L6591 datasheet(12/32 Pages) STMICROELECTRONICS

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Application information

L6591

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Application information

The L6591 is an advanced current-mode PWM controller specific for fixed-frequency, peak-

current-mode-controlled ZVS half-bridge converters. In these converters the switches

(MOSFET’s) are controlled with complementary duty cycle: the high-side MOSFET is driven

ON for a duty cycle D and the low-side MOSFET for a duty cycle 1-D. For a proper operation

the maximum allowed duty cycle must be limited below 50 %.

An externally programmable dead-time TD inserted between the turn-off of one MOSFET

and the turn-on of the other one ensures soft-switching and enables high-frequency

operation with high efficiency and low EMI emissions. See Section 5.6: Oscillator and dead-

time programming on page 19 section for more information on how to program TD.

The device is able to operate in different modes (Figure 4), depending on the converter’s

load conditions:

Fixed frequency at heavy load. A relaxation oscillator, externally programmable with a

capacitor and a resistor generates a sawtooth and releases clock pulses during the

falling edges of the sawtooth. In this region the low-side MOSFET is turned off by the

even pulses of the clock signal and the high-side MOSFET is turned on after a delay;

the high-side MOSFET is turned off and, after a delay, the low-side MOSFET is turned

on in response to the control loop.

Burst-mode control with no or very light load. When the load is extremely light or

disconnected, the converter will enter a controlled on/off operation with fixed duty cycle,

where a series of few switching cycles are spaced out by long periods where both

MOSFET

’s are in OFF-state. A load decrease will be then translated into a frequency

reduction, which can go down even to few hundred hertz, thus minimizing all

frequency-related losses and making it easier to comply with energy saving

regulations. Being the peak current very low, no issue of audible noise arises.

Figure 4.

Multi-mode operation

L6591 Fiches technique(PDF) 12 Page - STMicroelectronics