19-3480; Rev 1; 8/05

KIT
ATION
EVALU BLE
AVA ILA

TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

General Description Features

MAX8727
The MAX8727 is a high-performance step-up DC-DC ♦ 90% Efficiency
converter that provides a regulated supply voltage for
active-matrix thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid-crystal dis- ♦ Adjustable Output from VIN to 24V
plays (LCDs). The MAX8727 incorporates current- ♦ 2.6V to 5.5V Input Supply Range
mode, fixed-frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM)
circuitry with a built-in n-channel power MOSFET to ♦ Input Supply Undervoltage Lockout
achieve high efficiency and fast transient response. ♦ Pin-Programmable 640kHz/1.2MHz Switching
Users can select 640kHz or 1.2MHz operation using a Frequency
logic input pin (FREQ). The high switching frequencies
♦ Programmable Soft-Start
allow the use of ultra-small inductors and low-ESR
ceramic capacitors. The current-mode architecture pro- ♦ 0.1µA Shutdown Current
vides fast transient response to pulsed loads. A com-
pensation pin (COMP) gives users flexibility in adjusting ♦ Small 10-Pin Thin DFN Package
loop dynamics. The 30V internal MOSFET can generate
output voltages up to 24V from an input voltage
between 2.6V and 5.5V. Soft-start slowly ramps the input
current and is programmed with an external capacitor.
The MAX8727 is available in a 10-pin thin DFN package.
Ordering Information
Applications PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
Notebook Computer Displays MAX8727ETB -40°C to +85°C 10 Thin DFN 3mm x 3mm
LCD Monitor Panels MAX8727ETB+ -40°C to +85°C 10 Thin DFN 3mm x 3mm
+Denotes lead-free package.

Pin Configuration Minimal Operating Circuit

VIN
2.6V TO 5.5V VOUT

TOP VIEW 6 7
LX LX
COMP 1 10 SS 8 2
IN FB

FB 2 9 FREQ
MAX8727
9
SHDN 3 MAX8727 8 IN FREQ GND 5

3 4
GND 4 7 LX SHDN GND

GND 5 6 LX 10
SS COMP 1

THIN DFN
3mm x 3mm

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

MAX8727

LX to GND ..............................................................-0.3V to +26V Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C

IN, SHDN, FREQ, FB to GND ...................................-0.3V to +6V Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
COMP, SS to GND .........................................-0.3V to VIN + 0.3V Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +160°C
LX Switch Maximum Continuous RMS Current .....................2.4A Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
10-Pin Thin DFN (derate 24.4mW/°C above +70°C) ....1951mW
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = V SHDN = 3V, FREQ = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C. Typical values are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

VOUT < 18V 2.6 5.5
Input Voltage Range V
18V < VOUT < 24V 4.0 5.5
Output Voltage Range 24 V
IN Undervoltage-Lockout
VIN rising, typical hysteresis is 50mV 2.20 2.38 2.57 V
Threshold
VFB = 1.3V, not switching 0.225 0.440
IN Quiescent Current mA
VFB = 1.0V, switching 2 5
IN Shutdown Current SHDN = GND 0.1 10.0 µA
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FB Regulation Voltage Level to produce VCOMP = 1.24V 1.22 1.24 1.26 V
FB Input Bias Current VFB = 1.24V 50 125 250 nA
FB Line Regulation Level to produce VCOMP = 1.24V, VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V 0.05 0.15 %/V
Transconductance 100 200 300 µS
Voltage Gain 700 V/V
Shutdown FB Input Voltage SHDN = GND 0.05 0.10 0.15 V
OSCILLATOR
FREQ = GND 540 640 740
Frequency kHz
FREQ = IN 1000 1220 1500
Maximum Duty Cycle 87 90 93 %
n-CHANNEL MOSFET
Current Limit VFB = 1V, 75% duty cycle 3.0 3.8 4.6 A
On-Resistance 125 250 Ω
Leakage Current VLX = 24V 30 45 µA
Current-Sense Transresistance 0.11 0.21 0.31 V/A
SOFT-START
Reset Switch Resistance 100 Ω
Charge Current VSS = 1.2V 2.5 4.5 7.5 µA

2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

MAX8727
(VIN = V SHDN = 3V, FREQ = GND, TA = 0°C to +85°C. Typical values are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
CONTROL INPUTS
0.3 ×
SHDN, FREQ Input Low Voltage VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V V
VIN
0.7 ×
SHDN, FREQ Input High Voltage VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V V
VIN
0.1 ×
SHDN, FREQ Input Hysteresis VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V V
VIN
FREQ Pulldown Current 2.3 6.0 9.5 µA
SHDN Input Current SHDN = GND 0.001 1 µA

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VIN = V SHDN = 3V, FREQ = GND, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)

PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

VOUT < 18V 2.6 5.5
Input Voltage Range V
18V < VOUT < 24V 4.0 5.5
Output Voltage Range 24 V
IN Undervoltage-Lockout
VIN rising, typical hysteresis is 50mV 2.20 2.57 V
Threshold
VFB = 1.3V, not switching 0.44
IN Quiescent Current mA
VFB = 1.0V, switching 5
IN Shutdown Current SHDN = GND 10 µA
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FB Regulation Voltage Level to produce VCOMP = 1.24V 1.215 1.260 V
FB Input Bias Current VFB = 1.24V 250 nA
FB Line Regulation Level to produce VCOMP = 1.24V, VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V 0.15 %/V
Transconductance 100 300 µS
Shutdown FB Input Voltage SHDN = GND 0.05 0.15 V
OSCILLATOR
FREQ = GND 490 770
Frequency kHz
FREQ = IN 900 1600
Maximum Duty Cycle 86 94 %
n-CHANNEL MOSFET
Current Limit VFB = 1V, 75% duty cycle 3.0 5.1 A
On-Resistance 250 mΩ
Current-Sense Transresistance 0.11 0.31 V/A
SOFT-START
Reset Switch Resistance 100 Ω
Charge Current VSS = 1.2V 2.5 7.5 µA

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)

MAX8727

(VIN = V SHDN = 3V, FREQ = GND, TA = -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
CONTROL INPUTS
0.3 ×
SHDN, FREQ Input Low Voltage VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V V
VIN
0.7 ×
SHDN, FREQ Input High Voltage VIN = 2.6V to 5.5V V
VIN

Note 1: Specifications to -40°C are guaranteed by design, not production tested.

Typical Operating Characteristics

(Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 5V, VMAIN = 15V, TA = +25°C unless otherwise noted.)

EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT

(1.2MHz OPERATION) (640kHz OPERATION) LOAD REGULATION
100 100 0.5
MAX8727 toc01

MAX8727 toc02

MAX8727 toc03
L = 3.6μH L = 6.8μH

90 90 0
LOAD REGULATION (%)
EFFICIENCY (%)

EFFICIENCY (%)

80 80 -0.5

VIN = 5.0V VIN = 5.0V

VIN = 5.0V
70 70 -1.0
VIN = 3.3V VIN = 3.3V
VIN = 3.3V
60 60 -1.5

50 50 -2.0
1 10 100 1000 1 10 100 1000 1 10 100 1000
LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA) LOAD CURRENT (mA)

SWITCHING FREQUENCY SUPPLY CURRENT SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE

vs. INPUT VOLTAGE vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE (SWITCHING)
1400 4.0 5
MAX8727 toc05
MAX8727 toc04

MAX8727 toc06

1300 3.5
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)

1200 4 VIN = 5.0V

FREQ = IN 3.0 SWITCHING
SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

SUPPLY CURRENT (mA)

1100
2.5 3
1000 VIN = 3.3V
2.0
900
1.5 2
800
FREQ = GND 1.0
700 1
600 0.5 NONSWITCHING

500 0 0
2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)

4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

MAX8727
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(Circuit of Figure 1. VIN = 5V, VMAIN = 15V, TA = +25°C unless otherwise noted.)

SOFT-START LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE

(RLOAD = 30Ω) (ILOAD = 50mA TO 550mA)
MAX8727 toc07 MAX8727 toc08

15V
VOUT
5mV/div
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
5V/div IOUT
500mA/div
OV 50mA

INDUCTOR
CURRENT INDUCTOR
1A/div CURRENT
1A/div
OA

OA
1ms/div 1μs/div

PULSED LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE SWITCHING WAVEFORMS

(ILOAD = 100mA TO 1.1A) (ILOAD = 600mA)
MAX8727 toc09 MAX8727 toc10

15V
VOUT LX
5mV/div 10V/div
AC-COUPLED
IOUT OV
1A/div
0.1A

INDUCTOR INDUCTOR
CURRENT CURRENT
1A/div 1A/div
OA OA

1μs/div 1μs/div

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter
MAX8727

Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
Compensation Pin for Error Amplifier. Connect a series RC from COMP to ground. See the Loop
1 COMP
Compensation section for component selection guidelines.
Feedback Pin. The FB regulation voltage is 1.24V nominal. Connect an external resistive voltage-divider
between the step-up regulator’s output (VOUT) and GND, with the center tap connected to FB. Place the
2 FB
divider close to the IC and minimize the trace area to reduce noise coupling. Set VOUT according to the
Output Voltage Selection section.
3 SHDN Shutdown Control Input. Drive SHDN low to turn off the MAX8727.
4 GND Ground. Connect pins 4 and 5 directly together.
5 GND Ground. Connect pins 4 and 5 directly together.
Switch Pin. LX is the drain of the internal MOSFET. Connect the inductor/rectifier diode junction to LX and
6 LX
minimize the trace area for lower EMI. Connect pins 6 and 7 directly together.
Switch Pin. LX is the drain of the internal MOSFET. Connect the inductor/rectifier diode junction to LX and
7 LX
minimize the trace area for lower EMI. Connect pins 6 and 7 directly together.
8 IN Supply Pin. Bypass IN with a minimum 1µF ceramic capacitor directly to GND.
Frequency-Select Input. When FREQ is low, the oscillator frequency is set to 640kHz. When FREQ is high, the
9 FREQ
frequency is 1.2MHz. This input has a 5µA pulldown current.
Soft-Start Control Pin. Connect a soft-start capacitor (CSS) to this pin. Leave open for no soft-start. The soft-
start capacitor is charged with a constant current of 4.5µA. Full current limit is reached after t = 2.5 × 105 CSS.
10 SS
The soft-start capacitor is discharged to ground when SHDN is low. When SHDN goes high, the soft-start
capacitor is charged to 0.4V, after which soft-start begins.

L1
3.6μH D1
VIN VOUT
4.5V TO 5.5V C2 C7 C8 15V/600mA
C1 R1 4.7μF 4.7μF 4.7μF
10μF R3 6 7 309kΩ 25V 25V 25V
6.3V 10Ω LX LX 1%
8 2
IN FB
C3
1μF R2
MAX8727 28.0kΩ
1%
9
FREQ GND 5

3 4
SHDN GND

10
SS COMP 1
C6
33nF R4
100kΩ C5
39pF
C4
330pF

Figure 1 Typical Operating Circuit

6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

MAX8727
SKIP IN
COMPARATOR 4μA
SHDN
BIAS
SKIP SOFT-
SS
START
COMP
ERROR
AMPLIFIER ERROR
LX
FB COMPARATOR
∞ CONTROL
1.24V AND DRIVER N
LOGIC
CLOCK
GND
SLOPE
CURRENT
FREQ OSCILLATOR COMPEN- Σ
SATION SENSE

5μA
MAX8727

Figure 2. MAX8727 Functional Diagram

Detailed Description current limit depends on the duty cycle. The current
limit is determined by the following equation:
The MAX8727 is a highly efficient power supply that
employs a current-mode, fixed-frequency, pulse-width
modulation (PWM) architecture for fast transient ILIM = (1.26 - 0.35 x D) x ILIM_EC
response and low-noise operation. The device regu-
lates the output voltage through a combination of an
error amplifier, two comparators, and several signal where ILIM_EC is the current limit specified at 75% duty
generators (Figure 2). The error amplifier compares the cycle (see the Electrical Characteristics) and D is the
signal at FB to 1.24V and varies the COMP output. The duty cycle.
voltage at COMP determines the current trip point each The output current capability depends on the current-
time the internal MOSFET turns on. As the load limit value and is governed by the following equation:
changes, the error amplifier sources or sinks current to
the COMP output to command the inductor peak cur- ⎡ 0.5 × D × VIN ⎤ VIN
rent necessary to service the load. To maintain stability IOUT(MAX) = ⎢ILIM − ⎥ × × η
⎢⎣ fOSC × L ⎥⎦ VOUT
at high duty cycles, a slope-compensation signal is
summed with the current-sense signal.
where ILIM is the current limit calculated above, η is the
At light loads, this architecture allows the MAX8727 to regulator efficiency (85% nominal), and D is the duty
“skip” cycles to prevent overcharging the output voltage. cycle. The duty cycle when operating at the current
In this region of operation, the inductor ramps up to a limit is:
peak value of approximately 50mA, discharges to the
VOUT − VIN + VDIODE
output, and waits until another pulse is needed again. D =
VOUT − ILIM × RON + VDIODE
Output Current Capability
The output current capability of the MAX8727 is a func- where VDIODE is the rectifier diode forward voltage and
tion of current limit, input voltage, operating frequency, RON is the on-resistance of the internal MOSFET.
and inductor value. Because of the slope compensa-
tion used to stabilize the feedback loop, the inductor

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

Soft-Start Shutdown
MAX8727

The MAX8727 can be programmed for soft-start upon The MAX8727 shuts down to reduce the supply current
power-up with an external capacitor. When the shutdown to 0.1µA when SHDN is low. In this mode, the internal
pin is taken high, the soft-start capacitor (CSS) is immedi- reference, error amplifier, comparators, and biasing cir-
ately charged to 0.4V. Then the capacitor is charged at a cuitry turn off, and the n-channel MOSFET is turned off.
constant current of 4.5µA (typ). During this time, the SS The step-up regulator’s output is connected to IN by
voltage directly controls the peak inductor current, allow- the external inductor and rectifier diode.
ing 0A at VSS = 0.4V to the full current limit at VSS = 1.5V.
The maximum load current is available after the soft-start Applications Information
is completed. When the SHDN pin is taken low, the soft- Step-up regulators using the MAX8727 can be
start capacitor is discharged to ground. designed by performing simple calculations for a first
iteration. All designs should be prototyped and tested
Frequency Selection prior to production. Table 1 provides a list of power
The MAX8727’s frequency can be user selected to components for the typical applications circuit. Table 2
operate at either 640kHz or 1.2MHz. Connect FREQ to lists component suppliers.
GND for 640kHz operation. For a 1.2MHz switching fre-
quency, connect FREQ to IN. This allows the use of External-component-value choice is primarily dictated
small, minimum-height external components while by the output voltage and the maximum load current,
maintaining low output noise. FREQ has an internal as well as maximum and minimum input voltages.
pulldown, allowing the user the option of leaving FREQ Begin by selecting an inductor value. Once L is known,
unconnected for 640kHz operation. choose the diode and capacitors.
Inductor Selection
The minimum inductance value, peak current rating, and
series resistance are factors to consider when selecting
Table 1. Component List the inductor. These factors influence the converter’s effi-
ciency, maximum output load capability, transient-
DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION response time, and output voltage ripple. Physical size
10µF ±10%, 6.3V X5R ceramic capacitor and cost are also important factors to be considered.
C1
(0805) The maximum output current, input voltage, output volt-
Murata GRM21BR60J106K age, and switching frequency determine the inductor
Taiyo Yuden JMK212BJ106KD value. Very high inductance values minimize the cur-
rent ripple and therefore reduce the peak current,
4.7µF±20%, 25V X7R ceramic capacitors
which decreases core losses in the inductor and I 2R
C2, C7, C8 (1206)
losses in the entire power path. However, large induc-
Murata GRM31CR71E475M
tor values also require more energy storage and more
3A, 30V Schottky diode (M-Flat) turns of wire, which increase physical size and can
D1
Toshiba CMS02 increase I2R losses in the inductor. Low inductance val-
ues decrease the physical size but increase the current
3.6µH ±30% power inductor
L1 ripple and peak current. Finding the best inductor
Sumida CDRH6D26-3R6NC
involves choosing the best compromise between circuit
efficiency, inductor size and cost.
Table 2. Component Suppliers
SUPPLIER PHONE FAX WEBSITE
Murata 770-436-1300 770-436-3030 www.murata.com
Sanyo 619-661-4143 619-661-1055 www.sanyovideo.com
Sumida 847-545-6700 847-545-6720 www.sumida.com
Taiyo Yuden 800-348-2496 847-925-0899 www.t-yuden.com
Toshiba 949-455-2000 949-859-3963 www.toshiba.com/taec

8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

The equations used here include a constant LIR, which The inductor’s saturation current rating and the

MAX8727
is the ratio of the inductor peak-to-peak ripple current MAX8727’s LX current limit (ILIM) should exceed IPEAK,
to the average DC inductor current at the full load cur- and the inductor’s DC current rating should exceed
rent. The best trade-off between inductor size and cir- IIN(DC,MAX). For good efficiency, choose an inductor
cuit efficiency for step-up regulators generally has an with less than 0.1Ω series resistance.
LIR between 0.3 and 0.5. However, depending on the Considering the typical operating circuit, the maximum
AC characteristics of the inductor core material and the load current (IMAIN(MAX)) is 600mA with a 15V output and
ratio of inductor resistance to other power path resis- a typical input voltage of 5V. Choosing an LIR of 0.35 and
tances, the best LIR can shift up or down. If the induc- estimating efficiency of 85% at this operating point:
tor resistance is relatively high, more ripple can be 2
accepted to reduce the number of turns required and ⎛ 5V ⎞ ⎛ 15V − 5V ⎞ ⎛ 0.85 ⎞
increase the wire diameter. If the inductor resistance is L = ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ≈ 3.2μH
relatively low, increasing inductance to lower the peak ⎝ 15V ⎠ ⎝ 0.6A × 1.2MHz ⎠ ⎝ 0.35 ⎠
current can decrease losses throughout the power
path. If extremely thin high-resistance inductors are Using the circuit’s minimum input voltage (4.5V) and
used, as is common for LCD panel applications, the estimating efficiency of 85% at that operating point:
best LIR can increase to between 0.5 and 1.0.
0.6A × 15V
Once a physical inductor is chosen, higher and lower IIN(DC, MAX) = ≈ 2.35A
values of the inductor should be evaluated for efficien- 4.5V × 0.85
cy improvements in typical operating regions.
The ripple current and the peak current are:
Calculate the approximate inductor value using the typ-
ical input voltage (VIN), the maximum output current 4.5V × (15V − 4.5V)
(IMAIN(MAX)), the expected efficiency (ηTYP) taken from IRIPPLE = ≈ 0.73A
an appropriate curve in the Typical Operating 3.6μH × 15V × 1.2MHz
Characteristics, and an estimate of LIR based on the
above discussion: 0.73A
2 IPEAK = 2.35A + ≈ 2.70A
⎛ V ⎞ ⎛ VMAIN − VIN ⎞ ⎛η ⎞ 2
L = ⎜ IN ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ TYP ⎟
⎜ ⎟
⎝ VMAIN ⎠ ⎝ IMAIN(MAX) × fOSC ⎠ ⎝ LIR ⎠
Output Capacitor Selection
Choose an available inductor value from an appropriate The total output voltage ripple has two components: the
inductor family. Calculate the maximum DC input cur- capacitive ripple caused by the charging and discharg-
rent at the minimum input voltage VIN(MIN) using con- ing of the output capacitance, and the ohmic ripple due
servation of energy and the expected efficiency at that to the capacitor’s equivalent series resistance (ESR):
operating point (ηMIN) taken from an appropriate curve VRIPPLE = VRIPPLE(C) + VRIPPLE(ESR)
in the Typical Operating Characteristics:
IMAIN(MAX) × VMAIN
IIN(DC, MAX) = IMAIN ⎛ VMAIN − VIN ⎞
VIN(MIN) × ηMIN VRIPPLE(C) ≈ ⎜ ⎟ and
COUT ⎝ VMAIN fOSC ⎠
Calculate the ripple current at that operating point and
the peak current required for the inductor: VRIPPLE(ESR) ≈ IPEAK RESR(COUT)
VIN(MIN) × (VMAIN − VIN(MIN) ) where I PEAK is the peak inductor current (see the
IRIPPLE =
L × VMAIN × fOSC Inductor Selection section). For ceramic capacitors,
the output voltage ripple is typically dominated by
VRIPPLE(C). The voltage rating and temperature charac-
I teristics of the output capacitor must also be considered.
IPEAK = IIN(DC, MAX) + RIPPLE
2

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

Input Capacitor Selection sen to cancel the zero introduced by output-capaci-

MAX8727

The input capacitor (CIN) reduces the current peaks tance ESR. For optimal performance, choose the com-
drawn from the input supply and reduces noise injection ponents using the following equations:
into the IC. A 10µF ceramic capacitor is used in the typi-
315 × VIN × VOUT × COUT
cal operating circuit (Figure 1) because of the high RCOMP ≈
source impedance seen in typical lab setups. Actual L × IMAIN(MAX)
applications usually have much lower source imped-
ance since the step-up regulator often runs directly from
the output of another regulated supply. Typically, CIN VOUT × COUT
CCOMP ≈
can be reduced below the values used in the typical 10 × IMAIN(MAX) × RCOMP
operating circuit. Ensure a low noise supply at IN by
using adequate CIN. Alternatively, greater voltage varia-
tion can be tolerated on CIN if IN is decoupled from CIN 0.0036 × RESR × L × IMAIN(MAX)
using an RC lowpass filter (see R3 and C3 in Figure 1). CCOMP2 ≈
VIN × VOUT
Rectifier Diode Selection
The MAX8727’s high switching frequency demands a For the ceramic output capacitor, where ESR is small,
high-speed rectifier. Schottky diodes are recommend- CCOMP2 is optional. The best gauge of correct loop
ed for most applications because of their fast recovery compensation is by inspecting the transient response
time and low forward voltage. The diode should be of the MAX8727. Adjust RCOMP and CCOMP as neces-
rated to handle the output voltage and the peak switch sary to obtain optimal transient performance.
current. Make sure that the diode’s peak current rating Soft-Start Capacitor
is at least IPEAK calculated in the Inductor Selection The soft-start capacitor should be large enough that it
section and that its breakdown voltage exceeds the does not reach final value before the output has
output voltage. reached regulation. Calculate CSS to be:
Output Voltage Selection
The MAX8727 operates with an adjustable output from CSS > 21 × 10 −6 × COUT ×
VIN to 24V. Connect a resistive voltage-divider from the ⎛ 2 ⎞
output (VMAIN) to GND with the center tap connected to ⎜ VOUT − VIN × VOUT ⎟
FB (see Figure 1). Select R2 in the 10kΩ to 50kΩ range. ⎜⎜ V × I − × ⎟
⎝ IN INRUSH IOUT VOUT ⎟⎠
Calculate R1 with the following equation:
⎛V ⎞ where COUT is the total output capacitance including
R1 = R2 × ⎜ MAIN − 1⎟ any bypass capacitor on the output bus, VOUT is the
⎝ VFB ⎠ maximum output voltage, IINRUSH is the peak inrush
current allowed, IOUT is the maximum output current
where VFB, the step-up regulator’s feedback set point, during power-up, and VIN is the minimum input voltage.
is 1.24V (typ). Place R1 and R2 close to the IC.
The load must wait for the soft-start cycle to finish
Loop Compensation before drawing a significant amount of load current.
The voltage feedback loop needs proper compensation The duration after which the load can begin to draw
to prevent excessive output ripple and poor efficiency maximum load current is:
caused by instability. This is done by connecting a
resistor (RCOMP) and capacitor (CCOMP) in series from
COMP to GND, and another capacitor (CCOMP2) from tMAX = 6.77 x 105 x CSS
COMP to GND. RCOMP is chosen to set the high-fre-
quency integrator gain for fast transient response, while
CCOMP is chosen to set the integrator zero to maintain
loop stability. The second capacitor, CCOMP2, is cho-

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

MAX8727
V3
C7 C8 D3 -14V
D2 0.1μF 0.1μF
C10
V2 1μF
+28V C9
1μF

L1
3.6μH D1
VIN VOUT
4.5V TO 5.5V C2 C7 C8 15V/600mA
C1 R1 4.7μF 4.7μF 4.7μF
10μF R4 6 7 309kΩ
25V 25V 25V
6.3V 10Ω LX LX 1%
8 2
IN FB
C5
1μF R2
MAX8727 28.0kΩ

1%
9
FREQ GND 5

3 4
SHDN GND

10
SS COMP 1
C4
33nF R3
100kΩ C6
39pF
C3
330pF

Figure 3. Multiple-Output TFT-LCD Power Supply

Multiple-Output Power Supply for TFT LCD and to the positive terminal of the output capacitors,
Figure 3 shows a power supply for active-matrix TFT- reconnecting between the output capacitor and
LCD flat-panel displays. Output-voltage transient perfor- input capacitor ground terminals. Connect these
mance is a function of the load characteristic. Add or loop components with short, wide connections.
remove output capacitance (and recalculate compensa- Avoid using vias in the high-current paths. If vias
tion-network component values) as necessary to meet are unavoidable, use many vias in parallel to
the required transient performance. Regulation perfor- reduce resistance and inductance.
mance for secondary outputs (V2 and V3) depends on 2) Create a power ground island (PGND) consisting of
the load characteristics of all three outputs. the input and output capacitor grounds and GND
PC Board Layout and Grounding pins. Connect all of these together with short, wide
Careful PC board layout is important for proper operation. traces or a small ground plane. Maximizing the
Use the following guidelines for good PC board layout: width of the power ground traces improves efficien-
cy and reduces output voltage ripple and noise
1) Minimize the area of high-current loops by placing spikes. Create an analog ground plane (AGND)
the inductor, rectifier diode, and output capacitors consisting of the feedback-divider ground connec-
near the input capacitors and near the LX and GND tion, the COMP and SS capacitor ground connec-
pins. The high-current input loop goes from the tions, and the device’s exposed backside pad.
positive terminal of the input capacitor to the induc- Connect the AGND and PGND islands by connect-
tor, to the IC’s LX pin, out of GND, and to the input ing the GND pins directly to the exposed backside
capacitor’s negative terminal. The high-current out- pad. Make no other connections between these
put loop is from the positive terminal of the input separate ground planes.
capacitor to the inductor, to the rectifier diode (D1),

______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

3) Place the feedback voltage-divider-resistors as 5) Minimize the length and maximize the width of the
MAX8727

close to the FB pin as possible. The divider’s center traces between the output capacitors and the load
trace should be kept short. Placing the resistors far for best transient responses.
away causes the FB trace to become an antenna 6) Minimize the size of the LX node while keeping it
that can pick up switching noise. Avoid running the wide and short. Keep the LX node away from the
feedback trace near LX. feedback node and analog ground. Use DC traces
4) Place the IN pin bypass capacitor as close to the as a shield if necessary.
device as possible. The ground connection of the Refer to the MAX8727 evaluation kit for an example of
IN bypass capacitor should be connected directly proper board layout.
to GND pins with a wide trace.
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 2746
PROCESS: BiCMOS

12 ______________________________________________________________________________________
 TFT-LCD Step-Up DC-DC Converter

Package Information

MAX8727
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)

6, 8, &10L, DFN THIN.EPS

D2
D
A2 PIN 1 ID

0.35x0.35
b

PIN 1 [(N/2)-1] x e
INDEX
E REF.
E2
AREA DETAIL A
e

A1 k

CL CL

A
L L

e e

PACKAGE OUTLINE, 6,8,10 & 14L,

TDFN, EXPOSED PAD, 3x3x0.80 mm

-DRAWING NOT TO SCALE-

1
21-0137 G 2

COMMON DIMENSIONS
SYMBOL MIN. MAX.
A 0.70 0.80
D 2.90 3.10
E 2.90 3.10
A1 0.00 0.05
L 0.20 0.40
k 0.25 MIN.
A2 0.20 REF.

PACKAGE VARIATIONS
DOWNBONDS
PKG. CODE N D2 E2 e JEDEC SPEC b [(N/2)-1] x e ALLOWED
T633-1 6 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.95 BSC MO229 / WEEA 0.40±0.05 1.90 REF NO
T633-2 6 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.95 BSC MO229 / WEEA 0.40±0.05 1.90 REF NO
T833-1 8 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.65 BSC MO229 / WEEC 0.30±0.05 1.95 REF NO
T833-2 8 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.65 BSC MO229 / WEEC 0.30±0.05 1.95 REF NO
T833-3 8 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.65 BSC MO229 / WEEC 0.30±0.05 1.95 REF YES
T1033-1 10 1.50±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.50 BSC MO229 / WEED-3 0.25±0.05 2.00 REF NO
T1433-1 14 1.70±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.40 BSC ---- 0.20±0.05 2.40 REF YES
T1433-2 14 1.70±0.10 2.30±0.10 0.40 BSC ---- 0.20±0.05 2.40 REF NO

PACKAGE OUTLINE, 6,8,10 & 14L,

TDFN, EXPOSED PAD, 3x3x0.80 mm

-DRAWING NOT TO SCALE- 2

21-0137 G 2

Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.

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