagram
IN
Bandgap
Reference
VC
FB
MIC2141
Oscillator
330kHz
FIXED DUTY CYCLE
Functional Description
See “Applications Information” for component selection and
predesigned circuits.
Overview
This MIC2141 is a fixed-duty-cycle, constant-frequency, gatedoscillator, micropower, switch-mode power supply controller.
Quiescent current for the MIC2141 is only 70µA in the switch
off state, and since a MOSFET output switch is used, additional current needed for switch drive is minimized. Efficiencies above 85% throughout most operating conditions can be
realized.
Regulaton
Regulation is performed by a hysteretic comparator which
regulates the output voltage by gating the internal oscillator.
The user applies a programming voltage to the VC pin. (For
a fixed or adjustable output regulator, with an internal reference, use the MIC2142.) The output voltage is divided down
internally and then compared to the VC, the control input
voltage, forcing the output voltage to 6 times the VC. The
comparator has hysteresis built into it, which determines the
amount of low frequency ripple that will be present on the
output. Once the feedback input to the comparator exceeds
the control voltage by 10mV, the high-frequency oscillator
drive is removed from the output switch. As the feedback
input to the comparator returns to the control voltage level,
the comparator is reset and the high-frequency oscillator is
again gated to the output switch. Typically 10mV of hysteresis
seen at the comparator will correspond to 60mV of lowfrequency ripple at the output. Applications, which require
continuous adjustment of the output voltage, can do so by
adjustment of the VC control pin.
SW
GND
Output
The maximum output voltage is limited by the voltage capability of the output switch. Output voltages up to 22V can be
achieved with a standard boost circuit. Higher output voltages require a flyback configuration.
Output Voltage Control
The internal hysteretic comparator disables the output drive
once the output voltage exceeds the nominal by 30mV. The
drive is then enabled once the output voltage drops below the
nominal by 30mV.
The reference level, which actually programs the output
voltage, is set by the VC control input. The output is 6 times
the control voltage (VC) and the output ripple will be 6 times
the comparator hystersis. Therefore, with 10mV of hystersis,
there will be ±30mV variation in the output around the nominal
value. See the “Typical Characteristics: Control Voltage vs.
Output Voltage” for a graph of input-to-output behavior.
The common-mode range of the comparator requires that the
maximum control voltage (VC) be held to 200mV less than
VIN. When programming for a 20V output, a minimum VIN of
3.5V will be required. See the “Typical Characteristics: Gain
vs. Output Voltage” for a graph of gain behavior. To achieve
20V output at lower input voltages, the external resistive
divider (R1 and R2) shown in Figure 2 can be added. This
circuit will increase the control-to-output gain, while limiting
the error introduced by the tolerance of the internal resistor
feedback network.
MIC21416June 2000
Page 7
MIC2141Micrel
Application Information
Predesigned circuit information is at the end of this section.
Component Selection
Boost Inductor
Maximum power is delivered to the load when the oscillator
is gated on 100% of the time. Total output power and circuit
efficiency must be considered when determining the maximum inductor. The largest inductor possible is preferable in
order to minimize the peak current and output ripple. Efficiency can vary from 80% to 90% depending upon input
voltage, output voltage, load current, inductor, and output
diode.
Equation 1 solves for the output current capability for a given
inductor value and expected efficiency. Figures 5 through 9
graph estimates for maximum output current, assuming the
minimum duty cycle, maximum frequency, and 85% efficiency. To determine the required inductance, find the intersection between the output voltage and current and select the
value of the inductor curve just above the intersection. If the
efficiency is expected to be other than the 85% used for the
graph, Equation 1 can then be used to better determine the
maximum output capability.
Vt
()
(1)
I
O(max)
=
IN(min)
2LT
MAX
The peak inductor and switch current can be calculated from
Equation 2 or read from the graph in Figure 10. The peak
current shown in Figure 10 is derived assuming a maximum
duty cycle and a minimum frequency. The selected inductor
and diode peak current capability must exceed this value.
The peak current seen by the inductor is calculated at the
maximum input voltage. A wider input voltage range will result
in a higher worst-case peak current in the inductor. This effect
can be seen in Table 4 by comparing the difference between
the peak current at V
tV
ON maxIN max
I
PK
=
(2)
IN(min)
()()
L
MIN
DCM/CCM Boundary
Equation 3 solves for the point at which the inductor current
will transition from DCM (discontinuous conduction mode) to
ON
S
and V
2
V
O
eff
IN(max)
1
V
−
IN min
()
.
×
CCM (continuous conduction mode). As the input voltage is
raised above this level the inductor has a potential for
developing a dc component while the oscillator is gated on.
Table 1 display the input points at which the inductor current
can possibly operate in the CCM region. Operation in this
region can result in a peak current slightly higher than
displayed Table 4.
VVV1D
(3)
IN ccm
=+
()
()
OUT
FWD
+−
()
Table 2 lists common inductors suitable for most applications. Table 6 lists minimum inductor sizes versus input and
output voltage. In low-cost, low-peak-current applications,
RF-type leaded inductors may sufficient. All inductors listed
in Table 4 can be found within the selection of CR32- or
LQH4C-series inductors from either Sumida or muRata.
Speed, forward voltage, and reverse current are very important in selecting the output diode. In the boost configuration,
the average diode current is the same as the average load
current. (The peak current is the same as the peak inductor
current and can be derived from Equation 2 or Figure 10.)
Care must be take to make sure that the peak current is
evaluated at the maximum input voltage.
As can be seen in the “Typical Characteristics: Efficiency”
graph, the output diode type can have an effect on circuit
efficiency. The BAT54- and BAT85-series diodes are lowcurrent Shottky diodes available from On Semiconductor and
Phillips, respectively. They are suitable for peak repetitive
currents of 300mA or less with good reverse current characteristics. For applications that are cost driven, the 1N4148, or
equivalent, will provide sufficient switching speed with greater
forward drop and reduced cost. Other acceptable diodes are
On Semiconductor’s MBR0530 or Vishay’s B0530, although
they can have reverse currents that exceed 1mA at very high
junction temperatures. Table 3 summarizes some typical
Table 1. DCM/CCM Boundary
performance characteristics of various suitable diodes.
June 20007MIC2141
Page 8
MIC2141Micrel
Output Capacitor
If the availability of tantalum capacitors is limited, ceramic
capacitors and inexpensive electrolyics may be necessary.
Selection of the capacitor value will depend upon on the peak
inductor current and inductor size. MuRata offers the GRM
series with up to 10µF at 25V, with a Y5V temperature
coefficient, in a 1210 surface-mount package. Low-cost
applications can use M-series leaded electrolytic capacitors
from Panasonic. In general, ceramic, electrolytic, or tantalum
values ranging from 10µF to 47µF can be used for the output
capacitor.
rerutcafunaMseireSepyTegakcaP
ataRumMRGV5Ycimarectnuomecafrus
yahsiV495mulatnattnuomecafrus
cinosanaPseires-Mcitylortcelededael
Table 4. Capacitor Examples
Design Example
Given a design requirement of 12V output and 1mA load with
a minimum input voltage of 2.5V, Equation 1 can be used to
calculate to maximum inductance or it can be read from the
graph in Figure 4. Once the maximum inductance has been
determined, the peak current can be determined using Equation 2 or Figure 10.
V
= 12V
OUT
I
= 1mA
OUT
VIN = 4.8V to 2.5V
L
Vt
==
MAX
I
O(max)
L17H
==
MAX
µ
22
IN(min)
V
eff
⋅⋅
ON(min)
O
V2
−−⋅⋅⋅⋅
IN(min)
T
S(min)
Select 15µH ±10%.
tV
==
==
ON(max)
I
PEAK
I272mA
PEAK
L
⋅⋅
MIN
IN(max)
0.767 s
==
µ
4.8V
13.5 H
µ
Select a BAT54 diode and CR32 inductor.
Always check the peak current to insure that it is within the
limits specified in the load line shown in Figure 10 for all
input and output voltages.
Gain Boost
Use Figure 2 to increase the voltage gain of the system. The
typical gain can easily be increased from the nominal gain of
6 to a value of 8 or 10. Figure 2 shows a gain of 8 so that with
2.5V applied to VC, V
will be 20V.
OUT
Bootstrap
The bootstrap configuration is used to increase the maximum
output current for a given input voltage. This is most effective
when the input voltage is less than 5V. Output current can
typically be tripled by using this technique. See Table 4a. for
bootstrap-ready-built component values.
+2.7V to +12V
+2.7V to +12V
+2.7V to +4.7V
V
V
Return
IN
C
V
10µF
V
Return
V
10µF
V
Return
CR2
1N4148
10µF
IN
C2
25V
C
C4
0.1µF
1
IN
5
VC
L1
33µH
MIC2141
GND
SW
FB
CR1
BAT54HT1
3
4
2
Figure 1. Basic Configuration
IN
C2
25V
C
C4
0.1µF
4
IN
5
VC
L1
22µH
MIC2141
GND
SW
FB
CR1
BAT54HT1
34.8k
3
I
2
1
121k
Figure 2. Gain-Boost Configuration
C2
25V
C4
0.1µF
1
IN
5
VC
L1
4.7µH
MIC2141
GND
SW
FB
MBR0530
1N4148
3
4
2
CR1
CR3
Figure 3. Bootstrap Configuration
R1
FB
R2
C1
10µF
25V
C1
10µF
25V
C1
10µF
25V
V
+12V
Return
V
OUT
+5V to +15V
Return
V
OUT
+5V to +20V
V6V1
OUTC
I15 A for V15V
FB(typ)
Return
OUT
==++
====µ
R1
R2
++⋅⋅
IR1
FB
OUT
MIC21418June 2000
Page 9
MIC2141Micrel
Inductor Selection Guides
40
3.9µH
4.7µH
10
15µH
18µH
22µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
56µH
68µH
82µH
100µH
120µH
1
MAX. OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
150µH
180µH
220µH
VIN = 2.5V
200
4.7µH
100
10µH
12µH
15µH
18µH
22µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
56µH
10
68µH
82µH
100µH
120µH
150µH
180µH
220µH
MAX. OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1
VIN = 3.3V
Use for Li-ion battery
0.1
0246810121416182022
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 5. Inductor Selection for VIN = 2.5V
0.1
0246810121416182022
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 6. Inductor Selection for VIN = 3.3V
June 20009MIC2141
Page 10
MIC2141Micrel
200
8.2µH
100
10µH
12µH
15µH
18µH
22µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
56µH
68µH
82µH
10
100µH
120µH
150µH
180µH
220µH
MAX. OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1
VIN = 5V
100
15µH
18µH
22µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
56µH
68µH
82µH
10
100µH
120µH
150µH
MAX. OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
180µH
220µH
270µH
VIN = 9V
0.1
246810121416182022
Figure7. Inductor Selection for V
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
IN
= 5V
330µH
390µH
470µH
1
810121416182022
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 8. Inductor Selection for VIN = 9V
MIC214110June 2000
Page 11
MIC2141Micrel
100
10
22µH18µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
56µH
68µH
82µH
100µH
120µH
150µH
180µH
220µH
VIN = 12V
270µH
330µH
MAX. OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
390µH
470µH
1
10121416182022
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Figure 9. Inductor Selection for VIN = 12V
June 200011MIC2141
Page 12
MIC2141Micrel
1000
900
800
700
600
500
PEAK CURRENT (mA)
400
300
3.9µH
4.7µH
8.2µH
10µH
12µH
15µH
18µH
22µH
27µH
33µH
39µH
47µH
200
100
0
02468101214
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
56µH
68µH
82µH
100µH
120µH
150µH
180µH
220µH
270µH
330µH
390µH
470µH
Figure 10. Peak Inductor Current vs. Input Voltage
MICREL INC. 1849 FORTUNE DRIVESAN JOSE, CA 95131 USA
TEL + 1 (408) 944-0800 FAX + 1 (408) 944-0970 WEB http://www.micrel.com
This information is believed to be accurate and reliable, however no responsibility is assumed by Micrel for its use nor for any infringement of patents or
other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent right of Micrel Inc.