Active-Clamp PWM Controller Boosts Efficiency, Power Density

Feb. 2, 2004
Crafted from National Semiconductor's analog bipolar-CMOS-DMOS process, the LM5025 is a 100-V pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller for forward converters. Yet its integration of the active-clamp/reset technique, which is used in distributed power...

Crafted from National Semiconductor's analog bipolar-CMOS-DMOS process, the LM5025 is a 100-V pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller for forward converters. Yet its integration of the active-clamp/reset technique, which is used in distributed power architectures, sets it apart from other PWM controllers.

Designed for high switching frequencies, it provides higher efficiencies and greater power densities than conventional forward regulators in communications, automotive, distributed, and industrial power systems, as well as multi-output power supplies.

The active clamp enables operation at 50% duty cycles and higher primary-to-secondary turns ratios in the power transformer. It executes over a wide input voltage range of 13 to 100 V. Also integrated are a 100-V startup bias regulator and a user-programmable oscillator operating at 1 MHz. Couple that with total propagation delays of less than 100 ns, and the clamp is qualified for a vast array of 48-V communication isolated power-supply applications.

With the active-clamp output, the LM5025 can be configured to provide overlap time (for p-channel switch applications) or dead-off time (for n-channel switch applications). NSC's 3-A peak compound gate-driver technology suits the LM5025 for direct drive of a high-power MOSFET, reducing board space and leading to increased power density compared to alternative PWM controllers that require a gate-driver chip.

The IC comes in a thermally enhanced 5- by 5-mm LLP-16 chip-scale package or a TSSOP-16 package. It costs $1.30 each in 1000-unit quantities.

National Semiconductor Corp.www.national.com (408) 721-5000

See associated figure

Sponsored Recommendations

The Importance of PCB Design in Consumer Products

April 25, 2024
Explore the importance of PCB design and how Fusion 360 can help your team react to evolving consumer demands.

PCB Design Mastery for Assembly & Fabrication

April 25, 2024
This guide explores PCB circuit board design, focusing on both Design For Assembly (DFA) and Design For Fabrication (DFab) perspectives.

What is Design Rule Checking in PCBs?

April 25, 2024
Explore the importance of Design Rule Checking (DRC) in manufacturing and how Autodesk Fusion 360 enhances the process.

Unlocking the Power of IoT Integration for Elevated PCB Designs

April 25, 2024
What does it take to add IoT into your product? What advantages does IoT have in PCB related projects? Read to find answers to your IoT design questions.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!