LM2578A/LM3578A Switching Regulator

February 2005

LM2578A/LM3578A
Switching Regulator
General Description Features
The LM2578A is a switching regulator which can easily be n Inverting and non-inverting feedback inputs
set up for such DC-to-DC voltage conversion circuits as the n 1.0V reference at inputs
buck, boost, and inverting configurations. The LM2578A fea- n Operates from supply voltages of 2V to 40V
tures a unique comparator input stage which not only has n Output current up to 750 mA, saturation less than 0.9V
separate pins for both the inverting and non-inverting inputs, n Current limit and thermal shut down
but also provides an internal 1.0V reference to each input,
n Duty cycle up to 90%
thereby simplifying circuit design and p.c. board layout. The
output can switch up to 750 mA and has output pins for its
collector and emitter to promote design flexibility. An external Applications
current limit terminal may be referenced to either the ground n Switching regulators in buck, boost, inverting, and
or the Vin terminal, depending upon the application. In addi- single-ended transformer configurations
tion, the LM2578A has an on board oscillator, which sets the n Motor speed control
switching frequency with a single external capacitor from < 1 n Lamp flasher
Hz to 100 kHz (typical).
The LM2578A is an improved version of the LM2578, offer-
ing higher maximum ratings for the total supply voltage and
output transistor emitter and collector voltages.

Connection Diagram and Ordering Information

Dual-In-Line Package

00871129
Order Number LM3578AM, LM2578AN or LM3578AN
See NS Package Number M08A or N08E

© 2005 National Semiconductor Corporation DS008711 www.national.com

LM2578A/LM3578A
Functional Diagram

00871101

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 1) ESD Tolerance (Note 4) 2 kV
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Operating Ratings
Total Supply Voltage 50V Ambient Temperature Range

Collector Output to Ground −0.3V to +50V LM2578A −40˚C ≤ TA

≤+85˚C
Emitter Output to Ground (Note 2) −1V to +50V
LM3578A 0˚C ≤ TA ≤+70˚C
Power Dissipation (Note 3) Internally limited
Junction Temperature Range
Output Current 750 mA
LM2578A −40˚C ≤ TJ
Storage Temperature −65˚C to +150˚C
≤+125˚C
Lead Temperature
LM3578A 0˚C ≤ TJ ≤+125˚C
(soldering, 10 seconds) 260˚C
Maximum Junction Temperature 150˚C

Electrical Characteristics
These specifications apply for 2V ≤ VIN ≤ 40V (2.2V ≤ VIN ≤ 40V for TJ ≤ −25˚C), timing capacitor CT = 3900 pF, and 25% ≤
duty cycle ≤ 75%, unless otherwise specified. Values in standard typeface are for TJ = 25˚C; values in boldface type apply for
operation over the specified operating junction temperature range.
LM2578A/
Symbol Parameter Conditions Typical LM3578A Units
(Note 5) Limit (Note 6)
OSCILLATOR
fOSC Frequency 20 kHz
24 kHz (max)
16 kHz (min)
∆fOSC/∆T Frequency Drift with Temperature −0.13 %/˚C
Amplitude 550 mVp-p
REFERENCE/COMPARATOR (Note 7)
VR Input Reference I1 = I2 = 0 mA and 1.0 V
Voltage I1 = I2 = 1 mA ± 1% (Note 8) 1.050/1.070 V (max)
0.950/0.930 V (min)
∆VR/∆VIN Input Reference Voltage Line I1 = I2 = 0 mA and 0.003 %/V
Regulation
I1 = I2 = 1 mA ± 1% (Note 8) 0.01/0.02 %/V (max)
IINV Inverting Input Current I1 = I2 = 0 mA, duty cycle = 25% 0.5 µA
Level Shift Accuracy Level Shift Current = 1 mA 1.0 %
10/13 % (max)
∆VR/∆t Input Reference Voltage Long Term 100 ppm/1000h
Stability
OUTPUT
VC (sat) Collector Saturation Voltage IC = 750 mA pulsed, Emitter 0.7 V
grounded 0.90/1.2 V (max)
VE (sat) Emitter Saturation Voltage IO = 80 mA pulsed, 1.4 V
VIN = VC = 40V 1.7/2.0 V (max)
ICES Collector Leakage Current VIN = VCE = 40V, Emitter grounded, 0.1 µA
Output OFF 200/250 µA (max)
BVCEO(SUS) Collector-Emitter Sustaining Voltage ISUST = 0.2A (pulsed), VIN = 0 60 V
50 V (min)
CURRENT LIMIT
VCL Sense Voltage Shutdown Level Referred to VIN or Ground 110 mV
(Note 9) 80 mV (min)
160 mV (max)

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Electrical Characteristics (Continued)
These specifications apply for 2V ≤ VIN ≤ 40V (2.2V ≤ VIN ≤ 40V for TJ ≤ −25˚C), timing capacitor CT = 3900 pF, and 25% ≤
duty cycle ≤ 75%, unless otherwise specified. Values in standard typeface are for TJ = 25˚C; values in boldface type apply for
operation over the specified operating junction temperature range.
LM2578A/
Symbol Parameter Conditions Typical LM3578A Units
(Note 5) Limit (Note 6)
CURRENT LIMIT
∆VCL/∆T Sense Voltage Temperature Drift 0.3 %/˚C

ICL Sense Bias Current Referred to VIN 4.0 µA

Referred to ground 0.4 µA
DEVICE POWER CONSUMPTION
IS Supply Current Output OFF, VE = 0V 2.0 mA
3.5/4.0 mA (max)
Output ON, IC = 750 mA pulsed, 14 mA
VE = 0V

Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. DC and AC electrical specifications do not apply when operating
the device beyond its rated operating conditions.
Note 2: For TJ ≥ 100˚C, the Emitter pin voltage should not be driven more than 0.6V below ground (see Application Information).
Note 3: At elevated temperatures, devices must be derated based on package thermal resistance. The device in the 8-pin DIP must be derated at 95˚C/W, junction
to ambient. The device in the surface-mount package must be derated at 150˚C/W, junction-to-ambient.
Note 4: Human body model, 1.5 kΩ in series with 100 pF.
Note 5: Typical values are for TJ = 25˚C and represent the most likely parametric norm.
Note 6: All limits guaranteed at room temperature (standard type face) and at temperature extremes (bold type face). Room temperature limits are 100% production
tested. Limits at temperature extremes are guaranteed via correlation using standard Statistical Quality Control (SQC) methods. All limits are used to calculate
AOQL.
Note 7: Input terminals are protected from accidental shorts to ground but if external voltages higher than the reference voltage are applied, excessive current will
flow and should be limited to less than 5 mA.
Note 8: I1 and I2 are the external sink currents at the inputs (refer to Test Circuit).
Note 9: Connection of a 10 kΩ resistor from pin 1 to pin 4 will drive the duty cycle to its maximum, typically 90%. Applying the minimum Current Limit Sense Voltage
to pin 7 will not reduce the duty cycle to less than 50%. Applying the maximum Current Limit Sense Voltage to pin 7 is certain to reduce the duty cycle below 50%.
Increasing this voltage by 15 mV may be required to reduce the duty cycle to 0%, when the Collector output swing is 40V or greater (see Ground-Referred Current
Limit Sense Voltage typical curve).

Typical Performance Characteristics

Oscillator Frequency Change
with Temperature Oscillator Voltage Swing

00871132 00871133

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Collector Saturation Voltage

Input Reference Voltage (Sinking Current,
Drift with Temperature Emitter Grounded)

00871134 00871135

Emitter Saturation Voltage

(Sourcing Current, Ground Referred
Collector at Vin) Current Limit Sense Voltage

00871136 00871137

Current Limit Sense Voltage Current Limit Response Time

Drift with Temperature for Various Over Drives

00871138 00871139

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Current Limit Sense Voltage

vs Supply Voltage Supply Current

00871140 00871141

Collector Current with

Supply Current Emitter Output Below Ground

00871142 00871143

Test Circuit* The Current Limit Sense Voltage is measured by connecting

an adjustable 0-to-1V floating power supply in series with the
Parameter tests can be made using the test circuit shown. current limit terminal and referring it to either the ground or
Select the desired Vin, collector voltage and duty cycle with the Vin terminal. Set the duty cycle to 90% and monitor test
adjustable power supplies. A digital volt meter with an input point TP5 while adjusting the floating power supply voltage
resistance greater than 100 MΩ should be used to measure until the LM2578A’s duty cycle just reaches 0%. This voltage
the following: is the Current Limit Sense Voltage.
Input Reference Voltage to Ground; S1 in either position. The Supply Current should be measured with the duty cycle
Level Shift Accuracy (%) = (TP3(V)/1V) x 100%; S1 at I1 = I2 at 0% and S1 in the I1 = I2 = 0 mA position.
= 1 mA *LM2578A specifications are measured using automated
Input Current (mA) = (1V − Tp3 (V))/1 MΩ: S1 at I1 = I2 = test equipment. This circuit is provided for the customer’s
0 mA. convenience when checking parameters. Due to possible
Oscillator parameters can be measured at Tp4 using a fre- variations in testing conditions, the measured values from
quency counter or an oscilloscope. these testing procedures may not match those of the factory.

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Test Circuit* (Continued)

00871103
Op amp supplies are ± 15V
DVM input resistance > 100 MΩ
*LM2578 max duty cycle is 90%

Definition of Terms Current Limit Sense Voltage: The voltage at the Current
Limit pin, referred to either the supply or the ground terminal,
Input Reference Voltage: The voltage (referred to ground) which (via logic circuitry) will cause the output transistor to
that must be applied to either the inverting or non-inverting turn OFF and resets cycle-by-cycle at the oscillator fre-
input to cause the regulator switch to change state (ON or quency.
OFF).
Current Limit Sense Current: The bias current for the
Input Reference Current: The current that must be drawn Current Limit terminal with the applied voltage equal to the
from either the inverting or non-inverting input to cause the Current Limit Sense Voltage.
regulator switch to change state (ON or OFF).
Supply Current: The IC power supply current, excluding the
Input Level Shift Accuracy: This specification determines current drawn through the output transistor, with the oscilla-
the output voltage tolerance of a regulator whose output tor operating.
control depends on drawing equal currents from the inverting
and non-inverting inputs (see the Inverting Regulator of Fig-
ure 21, and the RS-232 Line Driver Power Supply of Figure
Functional Description
23). The LM2578A is a pulse-width modulator designed for use
Level Shift Accuracy is tested by using two equal-value as a switching regulator controller. It may also be used in
resistors to draw current from the inverting and non-inverting other applications which require controlled pulse-width volt-
input terminals, then measuring the percentage difference in age drive.
the voltages across the resistors that produces a controlled A control signal, usually representing output voltage, fed into
duty cycle at the switch output. the LM2578A’s comparator is compared with an internally-
Collector Saturation Voltage: With the inverting input ter- generated reference. The resulting error signal and the os-
minal grounded thru a 10 kΩ resistor and the output transis- cillator’s output are fed to a logic network which determines
tor’s emitter connected to ground, the Collector Saturation- when the output transistor will be turned ON or OFF. The
Voltage is the collector-to-emitter voltage for a given following is a brief description of the subsections of the
collector current. LM2578A.
Emitter Saturation Voltage: With the inverting input termi- COMPARATOR INPUT STAGE
nal grounded thru a 10 kΩ resistor and the output transistor’s
collector connected to Vin, the Emitter Saturation Voltage is The LM2578A’s comparator input stage is unique in that both
the collector-to-emitter voltage for a given emitter current. the inverting and non-inverting inputs are available to the
user, and both contain a 1.0V reference. This is accom-
Collector Emitter Sustaining Voltage: The collector-
plished as follows: A 1.0V reference is fed into a modified
emitter breakdown voltage of the output transistor, mea-
voltage follower circuit (see FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM).
sured at a specified current.
When both input pins are open, no current flows through R1

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Functional Description (Continued) 110 mV above ground (see FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM). The
current limit is activated whenever the current limit terminal
and R2. Thus, both inputs to the comparator will have the is pulled 110 mV away from either Vin or ground.
potential of the 1.0V reference, VA. When one input, for
example the non-inverting input, is pulled ∆V away from VA, Applications Information
a current of ∆V/R1 will flow through R1. This same current
flows through R2, and the comparator sees a total voltage of CURRENT LIMIT
2∆V between its inputs. The high gain of the system, through
feedback, will correct for this imbalance and return both As mentioned in the functional description, the current limit
inputs to the 1.0V level. terminal may be referenced to either the Vin or the ground
terminal. Resistor R3 converts the current to be sensed into
This unusual comparator input stage increases circuit flex- a voltage for current limit detection.
ibility, while minimizing the total number of external compo-
nents required for a voltage regulator system. The inverting
switching regulator configuration, for example, can be set up
without having to use an external op amp for feedback
polarity reversal (see TYPICAL APPLICATIONS).

OSCILLATOR
The LM2578A provides an on-board oscillator which can be
adjusted up to 100 kHz. Its frequency is set by a single
external capacitor, C1, as shown in Figure 1, and follows the
equation
fOSC = 8x10−5/C1
The oscillator provides a blanking pulse to limit maximum
duty cycle to 90%, and a reset pulse to the internal circuitry.
00871115

FIGURE 2. Current Limit, Ground Referred

00871104

FIGURE 1. Value of Timing Capacitor vs

Oscillator Frequency 00871116

FIGURE 3. Current Limit, Vin Referred

OUTPUT TRANSISTOR
The output transistor is capable of delivering up to 750 mA
with a saturation voltage of less than 0.9V. (see Collector CURRENT LIMIT TRANSIENT SUPPRESSION
Saturation Voltage and Emitter Saturation Voltage curves). When noise spikes and switching transients interfere with
The emitter must not be pulled more than 1V below ground proper current limit operation, R1 and C1 act together as a
(this limit is 0.6V for TJ ≥ 100˚C). Because of this limit, an low pass filter to control the current limit circuitry’s response
external transistor must be used to develop negative output time.
voltages (see the Inverting Regulator Typical Application). Because the sense current of the current limit terminal varies
Other configurations may need protection against violation according to where it is referenced, R1 should be less
of this limit (see the Emitter Output section of the Applica- than 2 kΩ when referenced to ground, and less than 100Ω
tions Information). when referenced to Vin.

CURRENT LIMIT
The LM2578A’s current limit may be referenced to either the
ground or the Vin pins, and operates on a cycle-by-cycle
basis.
The current limit section consists of two comparators: one
with its non-inverting input referenced to a voltage 110 mV
below Vin, the other with its inverting input referenced

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Applications Information (Continued)

00871120

FIGURE 7. Current Limit Sense Voltage Multiplication,

00871117 Vin Referred

FIGURE 4. Current Limit Transient Suppressor,

Ground Referred UNDER-VOLTAGE LOCKOUT
Under-voltage lockout is accomplished with few external
components. When Vin becomes lower than the zener
breakdown voltage, the output transistor is turned off. This
occurs because diode D1 will then become forward biased,
allowing resistor R3 to sink a greater current from the non-
inverting input than is sunk by the parallel combination of R1
and R2 at the inverting terminal. R3 should be one-fifth of the
value of R1 and R2 in parallel.

00871118

FIGURE 5. Current Limit Transient Suppressor,

Vin Referred

C.L. SENSE VOLTAGE MULTIPLICATION

When a larger sense resistor value is desired, the voltage
divider network, consisting of R1 and R2, may be used. This
effectively multiplies the sense voltage by (1 + R1/R2). Also,
R1 can be replaced by a diode to increase current limit 00871122
sense voltage to about 800 mV (diode Vf + 110 mV).
FIGURE 8. Under-Voltage Lockout

MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE LIMITING

The maximum duty cycle can be externally limited by adjust-
ing the charge to discharge ratio of the oscillator capacitor
with a single external resistor. Typical values are 50 µA for
the charge current, 450 µA for the discharge current, and a
voltage swing from 200 mV to 750 mV. Therefore, R1 is
selected for the desired charging and discharging slopes
and C1 is readjusted to set the oscillator frequency.

00871119

FIGURE 6. Current Limit Sense Voltage Multiplication,

Ground Referred

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Applications Information (Continued)

00871121

00871124
FIGURE 9. Maximum Duty Cycle Limiting
FIGURE 11. Shutdown Occurs when VL is High
DUTY CYCLE ADJUSTMENT
When manual or mechanical selection of the output transis- EMITTER OUTPUT
tor’s duty cycle is needed, the cirucit shown below may be When the LM2578A output transistor is in the OFF state, if
used. The output will turn on with the beginning of each the Emitter output swings below the ground pin voltage, the
oscillator cycle and turn off when the current sunk by R2 and output transistor will turn ON because its base is clamped
R3 from the non-inverting terminal becomes greater than the near ground. The Collector Current with Emitter Output Be-
current sunk from the inverting terminal. low Ground curve shows the amount of Collector current
With the resistor values as shown, R3 can be used to adjust drawn in this mode, vs temperature and Emitter voltage.
the duty cycle from 0% to 90%. When the Collector-Emitter voltage is high, this current will
When the sum of R2 and R3 is twice the value of R1, the cause high power dissipation in the output transistor and
duty cycle will be about 50%. C1 may be a large electrolytic should be avoided.
capacitor to lower the oscillator frequency below 1 Hz. This situation can occur in the high-current high-voltage
buck application if the Emitter output is used and the catch
diode’s forward voltage drop is greater than 0.6V. A fast-
recovery diode can be added in series with the Emitter
output to counter the forward voltage drop of the catch diode
(see Figure 2). For better efficiency of a high output current
buck regulator, an external PNP transistor should be used as
shown in Figure 16.

00871123

FIGURE 10. Duty Cycle Adjustment

REMOTE SHUTDOWN
The LM2578A may be remotely shutdown by sinking a
greater current from the non-inverting input than from the
00871130
inverting input. This may be accomplished by selecting re-
sistor R3 to be approximately one-half the value of R1 and
R2 in parallel. FIGURE 12. D1 Prevents Output Transistor from
Improperly Turning ON due to D2’s Forward Voltage

SYNCHRONIZING DEVICES
When several devices are to be operated at once, their
oscillators may be synchronized by the application of an
external signal. This drive signal should be a pulse waveform
with a minimum pulse width of 2 µs. and an amplitude from

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Applications Information (Continued) Vout = D x Vin = Vin x (ton)/(ton + toff).

1.5V to 2.0V. The signal source must be capable of 1.)

driving capacitive loads and 2.) delivering up to 500 µA for
each LM2578A.
Capacitors C1 thru CN are to be selected for a 20% slower
frequency than the synchronization frequency.

00871105

FIGURE 14. Basic Buck Regulator

Figure 15 is a 15V to 5V buck regulator with an output

current, Io, of 350 mA. The circuit becomes discontinuous at
20% of Io(max), has 10 mV of output voltage ripple, an effi-
ciency of 75%, a load regulation of 30 mV (70 mA to 350 mA)
and a line regulation of 10 mV (12 ≤ Vin ≤ 18V).
Component values are selected as follows:
00871125
R1 = (Vo − 1) x R2 where R2 = 10 kΩ
R3 = V/Isw(max)
FIGURE 13. Synchronizing Devices
R3 = 0.15Ω
where:
Typical Applications V is the current limit sense voltage, 0.11V
The LM2578A may be operated in either the continuous or Isw(max) is the maximum allowable current thru the output
the discontinuous conduction mode. The following applica- transistor.
tions (except for the Buck-Boost Regulator) are designed for L1 is the inductor and may be found from the inductance
continuous conduction operation. That is, the inductor cur- calculation chart (Figure 16) as follows:
rent is not allowed to fall to zero. This mode of operation has
Given Vin = 15V
higher efficiency and lower EMI characteristics than the dis-
continuous mode. Vo = 5V
Io(max) = 350 mA
BUCK REGULATOR fOSC = 50 kHz
The buck configuration is used to step an input voltage down Discontinuous at 20% of Io(max).
to a lower level. Transistor Q1 in Figure 14 chops the input
Note that since the circuit will become discontinuous at 20%
DC voltage into a squarewave. This squarewave is then
of Io(max), the load current must not be allowed to fall below
converted back into a DC voltage of lower magnitude by the
70 mA.
low pass filter consisting of L1 and C1. The duty cycle, D, of
the squarewave relates the output voltage to the input volt-
age by the following equation:

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued)

00871106

Vin = 15V R3 = 0.15Ω

Vo = 5V C1 = 1820 pF
Vripple = 10 mV C2 = 220 µF
Io = 350 mA C3 = 20 pF
fosc = 50 kHz L1 = 470 µH
R1 = 40 kΩ D1 = 1N5818
R2 = 10 kΩ

FIGURE 15. Buck or Step-Down Regulator

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued)

00871131

FIGURE 16. DC/DC Inductance Calculator

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued) ∆IL = 2 • IO(min)
∆IL = 140 mA for this circuit. ∆IL can also be interpreted as
Step 1: Calculate the maximum DC current through the
∆IL = 2 • (Discontinuity Factor) • IL
inductor, IL(max). The necessary equations are indicated at
the top of the chart and show that IL(max) = Io(max) for the where the Discontinuity Factor is the ratio of the minimum
buck configuration. Thus, IL(max) = 350 mA. load current to the maximum load current. For this example,
the Discontinuity Factor is 0.2.
Step 2: Calculate the inductor Volts-sec product, E-Top,
according to the equations given from the chart. For the The remainder of the components of Figure 15 are chosen
Buck: as follows:
E-Top = (Vin − Vo) (Vo/Vin) (1000/fosc) C1 is the timing capacitor found in Figure 1.
=(15 − 5) (5/15) (1000/50) C2 ≥ Vo (Vin − Vo)/(8fosc 2VinVrippleL1)
= 66V-µs. where Vripple is the peak-to-peak output voltage ripple.
with the oscillator frequency, fosc, expressed in kHz. C3 is necessary for continuous operation and is generally in
the 10 pF to 30 pF range.
Step 3: Using the graph with axis labeled “Discontinuous At
% IOUT” and “IL(max, DC)” find the point where the desired D1 should be a Schottky type diode, such as the 1N5818 or
maximum inductor current, IL(max, DC) intercepts the desired 1N5819.
discontinuity percentage.
BUCK WITH BOOSTED OUTPUT CURRENT
In this example, the point of interest is where the 0.35A line
intersects with the 20% line. This is nearly the midpoint of the For applications requiring a large output current, an external
horizontal axis. transistor may be used as shown in Figure 17. This circuit
steps a 15V supply down to 5V with 1.5A of output current.
Step 4: This last step is merely the translation of the point
The output ripple is 50 mV, with an efficiency of 80%, a load
found in Step 3 to the graph directly below it. This is accom-
regulation of 40 mV (150 mA to 1.5A), and a line regulation
plished by moving straight down the page to the point which
of 20 mV (12V ≤ Vin ≤ 18V).
intercepts the desired E-Top. For this example, E-Top is
66V-µs and the desired inductor value is 470 µH. Since this Component values are selected as outlined for the buck
example was for 20% discontinuity, the bottom chart could regulator with a discontinuity factor of 10%, with the addition
have been used directly, as noted in step 3 of the chart of R4 and R5:
instructions. R4 = 10VBE1Bf/Ip
For a full line of standard inductor values, contact Pulse R5 = (Vin − V − VBE1 − Vsat) Bf/(IL(max, DC) + IR4)
Engineering (San Diego, Calif.) regarding their PE526XX where:
series, or A. I. E. Magnetics (Nashville, Tenn.). VBE1 is the VBE of transistor Q1.
A more precise inductance value may be calculated for the Vsat is the saturation voltage of the LM2578A output transis-
Buck, Boost and Inverting Regulators as follows: tor.
BUCK V is the current limit sense voltage.
L = Vo (Vin − Vo)/(∆IL Vin fosc) Bf is the forced current gain of transistor Q1 (Bf = 30 for
BOOST Figure 17 ).
L = Vin (Vo − Vin)/(∆IL fosc Vo) IR4 = VBE1/R4
INVERT Ip = IL(max, DC) + 0.5∆IL
L = Vin |Vo|/[∆IL(Vin + |Vo|)fosc]
where ∆IL is the current ripple through the inductor. ∆IL is
usually chosen based on the minimum load current expected
of the circuit. For the buck regulator, since the inductor
current IL equals the load current IO,

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 LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued)

00871108

Vin = 15V R4 = 200Ω fosc = 50 kHz C3 = 20 pF

Vo = 5V R5 = 330Ω R1 = 40 kΩ L1 = 220 µH
Vripple = 50 mV C1 = 1820 pF R2 = 10 kΩ D1 = 1N5819
Io = 1.5A C2 = 330 µF R3 = 0.05Ω Q1 = D45

FIGURE 17. Buck Converter with Boosted Output Current

BOOST REGULATOR
The boost regulator converts a low input voltage into a
higher output voltage. The basic configuration is shown in
Figure 18. Energy is stored in the inductor while the transis-
tor is on and then transferred with the input voltage to the
output capacitor for filtering when the transistor is off. Thus,
Vo = Vin + Vin(ton/toff).

00871111

00871109 Vin = 5V R4 = 200 kΩ

Vo = 15V C1 = 1820 pF
FIGURE 18. Basic Boost Regulator
Vripple = 10 mV C2 = 470 µF
The circuit of Figure 19 converts a 5V supply into a 15V Io = 140 mA C3 = 20 pF
supply with 150 mA of output current, a load regulation of fosc = 50 kHz C4 = 0.0022 µF
14 mV (30 mA to 140 mA), and a line regulation of 35 mV
R1 = 140 kΩ L1 = 330 µH
(4.5V ≤ Vin ≤ 8.5V).
R2 = 10 kΩ D1 = 1N5818
R3 = 0.15Ω

FIGURE 19. Boost or Step-Up Regulator

R1 = (Vo − 1) R2 where R2 = 10 kΩ.

R3 = V/(IL(max, DC) + 0.5 ∆IL)
where:
∆IL = 2(ILOAD(min))(Vo/Vin)
∆IL is 200 mA in this example.
R4, C3 and C4 are necessary for continuous operation and
are typically 220 kΩ, 20 pF, and 0.0022 µF respectively.
C1 is the timing capacitor found in Figure 1.
C2 ≥ Io (Vo − Vin)/(fosc Vo Vripple).

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LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued) Figure 21 shows an LM2578A configured as a 5V to −15V
polarity inverter with an output current of 300 mA, a load
D1 is a Schottky type diode such as a 1N5818 or 1N5819. regulation of 44 mV (60 mA to 300 mA) and a line regulation
L1 is found as described in the buck converter section, using of 50 mV (4.5V ≤ Vin ≤ 8.5V).
the inductance chart for Figure 16 for the boost configuration R1 = (|Vo| +1) R2 where R2 = 10 kΩ.
and 20% discontinuity.
R3 = V/(IL(max, DC) + 0.5 ∆IL).
INVERTING REGULATOR R4 = 10VBE1Bf/(IL (max, DC) + 0.5 ∆IL)
Figure 20 shows the basic configuration for an inverting where:
regulator. The input voltage is of a positive polarity, but the V, VBE1, Vsat, and Bf are defined in the “Buck Converter with
output is negative. The output may be less than, equal to, or Boosted Output Current” section.
greater in magnitude than the input. The relationship be- ∆IL = 2(ILOAD(min))(Vin +|Vo|)/VIN
tween the magnitude of the input voltage and the output
R5 is defined in the “Buck with Boosted Output Current”
voltage is Vo = Vin x (ton/toff).
section.
R6 serves the same purpose as R4 in the Boost Regulator
circuit and is typically 220 kΩ.
C1, C3 and C4 are defined in the “Boost Regulator” section.
C2 ≥ Io |Vo|/[fosc(|Vo| + Vin) Vripple]
L1 is found as outlined in the section on buck converters,
using the inductance chart of Figure 16 for the invert con-
figuration and 20% discontinuity.

00871110

FIGURE 20. Basic Inverting Regulator

00871112

Vin = 5V R4 = 190Ω fosc = 50 kHz C3 = 20 pF

Vo = −15V R5 = 82Ω R1 = 160 kΩ C4 = 0.0022 µF
Vripple = 5 mV R6 = 220 kΩ R2 = 10 kΩ L1 = 150 µH
Io = 300 mA C1 = 1820 pF R3 = 0.01Ω D1 = 1N5818
Imin = 60 mA C2 = 1000 µF

FIGURE 21. Inverting Regulator

BUCK-BOOST REGULATOR D1 and D2 are Schottky type diodes such as the 1N5818 or
The Buck-Boost Regulator, shown in Figure 22, may step a 1N5819.
voltage up or down, depending upon whether or not the
desired output voltage is greater or less than the input
voltage. In this case, the output voltage is 12V with an input
voltage from 9V to 15V. The circuit exhibits an efficiency of
75%, with a load regulation of 60 mV (10 mA to 100 mA) and
a line regulation of 52 mV. where:
R1 = (Vo − 1) R2 where R2 = 10 kΩ Vd is the forward voltage drop of the diodes.
R3 = V/0. 75A Vsat is the saturation voltage of the LM2578A output transis-
tor.
R4, C1, C3 and C4 are defined in the “Boost Regulator”
section. Vsat1 is the saturation voltage of transistor Q1.
L1 ≥ (Vin − Vsat − Vsat1) (ton/Ip)

www.national.com 16
 LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued)

where:

RS-232 LINE DRIVER POWER SUPPLY

The power supply, shown in Figure 23, operates from an
input voltage as low as 4.2V (5V nominal), and delivers an
output of ± 12V at ± 40 mA with better than 70% efficiency. 00871113

The circuit provides a load regulation of ± 150 mV (from 10%

to 100% of full load) and a line regulation of ± 10 mV. Other
9V ≤ Vin ≤ 15V R5 = 270
notable features include a cycle-by-cycle current limit and an
output voltage ripple of less than 40 mVp-p. Vo = 12V C1 = 1820 pF
A unique feature of this circuit is its use of feedback from Io = 100 mA C2 = 220 µF
both outputs. This dual feedback configuration results in a Vripple = 50 mV C3 = 20 pF
sharing of the output voltage regulation by each output so
fosc = 50 kHz C4 = 0.0022 µF
that neither side becomes unbalanced as in single feedback
systems. In addition, since both sides are regulated, it is not R1 = 110k L1 = 220 µH
necessary to use a linear regulator for output regulation. R2 = 10k D1, D2 = 1N5819
The feedback resistors, R2 and R3, may be selected as R3 = 0.15 Q1 = D44
follows by assuming a value of 10 kΩ for R1;
R4 = 220k
R2 = (Vo − 1V)/45.8 µA = 240 kΩ
R3 = (|Vo| +1V)/54.2 µA = 240 kΩ FIGURE 22. Buck-Boost Regulator
Actually, the currents used to program the values for the
feedback resistors may vary from 40 µA to 60 µA, as long as
their sum is equal to the 100 µA necessary to establish the
1V threshold across R1. Ideally, these currents should be
equal (50 µA each) for optimal control. However, as was
done here, they may be mismatched in order to use standard
resistor values. This results in a slight mismatch of regulation
between the two outputs.
The current limit resistor, R4, is selected by dividing the
current limit threshold voltage by the maximum peak current
level in the output switch. For our purposes R4 = 110 mV/
750 mA = 0.15Ω. A value of 0.1Ω was used.

00871114

Vin = 5V R4 = 0.15Ω
Vo ± 12V C1 = 820 pF
Io = ± 40 mA C2 = 10 pF
fosc = 80 kHz C3 = 220 µF
R1 = 10 kΩ D1, D2, D3 = 1N5819
R2 = 240 kΩ T1 = PE-64287
R3 = 240 kΩ

FIGURE 23. RS-232 Line Driver Power Supply

Capacitor C1 sets the oscillator frequency and is selected

from Figure 1.
Capacitor C2 serves as a compensation capacitor for syn-
chronous operation and a value of 10 to 50 pF should be
sufficient for most applications.

17 www.national.com
LM2578A/LM3578A
Typical Applications (Continued) Transformer selection should be picked for an output tran-
sistor “on” time of 0.4/fosc, and a primary inductance high
A minimum value for an ideal output capacitor C3, could be enough to prevent the output transistor switch from ramping
calculated as C = Io x t/∆V where Io is the load current, t is higher than the transistor’s rating of 750 mA. Pulse Engi-
the transistor on time (typically 0.4/fosc), and ∆V is the peak- neering (San Diego, Calif.) and Renco Electronics, Inc.
to-peak output voltage ripple. A larger output capacitor than (Deer Park, N.Y.) can provide further assistance in selecting
this theoretical value should be used since electrolytics have the proper transformer for a specific application need. The
poor high frequency performance. Experience has shown transformer used in Figure 23 was a Pulse Engineering
that a value from 5 to 10 times the calculated value should PE-64287.
be used.
For good efficiency, the diodes must have a low forward
voltage drop and be fast switching. 1N5819 Schottky diodes
work well.

www.national.com 18
 LM2578A/LM3578A
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters)
unless otherwise noted

Plastic Surface-Mount Package (M)

Order Number LM3578AM
NS Package Number M08A

19 www.national.com
LM2578A/LM3578A Switching Regulator
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

Molded Dual-In-Line Package (N)

Order Number LM2578AN or LM3578AN
NS Package Number N08E

National does not assume any responsibility for use of any circuitry described, no circuit patent licenses are implied and National reserves
the right at any time without notice to change said circuitry and specifications.
For the most current product information visit us at www.national.com.

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