LM2576/LM2576HV Series SIMPLE SWITCHER 3A Step-Down Voltage Regulator
August 2004
General Description
The LM2576 series of regulators are monolithic integrated
circuits that provide all the active functions for a step-down
(buck) switching regulator, capable of driving 3A load with
excellent line and load regulation. These devices are available in fixed output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, and an
adjustable output version.
Requiring a minimum number of external components, these
regulators are simple to use and include internal frequency
compensation and a fixed-frequency oscillator.
The LM2576 series offers a high-efficiency replacement for
popular three-terminal linear regulators. It substantially reduces the size of the heat sink, and in some cases no heat
sink is required.
A standard series of inductors optimized for use with the
LM2576 are available from several different manufacturers.
This feature greatly simplifies the design of switch-mode
power supplies.
±
Other features include a guaranteed
put voltage within specified input voltages and output load
conditions, and
shutdown is included, featuring 50 µA (typical) standby current. The output switch includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting, as well as thermal shutdown for full protection under
fault conditions.
±
10% on the oscillator frequency. External
4% tolerance on out-
Features
n 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, and adjustable output versions
n Adjustable version output voltage range,
1.23V to 37V (57V for HV version)
line and load conditions
n Guaranteed 3A output current
n Wide input voltage range, 40V up to 60V for
HV version
n Requires only 4 external components
n 52 kHz fixed frequency internal oscillator
n TTL shutdown capability, low power standby mode
n High efficiency
n Uses readily available standard inductors
n Thermal shutdown and current limit protection
n P+ Product Enhancement tested
±
4% max over
Applications
n Simple high-efficiency step-down (buck) regulator
n Efficient pre-regulator for linear regulators
n On-card switching regulators
n Positive to negative converter (Buck-Boost)
Typical Application (Fixed Output Voltage
Versions)
01147601
FIGURE 1.
SIMPLE SWITCHER®is a registered trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Specifications with standard type face are for TJ= 25˚C, and those with boldface type apply over full Operating Temperature
Range.
SymbolParameterConditionsLM2576-ADJUnits
LM2576HV-ADJ
(Limits)
TypLimit
(Note 2)
SYSTEM PARAMETERS (Note 3) Test Circuit Figure 2
V
OUT
Feedback VoltageVIN= 12V, I
V
= 5V,1.217V(Min)
OUT
= 0.5A1.230V
LOAD
Circuit of Figure 21.243V(Max)
V
OUT
V
OUT
ηEfficiencyV
Feedback Voltage0.5A ≤ I
LM25768V ≤ V
V
OUT
Feedback Voltage0.5A ≤ I
LM2576HV8V ≤ V
V
OUT
= 12V, I
IN
≤ 3A,1.230V
LOAD
≤ 40V1.193/1.180V(Min)
IN
= 5V, Circuit of Figure 21.267/1.280V(Max)
≤ 3A,1.230V
LOAD
≤ 60V1.193/1.180V(Min)
IN
= 5V, Circuit of Figure 21.273/1.286V(Max)
LOAD
= 3A, V
=5V77%
OUT
All Output Voltage Versions
Electrical Characteristics
Specifications with standard type face are for TJ= 25˚C, and those with boldface type apply over full Operating Temperature
Range. Unless otherwise specified, V
= 30V for the 15V version. I
= 12V for the 3.3V, 5V, and Adjustable version, VIN= 25V for the 12V version, and V
IN
= 500 mA.
LM2576HV-XX
TypLimit
(Note 2)
= 5V (Adjustable Version Only)50100/500nA
OUT
47/42kHz
58/63kHz
= 3A (Note 4)1.4V
OUT
1.8/2.0V(Max)
93%(Min)
4.2/3.5A(Min)
6.9/7.5A(Max)
Output = −1V7.5mA
Output = −1V30mA(Max)
10mA(Max)
(Limits)
(Min)
(Max)
LM2576/LM2576HV
IN
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All Output Voltage Versions
Electrical Characteristics
Specifications with standard type face are for TJ= 25˚C, and those with boldface type apply over full Operating Temperature
Range. Unless otherwise specified, V
= 30V for the 15V version. I
SymbolParameterConditionsLM2576-XXUnits
LM2576/LM2576HV
DEVICE PARAMETERS
θ
JA
θ
JA
θ
JC
θ
JA
ON /OFF CONTROL Test Circuit Figure 2
V
IH
V
IL
I
IH
I
IL
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings indicate conditions for which the device is
intended to be functional, but do not guarantee specific performance limits. For guaranteed specifications and test conditions, see the Electrical Characteristics.
Note 2: All limits guaranteed at room temperature (standard type face) and at temperature extremes (bold type face). All room temperature limits are 100%
production tested. All limits at temperature extremes are guaranteed via correlation using standard Statistical Quality Control (SQC) methods.
Note 3: External components such as the catch diode, inductor, input and output capacitors can affect switching regulator system performance. When the
LM2576/LM2576HV is used as shown in the Figure 2 test circuit, system performance will be as shown in system parameters section of Electrical Characteristics.
Note 4: Output pin sourcing current. No diode, inductor or capacitor connected to output.
Note 5: Feedback pin removed from output and connected to 0V.
Note 6: Feedback pin removed from output and connected to +12V for the Adjustable, 3.3V, and 5V versions, and +25V for the 12V and 15V versions, to force the
output transistor OFF.
Note 7: V
Note 8: Junction to ambient thermal resistance (no external heat sink) for the 5 lead TO-220 package mounted vertically, with
board with minimum copper area.
Note 9: Junction to ambient thermal resistance (no external heat sink) for the 5 lead TO-220 package mounted vertically, with
containing approximately 4 square inches of copper area surrounding the leads.
Note 10: If the TO-263 package is used, the thermal resistance can be reduced by increasing the PC board copper area thermally connected to the package. Using
0.5 square inches of copper area, θ
Note 11: The oscillator frequency reduces to approximately 11 kHz in the event of an output short or an overload which causes the regulated output voltage to drop
approximately 40% from the nominal output voltage. This self protection feature lowers the average power dissipation of the IC by lowering the minimum duty cycle
from 5% down to approximately 2%.
Thermal ResistanceT Package, Junction to Ambient (Note 8)65
ON /OFF PinV
Logic Input LevelV
ON /OFF Pin InputON /OFF Pin = 5V (OFF)12µA
Current30µA(Max)
= 40V (60V for high voltage version).
IN
= 500 mA.
LOAD
is 50˚C/W, with 1 square inch of copper area, θJAis 37˚C/W, and with 1.6 or more square inches of copper area, θJAis 32˚C/W.
JA
(Continued)
= 12V for the 3.3V, 5V, and Adjustable version, VIN= 25V for the 12V version, and V
IN
LM2576HV-XX
TypLimit
(Note 2)
T Package, Junction to Ambient (Note 9)45˚C/W
T Package, Junction to Case2
S Package, Junction to Ambient (Note 10)50
= 0V1.42.2/2.4V(Min)
OUT
= Nominal Output Voltage1.21.0/0.8V(Max)
OUT
ON /OFF Pin = 0V (ON)0µA
10µA(Max)
1
⁄2inch leads in a socket, or on a PC
1
⁄4inch leads soldered to a PC board
IN
(Limits)
Typical Performance Characteristics
(Circuit of Figure 2)
Normalized Output VoltageLine Regulation
0114762701147628
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Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit of Figure 2) (Continued)
Dropout VoltageCurrent Limit
LM2576/LM2576HV
Quiescent Current
Oscillator Frequency
01147629
01147630
Standby
Quiescent Current
0114763101147632
Switch Saturation
Voltage
01147633
01147634
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Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit of Figure 2) (Continued)
EfficiencyMinimum Operating Voltage
LM2576/LM2576HV
01147635
Quiescent Current
vs Duty Cycle
Minimum Operating Voltage
01147636
Feedback Voltage
vs Duty Cycle
0114763701147638
Quiescent Current
vs Duty Cycle
01147636
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01147637
Typical Performance Characteristics (Circuit of Figure 2) (Continued)
Feedback Voltage
vs Duty CycleFeedback Pin Current
01147638
Maximum Power Dissipation
(TO-263) (See Note 10)Switching Waveforms
LM2576/LM2576HV
01147604
Load Transient Response
01147624
01147605
V
= 15V
OUT
A: Output Pin Voltage, 50V/div
B: Output Pin Current, 2A/div
C: Inductor Current, 2A/div
D: Output Ripple Voltage, 50 mV/div,
AC-Coupled
Horizontal Time Base: 5 µs/div
01147606
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Test Circuit and Layout Guidelines
As in any switching regulator, layout is very important. Rapidly switching currents associated with wiring inductance
generate voltage transients which can cause problems. For
minimal inductance and ground loops, the length of the leads
indicated by heavy lines should be kept as short as possible.
LM2576/LM2576HV
Single-point grounding (as indicated) or ground plane construction should be used for best results. When using the
Adjustable version, physically locate the programming resistors near the regulator, to keep the sensitive feedback wiring
short.
Fixed Output Voltage Versions
CIN— 100 µF, 75V, Aluminum Electrolytic
— 1000 µF, 25V, Aluminum Electrolytic
C
OUT
— Schottky, MBR360
D
1
— 100 µH, Pulse Eng. PE-92108
L
1
— 2k, 0.1%
R
1
— 6.12k, 0.1%
R
2
where V
= 1.23V, R1 between 1k and 5k.
REF
01147607
Adjustable Output Voltage Version
01147608
FIGURE 2.
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LM2576 Series Buck Regulator
Design Procedure
PROCEDURE (Fixed Output Voltage Versions)EXAMPLE (Fixed Output Voltage Versions)
Given: V
or 15V) V
Maximum Load Current
1. Inductor Selection (L1) A. Select the correct Inductor
value selection guide from Figures 3, 4, 5 or Figure 6.
(Output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V or 15V respectively).
For other output voltages, see the design procedure for
the adjustable version. B. From the inductor value
selection guide, identify the inductance region intersected
by V
IN
for that region. C. Identify the inductor value from the
inductor code, and select an appropriate inductor from
the table shown in Figure 3. Part numbers are listed for
three inductor manufacturers. The inductor chosen must
be rated for operation at the LM2576 switching frequency
(52 kHz) and for a current rating of 1.15 x I
additional inductor information, see the inductor section
in the Application Hints section of this data sheet.
2. Output Capacitor Selection (C
the output capacitor together with the inductor defines
the dominate pole-pair of the switching regulator loop.
For stable operation and an acceptable output ripple
voltage, (approximately 1% of the output voltage) a value
between 100 µF and 470 µF is recommended. B. The
capacitor’s voltage rating should be at least 1.5 times
greater than the output voltage. For a 5V regulator, a
rating of at least 8V is appropriate, and a 10V or 15V
rating is recommended. Higher voltage electrolytic
capacitors generally have lower ESR numbers, and for
this reason it may be necessary to select a capacitor
rated for a higher voltage than would normally be
needed.
3. Catch Diode Selection (D1) A.The catch-diode
current rating must be at least 1.2 times greater than the
maximum load current. Also, if the power supply design
must withstand a continuous output short, the diode
should have a current rating equal to the maximum
current limit of the LM2576. The most stressful condition
for this diode is an overload or shorted output condition.
B. The reverse voltage rating of the diode should be at
least 1.25 times the maximum input voltage.
4. Input Capacitor (C
electrolytic bypass capacitor located close to the
regulator is needed for stable operation.
= Regulated Output Voltage (3.3V, 5V, 12V,
OUT
(Max) = Maximum Input Voltage I
IN
(Max) and I
(Max), and note the inductor code
LOAD
)A.The value of
OUT
) An aluminum or tantalum
IN
LOAD
LOAD
(Max) =
. For
Given: V
=5VVIN(Max) = 15V I
OUT
LOAD
1. Inductor Selection (L1) A. Use the selection guide
shown in Figure 4. B. From the selection guide, the
inductance area intersected by the 15V line and 3A line
is L100. C. Inductor value required is 100 µH. From the
table in Figure 3. Choose AIE 415-0930, Pulse
Engineering PE92108, or Renco RL2444.
2. Output Capacitor Selection (C
OUT
)A.C
µF to 2000 µF standard aluminum electrolytic.
B.Capacitor voltage rating = 20V.
3. Catch Diode Selection (D1) A.For this example, a 3A
current rating is adequate. B. Use a 20V 1N5823 or
SR302 Schottky diode, or any of the suggested
fast-recovery diodes shown in Figure 8.
4. Input Capacitor (C
) A 100 µF, 25V aluminum
IN
electrolytic capacitor located near the input and ground
pins provides sufficient bypassing.
(Max) = 3A
= 680
OUT
LM2576/LM2576HV
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LM2576 Series Buck Regulator
Design Procedure
INDUCTOR VALUE SELECTION GUIDES (For
Continuous Mode Operation)
LM2576/LM2576HV
FIGURE 3. LM2576(HV)-3.3
(Continued)
01147611
FIGURE 5. LM2576(HV)-12
01147609
FIGURE 4. LM2576(HV)-5.0
01147610
01147612
FIGURE 6. LM2576(HV)-15
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LM2576 Series Buck Regulator Design Procedure (Continued)
LM2576/LM2576HV
01147613
FIGURE 7. LM2576(HV)-ADJ
PROCEDURE (Adjustable Output Voltage Versions)EXAMPLE (Adjustable Output Voltage Versions)
Given: V
Maximum Input Voltage I
= Regulated Output Voltage VIN(Max) =
OUT
(Max) = Maximum Load
LOAD
Given: V
52 kHz
= 10V VIN(Max) = 25V I
OUT
(Max) = 3A F =
LOAD
Current F = Switching Frequency (Fixed at 52 kHz)
1. Programming Output Voltage (Selecting R1 and R2,
1. Programming Output Voltage (Selecting R1 and R2)
as shown in Figure 2) Use the following formula to select
the appropriate resistor values.
R1can be between 1k and 5k. (For best temperature
coefficient and stability with time, use 1% metal film resis-
R2= 1k (8.13 − 1) = 7.13k, closest 1% value is 7.15k
tors)
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LM2576 Series Buck Regulator Design Procedure (Continued)
PROCEDURE (Adjustable Output Voltage Versions)EXAMPLE (Adjustable Output Voltage Versions)
2. Inductor Selection (L1) A. Calculate the inductor Volt
microsecond constant, E•T(V•µs), from the
•
following formula:
LM2576/LM2576HV
B. Use the E•T value from the previous formula and
match it with the E•T number on the vertical axis of the
Inductor Value Selection Guide shown in Figure 7. C. On
the horizontal axis, select the maximum load current. D.
Identify the inductance region intersected by the E•T
value and the maximum load current value, and note the
inductor code for that region. E. Identify the inductor value
from the inductor code, and select an appropriate inductor
from the table shown in Figure 9. Part numbers are listed
for three inductor manufacturers. The inductor chosen
must be rated for operation at the LM2576 switching frequency (52 kHz) and for a current rating of 1.15 x I
For additional inductor information, see the inductor section in the application hints section of this data sheet.
3. Output Capacitor Selection (C
the output capacitor together with the inductor defines
the dominate pole-pair of the switching regulator loop.
For stable operation, the capacitor must satisfy the
following requirement:
)A.The value of
OUT
LOAD
.
2. Inductor Selection (L1) A. Calculate E
B. E•T = 115 V•µs C. I
Region = H150 E. Inductor Value = 150 µH Choose from
AIE part #415-0936 Pulse Engineering part #PE-531115,
or Renco part #RL2445.
3. Output Capacitor Selection (C
However, for acceptable output ripple voltage select C
≥ 680 µF C
= 680 µF electrolytic capacitor
OUT
T(V•µs)
•
(Max) = 3A D. Inductance
LOAD
)
OUT
OUT
The above formula yields capacitor values between 10 µF
and 2200 µF that will satisfy the loop requirements for
stable operation. But to achieve an acceptable output
ripple voltage, (approximately 1% of the output voltage)
and transient response, the output capacitor may need to
be several times larger than the above formula yields. B.
The capacitor’s voltage rating should be at last 1.5 times
greater than the output voltage. For a 10V regulator, a
rating of at least 15V or more is recommended. Higher
voltage electrolytic capacitors generally have lower ESR
numbers, and for this reason it may be necessary to select
a capacitor rate for a higher voltage than would normally be
needed.
4. Catch Diode Selection (D1) A. The catch-diode
current rating must be at least 1.2 times greater than the
maximum load current. Also, if the power supply design
must withstand a continuous output short, the diode
should have a current rating equal to the maximum
current limit of the LM2576. The most stressful condition
for this diode is an overload or shorted output. See diode
selection guide in Figure 8. B. The reverse voltage rating
of the diode should be at least 1.25 times the maximum
input voltage.
5. Input Capacitor (C
) An aluminum or tantalum
IN
electrolytic bypass capacitor located close to the
regulator is needed for stable operation.
To further simplify the buck regulator design procedure, National Semiconductor is making available computer design
software to be used with the SIMPLE SWITCHER line of
4. Catch Diode Selection (D1) A. For this example, a
3.3A current rating is adequate. B. Use a 30V 31DQ03
Schottky diode, or any of the suggested fast-recovery
diodes in Figure 8.
5. Input Capacitor (C
) A 100 µF aluminum electrolytic
IN
capacitor located near the input and ground pins
provides sufficient bypassing.
switching regulators. Switchers Made Simple (Version 3.3)
is available on a (3
1
⁄2") diskette for IBM compatible comput-
ers from a National Semiconductor sales office in your area.
Note 13: Pulse Engineering, (619) 674-8100, P.O. Box 12235, San Diego, CA 92112.
Note 14: Renco Electronics Incorporated, (516) 586-5566, 60 Jeffryn Blvd. East, Deer Park, NY 11729.
FIGURE 9. Inductor Selection by Manufacturer’s Part Number
Application Hints
INPUT CAPACITOR (CIN)
To maintain stability, the regulator input pin must be bypassed with at least a 100 µF electrolytic capacitor. The
capacitor’s leads must be kept short, and located near the
regulator.
If the operating temperature range includes temperatures
below −25˚C, the input capacitor value may need to be
larger. With most electrolytic capacitors, the capacitance
value decreases and the ESR increases with lower temperatures and age. Paralleling a ceramic or solid tantalum capacitor will increase the regulator stability at cold temperatures. For maximum capacitor operating lifetime, the
capacitor’s RMS ripple current rating should be greater than
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Application Hints (Continued)
LM2576/LM2576HV
INDUCTOR SELECTION
All switching regulators have two basic modes of operation:
continuous and discontinuous. The difference between the
two types relates to the inductor current, whether it is flowing
continuously, or if it drops to zero for a period of time in the
normal switching cycle. Each mode has distinctively different
operating characteristics, which can affect the regulator performance and requirements.
The LM2576 (or any of the SIMPLE SWITCHER family) can
be used for both continuous and discontinuous modes of
operation.
The inductor value selection guides in Figure 3 through
Figure 7 were designed for buck regulator designs of the
continuous inductor current type. When using inductor values shown in the inductor selection guide, the peak-to-peak
inductor ripple current will be approximately 20% to 30% of
the maximum DC current. With relatively heavy load currents, the circuit operates in the continuous mode (inductor
current always flowing), but under light load conditions, the
circuit will be forced to the discontinuous mode (inductor
current falls to zero for a period of time). This discontinuous
mode of operation is perfectly acceptable. For light loads
(less than approximately 300 mA) it may be desirable to
operate the regulator in the discontinuous mode, primarily
because of the lower inductor values required for the discontinuous mode.
The selection guide chooses inductor values suitable for
continuous mode operation, but if the inductor value chosen
is prohibitively high, the designer should investigate the
possibility of discontinuous operation. The computer design
software Switchers Made Simple will provide all component
values for discontinuous (as well as continuous) mode of
operation.
Inductors are available in different styles such as pot core,
toriod, E-frame, bobbin core, etc., as well as different core
materials, such as ferrites and powdered iron. The least
expensive, the bobbin core type, consists of wire wrapped
on a ferrite rod core. This type of construction makes for an
inexpensive inductor, but since the magnetic flux is not completely contained within the core, it generates more electromagnetic interference (EMI). This EMI can cause problems
in sensitive circuits, or can give incorrect scope readings
because of induced voltages in the scope probe.
The inductors listed in the selection chart include ferrite pot
core construction for AIE, powdered iron toroid for Pulse
Engineering, and ferrite bobbin core for Renco.
An inductor should not be operated beyond its maximum
rated current because it may saturate. When an inductor
begins to saturate, the inductance decreases rapidly and the
inductor begins to look mainly resistive (the DC resistance of
the winding). This will cause the switch current to rise very
rapidly. Different inductor types have different saturation
characteristics, and this should be kept in mind when selecting an inductor.
The inductor manufacturer’s data sheets include current and
energy limits to avoid inductor saturation.
INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT
When the switcher is operating in the continuous mode, the
inductor current waveform ranges from a triangular to a
sawtooth type of waveform (depending on the input voltage).
For a given input voltage and output voltage, the peak-topeak amplitude of this inductor current waveform remains
constant. As the load current rises or falls, the entire sawtooth current waveform also rises or falls. The average DC
value of this waveform is equal to the DC load current (in the
buck regulator configuration).
If the load current drops to a low enough level, the bottom of
the sawtooth current waveform will reach zero, and the
switcher will change to a discontinuous mode of operation.
This is a perfectly acceptable mode of operation. Any buck
switching regulator (no matter how large the inductor value
is) will be forced to run discontinuous if the load current is
light enough.
OUTPUT CAPACITOR
An output capacitor is required to filter the output voltage and
is needed for loop stability. The capacitor should be located
near the LM2576 using short pc board traces. Standard
aluminum electrolytics are usually adequate, but low ESR
types are recommended for low output ripple voltage and
good stability. The ESR of a capacitor depends on many
factors, some which are: the value, the voltage rating, physical size and the type of construction. In general, low value or
low voltage (less than 12V) electrolytic capacitors usually
have higher ESR numbers.
The amount of output ripple voltage is primarily a function of
the ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of the output capacitor and the amplitude of the inductor ripple current
). See the section on inductor ripple current in Applica-
(∆I
IND
tion Hints.
The lower capacitor values (220 µF–1000 µF) will allow
typically 50 mV to 150 mV of output ripple voltage, while
larger-value capacitors will reduce the ripple to approximately 20 mV to 50 mV.
Output Ripple Voltage = (∆I
) (ESR of C
IND
OUT
)
To further reduce the output ripple voltage, several standard
electrolytic capacitors may be paralleled, or a higher-grade
capacitor may be used. Such capacitors are often called
“high-frequency,” “low-inductance,” or “low-ESR.” These will
reduce the output ripple to 10 mV or 20 mV. However, when
operating in the continuous mode, reducing the ESR below
0.03Ω can cause instability in the regulator.
Tantalum capacitors can have a very low ESR, and should
be carefully evaluated if it is the only output capacitor. Because of their good low temperature characteristics, a tantalum can be used in parallel with aluminum electrolytics,
with the tantalum making up 10% or 20% of the total capacitance.
The capacitor’s ripple current rating at 52 kHz should be at
least 50% higher than the peak-to-peak inductor ripple current.
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Application Hints (Continued)
CATCH DIODE
Buck regulators require a diode to provide a return path for
the inductor current when the switch is off. This diode should
be located close to the LM2576 using short leads and short
printed circuit traces.
Because of their fast switching speed and low forward voltage drop, Schottky diodes provide the best efficiency, especially in low output voltage switching regulators (less than
5V). Fast-Recovery, High-Efficiency, or Ultra-Fast Recovery
diodes are also suitable, but some types with an abrupt
turn-off characteristic may cause instability and EMI problems. A fast-recovery diode with soft recovery characteristics
is a better choice. Standard 60 Hz diodes (e.g., 1N4001 or
1N5400, etc.) are also not suitable. See Figure 8 for Schottky and “soft” fast-recovery diode selection guide.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RIPPLE AND TRANSIENTS
The output voltage of a switching power supply will contain a
sawtooth ripple voltage at the switcher frequency, typically
about 1% of the output voltage, and may also contain short
voltage spikes at the peaks of the sawtooth waveform.
The output ripple voltage is due mainly to the inductor sawtooth ripple current multiplied by the ESR of the output
capacitor. (See the inductor selection in the application
hints.)
The voltage spikes are present because of the the fast
switching action of the output switch, and the parasitic inductance of the output filter capacitor. To minimize these voltage
spikes, special low inductance capacitors can be used, and
their lead lengths must be kept short. Wiring inductance,
stray capacitance, as well as the scope probe used to evaluate these transients, all contribute to the amplitude of these
spikes.
An additional small LC filter (20 µH & 100 µF) can be added
to the output (as shown in Figure 15) to further reduce the
amount of output ripple and transients. A 10 x reduction in
output ripple voltage and transients is possible with this filter.
FEEDBACK CONNECTION
The LM2576 (fixed voltage versions) feedback pin must be
wired to the output voltage point of the switching power
supply. When using the adjustable version, physically locate
both output voltage programming resistors near the LM2576
to avoid picking up unwanted noise. Avoid using resistors
greater than 100 kΩ because of the increased chance of
noise pickup.
ON /OFF INPUT
For normal operation, the ON /OFF pin should be grounded
or driven with a low-level TTL voltage (typically below 1.6V).
To put the regulator into standby mode, drive this pin with a
high-level TTL or CMOS signal. The ON /OFF pin can be
safely pulled up to +VINwithout a resistor in series with it.
The ON /OFF pin should not be left open.
GROUNDING
To maintain output voltage stability, the power ground connections must be low-impedance (see Figure 2). For the
5-lead TO-220 and TO-263 style package, both the tab and
pin 3 are ground and either connection may be used, as they
are both part of the same copper lead frame.
HEAT SINK/THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS
In many cases, only a small heat sink is required to keep the
LM2576 junction temperature within the allowed operating
range. For each application, to determine whether or not a
heat sink will be required, the following must be identified:
1. Maximum ambient temperature (in the application).
2. Maximum regulator power dissipation (in application).
3. Maximum allowed junction temperature (125˚C for the
LM2576). For a safe, conservative design, a temperature approximately 15˚C cooler than the maximum temperatures should be selected.
4. LM2576 package thermal resistances θ
and θJC.
JA
Total power dissipated by the LM2576 can be estimated as
follows:
=(VIN)(IQ)+(VO/VIN)(I
P
D
where I
(quiescent current) and V
Q
Characteristic Curves shown previously, V
minimum input voltage, V
and I
is the load current. The dynamic losses during
LOAD
)(V
LOAD
is the regulated output voltage,
O
)
SAT
can be found in the
SAT
is the applied
IN
turn-on and turn-off are negligible if a Schottky type catch
diode is used.
When no heat sink is used, the junction temperature rise can
be determined by the following:
=(PD)(θJA)
∆T
J
To arrive at the actual operating junction temperature, add
the junction temperature rise to the maximum ambient temperature.
= ∆TJ+T
T
J
A
If the actual operating junction temperature is greater than
the selected safe operating junction temperature determined
in step 3, then a heat sink is required.
When using a heat sink, the junction temperature rise can be
determined by the following:
=(PD)(θJC+ θ
∆T
J
interface
+ θ
Heat sink
)
The operating junction temperature will be:
J=TA
+ ∆T
J
T
As above, if the actual operating junction temperature is
greater than the selected safe operating junction temperature, then a larger heat sink is required (one that has a lower
thermal resistance).
Included on the Switcher Made Simple design software is a
more precise (non-linear) thermal model that can be used to
determine junction temperature with different input-output
parameters or different component values. It can also calculate the heat sink thermal resistance required to maintain the
regulators junction temperature below the maximum operating temperature.
Additional Applications
INVERTING REGULATOR
Figure 10 shows a LM2576-12 in a buck-boost configuration
to generate a negative 12V output from a positive input
voltage. This circuit bootstraps the regulator’s ground pin to
the negative output voltage, then by grounding the feedback
pin, the regulator senses the inverted output voltage and
regulates it to −12V.
For an input voltage of 12V or more, the maximum available
output current in this configuration is approximately 700 mA.
At lighter loads, the minimum input voltage required drops to
approximately 4.7V.
LM2576/LM2576HV
www.national.com17
Additional Applications (Continued)
The switch currents in this buck-boost configuration are
higher than in the standard buck-mode design, thus lowering
the available output current. Also, the start-up input current
of the buck-boost converter is higher than the standard
buck-mode regulator, and this may overload an input power
source with a current limit less than 5A. Using a delayed
LM2576/LM2576HV
turn-on or an undervoltage lockout circuit (described in the
next section) would allow the input voltage to rise to a high
enough level before the switcher would be allowed to turn
on.
Because of the structural differences between the buck and
the buck-boost regulator topologies, the buck regulator design procedure section can not be used to to select the
inductor or the output capacitor. The recommended range of
inductor values for the buck-boost design is between 68 µH
and 220 µH, and the output capacitor values must be larger
than what is normally required for buck designs. Low input
voltages or high output currents require a large value output
capacitor (in the thousands of micro Farads).
The peak inductor current, which is the same as the peak
switch current, can be calculated from the following formula:
Where f
current operating conditions, the minimum V
the worst case. Select an inductor that is rated for the peak
current anticipated.
= 52 kHz. Under normal continuous inductor
osc
represents
IN
Typical Load Current
400 mA for V
750 mA for V
Note: Heat sink may be required.
IN
IN
= −5.2V
= −7V
01147615
FIGURE 11. Negative Boost
Because of the boosting function of this type of regulator, the
switch current is relatively high, especially at low input voltages. Output load current limitations are a result of the
maximum current rating of the switch. Also, boost regulators
can not provide current limiting load protection in the event of
a shorted load, so some other means (such as a fuse) may
be necessary.
UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT
In some applications it is desirable to keep the regulator off
until the input voltage reaches a certain threshold. An undervoltage lockout circuit which accomplishes this task is
shown in Figure 12, while Figure 13 shows the same circuit
applied to a buck-boost configuration. These circuits keep
the regulator off until the input voltage reaches a predetermined level.
≈ VZ1+2VBE(Q1)
V
TH
01147614
FIGURE 10. Inverting Buck-Boost Develops −12V
Also, the maximum voltage appearing across the regulator is
the absolute sum of the input and output voltage. For a −12V
output, the maximum input voltage for the LM2576 is +28V,
or +48V for the LM2576HV.
The Switchers Made Simple (version 3.0) design software
can be used to determine the feasibility of regulator designs
using different topologies, different input-output parameters,
different components, etc.
NEGATIVE BOOST REGULATOR
Another variation on the buck-boost topology is the negative
boost configuration. The circuit in Figure 11 accepts an input
voltage ranging from −5V to −12V and provides a regulated
−12V output. Input voltages greater than −12V will cause the
output to rise above −12V, but will not damage the regulator.
www.national.com18
Note: Complete circuit not shown.
01147616
FIGURE 12. Undervoltage Lockout for Buck Circuit
Additional Applications (Continued)
LM2576/LM2576HV
ing. Increasing the RC time constant can provide longer
delay times. But excessively large RC time constants can
cause problems with input voltages that are high in 60 Hz or
120 Hz ripple, by coupling the ripple into the ON /OFF pin.
ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT, LOW-RIPPLE POWER SUPPLY
A 3A power supply that features an adjustable output voltage
is shown in Figure 15. An additional L-C filter that reduces
the output ripple by a factor of 10 or more is included in this
circuit.
Note: Complete circuit not shown (see Figure 10).
01147617
FIGURE 13. Undervoltage Lockout
for Buck-Boost Circuit
DELAYED STARTUP
The ON /OFF pin can be used to provide a delayed startup
feature as shown in Figure 14. With an input voltage of 20V
and for the part values shown, the circuit provides approximately 10 ms of delay time before the circuit begins switch-
01147619
Note: Complete circuit not shown.
01147618
FIGURE 14. Delayed Startup
FIGURE 15. 1.2V to 55V Adjustable 3A Power Supply with Low Output Ripple
Definition of Terms
BUCK REGULATOR
A switching regulator topology in which a higher voltage is
converted to a lower voltage. Also known as a step-down
switching regulator.
BUCK-BOOST REGULATOR
A switching regulator topology in which a positive voltage is
converted to a negative voltage without a transformer.
DUTY CYCLE (D)
Ratio of the output switch’s on-time to the oscillator period.
CATCH DIODE OR CURRENT STEERING DIODE
The diode which provides a return path for the load current
when the LM2576 switch is OFF.
EFFICIENCY (η)
The proportion of input power actually delivered to the load.
www.national.com19
Definition of Terms (Continued)
CAPACITOR EQUIVALENT SERIES RESISTANCE (ESR)
The purely resistive component of a real capacitor’s impedance (see Figure 16). It causes power loss resulting in
capacitor heating, which directly affects the capacitor’s operating lifetime. When used as a switching regulator output
filter, higher ESR values result in higher output ripple volt-
LM2576/LM2576HV
ages.
01147620
FIGURE 16. Simple Model of a Real Capacitor
OPERATING VOLT MICROSECOND CONSTANT (E
The product (in VoIt
and the time the voltage is applied. This E
µs) of the voltage applied to the inductor
•
Topconstant is a
•
Top)
•
measure of the energy handling capability of an inductor and
is dependent upon the type of core, the core area, the
number of turns, and the duty cycle.
Connection Diagrams (Note 15)
Straight Leads
5-Lead TO-220 (T)
Top View
Most standard aluminum electrolytic capacitors in the
100 µF– 1000 µF range have 0.5Ω to 0.1Ω ESR. Highergrade capacitors (“low-ESR”, “high-frequency”, or “lowinductance”) in the 100 µF–1000 µF range generally have
ESR of less than 0.15Ω.
EQUIVALENT SERIES INDUCTANCE (ESL)
The pure inductance component of a capacitor (see Figure
16). The amount of inductance is determined to a large
extent on the capacitor’s construction. In a buck regulator,
this unwanted inductance causes voltage spikes to appear
on the output.
OUTPUT RIPPLE VOLTAGE
The AC component of the switching regulator’s output voltage. It is usually dominated by the output capacitor’s ESR
multiplied by the inductor’s ripple current (∆I
). The peak-
IND
to-peak value of this sawtooth ripple current can be determined by reading the Inductor Ripple Current section of the
Application hints.
CAPACITOR RIPPLE CURRENT
RMS value of the maximum allowable alternating current at
which a capacitor can be operated continuously at a specified temperature.
STANDBY QUIESCENT CURRENT (I
STBY
)
Supply current required by the LM2576 when in the standby
mode (ON /OFF pin is driven to TTL-high voltage, thus
turning the output switch OFF).
LM2576T-XX or LM2576HVT-XX
01147621
NS Package Number T05A
TO-263 (S)
5-Lead Surface-Mount Package
Top View
01147625
LM2576S-XX or LM2576HVS-XX
NS Package Number TS5B
LM2576SX-XX or LM2576HVSX-XX
NS Package Number TS5B, Tape and Reel
Bent, Staggered Leads
5-Lead TO-220 (T)
Top View
INDUCTOR RIPPLE CURRENT (∆I
IND
)
The peak-to-peak value of the inductor current waveform,
typically a sawtooth waveform when the regulator is operating in the continuous mode (vs. discontinuous mode).
CONTINUOUS/DISCONTINUOUS MODE OPERATION
Relates to the inductor current. In the continuous mode, the
inductor current is always flowing and never drops to zero,
vs. the discontinuous mode, where the inductor current
drops to zero for a period of time in the normal switching
cycle.
INDUCTOR SATURATION
The condition which exists when an inductor cannot hold any
more magnetic flux. When an inductor saturates, the inductor appears less inductive and the resistive component dominates. Inductor current is then limited only by the DC resistance of the wire and the available source current.
www.national.com20
LM2576T-XX Flow LB03
01147622
or LM2576HVT-XX Flow LB03
NS Package Number T05D
Note 15: (XX indicates output voltage option. See ordering information table
NATIONAL’S PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT
DEVICES OR SYSTEMS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL
COUNSEL OF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION. As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or
systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and
whose failure to perform when properly used in
accordance with instructions for use provided in the
LM2576/LM2576HV Series SIMPLE SWITCHER 3A Step-Down Voltage Regulator
labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a
2. A critical component is any component of a life
support device or system whose failure to perform
can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of
the life support device or system, or to affect its
safety or effectiveness.
significant injury to the user.
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National Semiconductor certifies that the products and packing materials meet the provisions of the Customer Products
Stewardship Specification (CSP-9-111C2) and the Banned Substances and Materials of Interest Specification
(CSP-9-111S2) and contain no ‘‘Banned Substances’’ as defined in CSP-9-111S2.
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Americas Customer
Support Center
Email: new.feedback@nsc.com
Tel: 1-800-272-9959
www.national.com
National does not assume any responsibility for use of any circuitry described, no circuit patent licenses are implied and National reserves the right at any time without notice to change said circuitry and specifications.
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