Current controller features full digital control schemes

The highly integrated LM5170-Q1 analogue controller features an innovative average current-mode control method that overcomes the challenges of the high-component-count, full digital control schemes.

Texas Instruments will demonstrate the LM5170-Q1 controller in booth No. 701 at the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) in Tampa, Florida, March 27^th to 29^th, 2017. The LM5170-Q1 is the latest in TI’s portfolio of DC/DC converters, controllers and charge pumps, enabling engineers to innovate and differentiate their power supply designs.

Hybrid electric vehicles use both a high-voltage 48V battery and the standard 12V automotive battery. Design engineers typically manage these dual battery systems using a digital control scheme, which includes multiple discrete components such as current-sense amplifiers, gate drivers and protection circuits. These full digital control schemes are bulky and expensive. To solve this challenge while improving performance and system reliability, Texas Instruments offers a mixed architecture in which the microcontroller handles higher-level intelligent management, and the highly integrated LM5170-Q1 analogue controller provides the power conversion.

• Unique design for optimised system cost and performance: The LM5170-Q1’s average current-mode control method improves performance, simplifies implementation and reduces cost.
• High accuracy: The controller’s 1% accurate bidirectional current regulation ensures precise power transfer.
• Power efficient: The LM5170-Q1 achieves greater than 97% efficiency.
• High precision: The controller monitors current with up to 99% accuracy.
• High power: Integrated 5A peak half-bridge gate drivers for high power capability.
• Superior performance:  Diode emulation mode of the synchronous rectifier MOSFETs prevents negative current and enhances light load efficiency.
• Automotive quality: The LM5170-Q1 is AEC-Q100 qualified.