Analog Devices UG-057

Description

This document describes the evaluation board hardware for the ADP1872/ADP1873 PWM buck controllers. The evaluation boards can be used to evaluate the ADP1872 or ADP1873 and application circuits using these ICs without requiring any additional software.

The ADP1872/ADP1873 are versatile current-mode, synchronous step-down controllers that provide superior transient response, optimal stability, and current limit protection by using a constant on-time, pseudo-fixed frequency with a programmable current-sense gain, current-control scheme. The ADP1873 is the power saving mode (PSM) version of the device and is capable of pulse skipping to maintain output regulation while achieving improved system efficiency at light loads (see the ADP1872/ADP1873 data sheet for more information). Both devices are available in a small, 10-lead MSOP package and can operate over the −40°C to +125°C temperature range.

The ADP1872/ADP1873 evaluation boards employ a power input voltage (VIN) that ranges between 2.75 V and 20 V and a bias supply voltage (VDD) that ranges between 2.75 V and 5.5 V. Both inputs can be tied together for application input voltage conditions equal to or less than 5.5 V. The evaluation board is available in a fixed-output voltage option (VOUT = 1.8 V), as well as in a 300 kHz, 600 kHz, or 1 MHz switching frequency (test trimmed in production). The ADP1872/ADP1873 evaluation boards offer an output accuracy of 2% over the full temperature range and provide a high input voltage (VIN ± 10%) and a full-scale load current up to 15 A.

The ADP1872/ADP1873 data sheet provides more information, including details about how to modify the evaluation board while maintaining system stability throughout the entire load current range and, therefore, should be consulted in conjunction with this user guide when using the evaluation boards.

Features

• Wide power input voltage (VIN): 2.75 V to 20 V
• Bias supply voltage (VDD) range: 2.75 V to 5.5 V
• Available in 1.8 V fixed-output voltage
• Available in 300 kHz, 600 kHz, and 1.0 MHz switching frequency options
• Available in power saving mode (PSM) for light loads (ADP1873 only)
• Starts into a precharged or preloaded output

Typical applications

• Evaluate IC and application board performance
• Perform basic evaluation board operations

More information

• Datasheet
• IC product information