MCP1640/B/C/D
4.2 Functional Description
The MCP1640/B/C/D is a compact, high-efficiency,
fixed frequency, step-up DC-DC converter that
provides an easy-to-use power supply solution for
applications powered by either single-cell, two-cell, or
three-cell alkaline, NiCd, NiMH, and single-cell Li-Ion or
Li-Polymer batteries.
VOUT
Figure 4-1 depicts the functional block diagram of the
MCP1640/B/C/D.
VIN
SW
EN
Internal
Bias
Gate Drive
and
Shutdown
Control
Logic
Direction
Control
Soft Start
.3V
0V
IZERO
ILIMIT
ISENSE
GND
Oscillator
Slope
Comp.
S
PWM/PFM
Logic
1.21V
FB
EA
FIGURE 4-1:
MCP1640/B/C/D Block Diagram.
4.2.1 LOW-VOLTAGE START-UP
The MCP1640/B/C/D is capable of starting from a low
input voltage. Start-up voltage is typically 0.65V for a
3.3V output and 1 mA resistive load.
When enabled, the internal start-up logic turns the
rectifying P-Channel switch on until the output
capacitor is charged to a value close to the input
voltage. The rectifying switch is current-limited to
approximately 100 mA during this time. This will affect
the start-up under higher load currents, and the device
may not start to the nominal value. After charging the
output capacitor to the input voltage, the device starts
switching. If the input voltage is below 1.6V, the device
runs open-loop with a fixed duty cycle of 70% until the
output reaches 1.6V. During this time, the boost switch
current is limited to 50% of its nominal value. Once the
output voltage reaches 1.6V, normal closed-loop PWM
operation is initiated.
The MCP1640/B/C/D charges an internal capacitor
with a very weak current source. The voltage on this
capacitor, in turn, slowly ramps the current limit of the
boost switch to its nominal value. The soft-start
capacitor is completely discharged in the event of a
commanded shutdown or a thermal shutdown.
There is no undervoltage lockout feature for the
MCP1640/B/C/D. The device will start-up at the lowest
possible voltage and run down to the lowest possible
voltage. For typical battery applications, this may result
in “motor-boating” (emitting a low-frequency tone) for
deeply discharged batteries.
DS20002234D-page 12
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