On/Off Inhibit
V
I
GND
PTH08T255W
6
7
8
9
12
13
GND
C
I
+
UDG-08148
14
15
V
I
V
I
V
I
GND
V
I
21
Inhibit/UVLO
Q1
BSS 138
1=Inhibit
t – Time – 10 ms/div
V
INH
(2 V/div)
V
O
(2 V/div)
I
(5 A/div)
Overcurrent Protection
Overtemperature Protection (OTP)
SLTS290 – NOVEMBER 2008 ........................................................................................................................................................................................... www.ti.com
For applications requiring output voltage on/off control, the PTH08T255W incorporates an Inhibit control pin. The
inhibit feature can be used wherever there is a requirement for the output voltage from the regulator to be turned
off. The power modules function normally when the Inhibit pin is left open-circuit, providing a regulated output
whenever a valid source voltage is connected to VI with respect to GND.
Figure 12 shows the typical application of the inhibit function. Note the discrete transistor (Q1). The Inhibit input
has its own internal pull-up. An external pull-up resistor should never be used with the inhibit pin. The input is not
compatible with TTL logic devices. An open-collector (or open-drain) discrete transistor is recommended for
control.
When Q1 it turned on, low voltage is applied to the Inhibit control pin and disables the output of the module. If Q1
is then turned off, the module executes a soft-start power-up sequence. A regulated output voltage is produced
within 20 ms.
Figure 13 shows the typical rise in both the output voltage and input current, following the turn-off
of Q1. The turn off of Q1 corresponds to the rise in the waveform, VINH. The waveforms were measured with a
25-A constant current load.
Figure 12. On/Off Inhibit Control Circuit
Figure 13. Power-Up Response from Inhibit Control
For protection against load faults, all modules incorporate output overcurrent protection. Applying a load that
exceeds the regulator's overcurrent threshold causes the regulated output to shut down. Following shutdown, the
module periodically attempts to recover by initiating a soft-start power-up. This is described as a hiccup mode of
operation, whereby the module continues in a cycle of successive shutdown and power up until the load fault is
removed. During this period, the average current flowing into the fault is significantly reduced. Once the fault is
removed, the module automatically recovers and returns to normal operation.
A thermal shutdown mechanism protects the module’s internal circuitry against excessively high temperatures. A
rise in the internal temperature may be the result of a drop in airflow, or a high ambient temperature. If the
internal temperature exceeds the OTP threshold, the module’s Inhibit control is internally pulled low. This turns
the output off. The output voltage drops as the external output capacitors are discharged by the load circuit. The
recovery is automatic, and begins with a soft-start power up. It occurs when the sensed temperature decreases
by about 10°C below the trip point.
18
Copyright 2008, Texas Instruments Incorporated