6FN9104.4
October 2, 2008
.
The ISL6161 responds to a load short (defined as a curre nt
level 3x the OC set point with a fast transition) by
immediately driving the relevant N-Channel MOSFET gate to
0V in ~3µs. The gate voltage is then slowly ramped up,
soft-starting the N-Channel MOSFET to the programmed
current regulation limit level. This is the start of the time-out
period if the abnormal load condition still exists. The
program med current regulation level is hel d un ti l ei t he r th e
OC event passes or the time-out period expires. If the former
is the case, then the N-Channel MOSFET is fully enhanced
and the CTIM charging current is diverted away from the
capacitor. If the time-out period expires prior to OC
resolution, then both gates are quickly pulled to 0V turning
off both N-Channel MOSFETs simultaneously.
Upon any UV condition, the PGOOD signal will pull low
when tied high through a resistor to the logic supply. This pin
is a fault indicator but not the OC latch-off indicator. For an
OC latch-off indication, monitor CTIM, pin 10. This pin will
rise rapidly to 12V once the time-out period expires. See
“Simplified Schematic” on page 2 for OC latch-off circuit
suggestion.
The ISL6161 is reset by a rising edge on the ENABLE pin
and is turned on by the ENABLE pin being driven low.
ISL6161 Application Considerations
In a non PCI-Express, motor drive application, Current loop
stabilization is facilitated through a small value resistor in
series with the gate timing capacitor. As the ISL6161 drives
a highly inductive current load, instability characterized by
the gate voltage repeatedly ramping up and down may
appear. A simple method to enhance stability is provided by
the substitution of a larger value gate resistor. Typically, this
situation can be avoided by eliminating long point-to-point
wiring to the load.
With the ENABLE internal pull-up, the ISL6161 is well suited
for implementation on either side of the connector where a
motherboard prebiased condition or a load boa rd staggered
connection is present. In either case, the ISL6161 turns on in
a soft-start mode protecting the supply rail from sudden
current loading.
During the Time-Out delay period with the ISL6161 in
current limit mode, the VGS of the external N-Channel
MOSFETs is reduced driving the N-Channel MOSFET switch
into a high rDS(ON) state. Thus, avoid extended time-out
periods as the external N-Channel MOSFETs may be
damaged or destroyed due to ex cessive internal power
dissipation. Refer to the MOSFET manufacturers data sheet
for SOA information.
With the high levels of in-rush current e.g., highly capacitive
loads and motor start-up currents, choosing the current
regulation (CR) level is crucial to provide both protection
and still allow for this in-rush current without latching off.
Consider this in addition to the time-out delay when
choosing MOSFETs for your design.
Physical layo ut of RSENSE resistors is critical to avoid
inadvertently lowering the CR and trip levels. Ideally, trace
routing between the RSENSE resistors and the ISL6161
should be as direct and as short as possible with zero
current in the sense lines.
TABLE 1. RSENSE AND RILIM RECOMMENDATIONS
PCI-EXPRESS
ADD-IN CARD
CONNECTOR RILIM
(kΩ)
3.3V RSENSE
(mΩ),
NOMINAL
CR (A)
12V RSENSE
(mΩ),
NOMINAL
CR (A)
NOMINAL
CRVth
(mV)
X1 10 30, 3.3 150, 0.7 100
4.99 15, 3.5 90, 0.6 53
X4/X8 10 30, 3.3 40, 2.5 100
4.99 15, 3.5 20, 2.6 53
X16 10 30, 3.3 16, 6.3 100
4.99 15, 3.5 8, 6.6 53
NOTE: Nominal CR Vth = RILIM x 10µA.
TABLE 2.
CTIM CAPACITOR
(µF) NOMINAL TIME-OUT PERIOD
(ms)
0.022 4.4
0.047 9.4
0.1 20
NOTE: Nominal time-out period in seconds = CTIM x 200kΩ.
CORRECT
TO ISEN AND
CURRENT
SENSE RESISTOR
INCORRECT
FIGURE 1. SENSE RE SISTOR PCB LAYOUT
RISET
ISL6161