PTN78000A
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SLTS246A–APRIL 2005–REVISED MAY 2005
Power-Up Characteristics
When configured per the standard application, the PTN78000A power module produces a regulated output
voltage following the application of a valid input source voltage. During power up, internal soft-start circuitry slows
the rate that the output voltage rises, thereby limiting the amount of in-rush current that can be drawn from the
input source. The soft-start circuitry introduces a short time delay (typically 5 ms – 10 ms) into the power-up
characteristic. This is from the point that a valid input source is recognized. Figure 18 shows the power-up
waveforms for a PTN78000A, operating from a 12-V input and with the output voltage adjusted to –5 V. The
waveforms were measured with a 1.5-A resistive load.
V (5 V/div)
I
V
O
(2 V/div)
I (1 A/div)
I
t - Time = 5 ms/div
Figure 18. Power-Up Waveforms
Undervoltage Lockout
The undervoltage lockout (UVLO) circuit prevents the module from attempting to power up until the input voltage
is above the UVLO threshold. This prevents the module from drawing excessive current from the input source at
power up. Below the UVLO threshold, the module is held off.
Current Limit Protection
The PTN78000 modules protect against load faults with a continuous current limit characteristic. Under a load
fault condition, the output current cannot exceed the current limit value. Attempting to draw current that exceeds
the current limit value causes the module to progressively reduce its output voltage. Current is continuously
supplied to the fault until it is removed. On removal of the fault, the output voltage promptly recovers. When
limiting output current, the regulator experiences higher power dissipation, which increases its temperature. If the
temperature increase is excessive, the module's overtemperature protection begins to periodically turn the output
voltage completely off.
Overtemperature Protection
A thermal shutdown mechanism protects the module's internal circuitry against excessively high temperatures. A
rise in temperature may be the result of a drop in airflow, a high ambient temperature, or a sustained current-limit
condition. If the junction temperature of the internal control IC rises excessively, the module turns itself off,
reducing the output voltage to zero. The module instantly restarts when the sensed temperature decreases by a
few degrees.
Note: Overtemperature protection is a last-resort mechanism to prevent damage to the module. It should not be
relied on as permanent protection against thermal stress. Always operate the module within its temperature
derated limits, for the worst-case operating conditions of output current, ambient temperature, and airflow.
Operating the module above these limits, albeit below the thermal shutdown temperature, reduces the long-term
reliability of the module.
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