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LTM4681/4682 Phasing configuration straps difference

Thread Summary

The user inquired about configuring the LTM4681 and LTM4682 in a 3+1 phase arrangement. The final answer confirmed that for both devices, FSWPH_01_CFG and FSWPH_23_CFG can be used to set phase differences between channels. For a 3+1 phase setup, FSWPH_01_CFG should be set to 4.22k (not 2.43k) for 0 and 120 degrees, and FSWPH_23_CFG to 3.24k for 60 and 240 degrees, allowing channels 0, 1, and 3 to be combined into a 3-phase rail, with channel 2 as a single phase rail.
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Category: Datasheet/Specs
Product Number: LTM4681

Hello, the LTM4681 and LTM4682 datasheets claim the devices can be configured 3+1 phase, however, there are no design examples of this phase arrangement.  There is a subtle difference between the two devices in table 3 of the datasheets; for the LTM4681, FSWPH_CFG_01 applies to phase 0 only and FSWPH_CFG_23 applies to phase 1 only.  On the LTM4682, FSWPH_CFG_01 applies to phases 0 and 2 and FSWPH_CFG_23 applies to phases 1 and 3.  It appears the LTM4681 can achieve 3+1, assuming that channels 2 and 3 remain fixed at 0 phase, by selecting 120 and 240 for phases 0 and 1 respectively, and combining channels 0-2 into one rail with channel 3 as the other rail.   This does not appear to be possible with the LTM4682, since phases are set in pairs by each strap according to table 3, hence there will be no (3rd) 0-phase channel.  It appears the only way to achieve 3+1 phase arrangement is through NVM configuration.  Please confirm my understanding of this.

  • Hi,

     

    For both LTM4681 and LTM4682, channels 0 and 2 can have their phase set independently from each other, as is the case with channels 1 and 3. Both chips have two pins that are used to set the phase relationship: FSWPH_01_CFG and FSWPH_23_CFG. Table 3 in both datasheets shows how configuration can be done for each pair. Table 3 in each datasheet says the following:

    FSWPH_nn_CFG, where nn=01 or 23, so for example, connecting FSWPH_01_CFG to 32.4k would set channel 0 to 0 degrees, and channel 1 to 180 degrees with, and using the same resistor on FSWPH_23_CFG would set channel 2 to 0 degrees, and channel 3 to 180 degrees. Both converters need two resistors to set the phase relationships, and it is just how the design team chose to write the headers in the table that are different.

     

    Thanks!

  • Thank you for clarifying.  Typically, a difference in datasheets between two nearly identical components indicates a functional or parametric difference.  In this case, the header difference led me to believe a functional difference between the two.   Based on your suggested answer, on both devices, FSWPH_nn_CFG sets the phase difference between the nn channels, with the first always at the phase in the default 0-phase column and the second in the default 180-phase column, correct?   

    Please confirm; if I set FSWPH_01_CFG with 2.43K (I need the switcher to sync to an external clock), channel 0 will be at zero phase and channel 1 at 120-degrees.  If I set FSWPH_23_CFG with 3.24K, channel 2 will be at 60-degrees and channel 3 at 240-degrees.  I can then combine channels 0,1 and 3 for my single 3-phase rail and channel 2 as my single phase rail.  Channel 2 will not simultaneously switch with any of the three others.

  • Hi,

     

    If you need to sync to an external clock and have CH0 at 0 degrees, CH1 at 120 degrees, CH2 at 60 degrees and CH3 at 240 degrees to combine CH0, CH1, and CH3, you should use 4.22k (not 2.43k) for FSWPH_01_CFG, and 3.24k for FSWPH_23_CFG.

     

    Thanks!

  • Thanks again, I had misread the table; correct, I meant that the first resistor should be 4.22K.