Through the use of a voltage feed-forward loop and frequency modulation during large signal load changes, valley current mode control provides inherently improved transient response over traditional switcher schemes. A comprehensive set of diagnostic flags are included to allow the host platform to react to different fault conditions.
A fault output indicates when either the temperature is becoming unusually high or a single point failure has occurred, such as the switching node shorted to ground or the timing resistor going open-circuit. A Power OK output is provided after a fixed delay. This indicates when the output voltage is within regulation. The selectable pulse-by-pulse current limit avoids the requirement to oversize the inductor to cope with large fault currents.
Targeted at the industrial, consumer and computer markets, the A8672 is available now in a 4x5x0.75mm, 28-contact QFN package. It is optionally available with exposed pad for enhanced thermal performance.
