NCP1251
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18
Finally, please note that another comparator internally
fixes the maximum peak current set point to 0.8 V even if the
OPP pin is inadvertently biased above 0 V.
Frequency Foldback
The reduction of no−load standby power associated with
the need for improving the efficiency, requires a change to
the traditional fixed−frequency type of operation. This
controller implements a switching frequency foldback when
the feedback voltage passes below a certain level, V
fold
, set
around 1.5 V. At this point, the oscillator enters frequency
foldback and reduces its switching frequency. The peak
current setpoint follows the feedback pin until its level
reaches 1.05 V. Below this value, the peak current freezes to
V
fold
/4.2 (250 mV or 31% of the maximum 0.8 V setpoint)
and the only way to further reduce the transmitted power is
to reduce the operating frequency down to 26 kHz. This
value is reached at a voltage feedback level of 350 mV
typically. Below this point, if the output power continues to
decrease, the part enters skip cycle for the best noise−free
performance in no−load conditions. Figure 44 depicts the
adopted scheme for the part.
The NCP1251F version offers a means to improve
light−load efficiency by folding the switching frequency
sooner compared to the other versions. With the 1251 A, B
and C versions, the minimum frequency is reached for V
FB
equals 350 mV. With the 1251F, this minimum frequency
will be obtained at a feedback voltage equal to 1.5 V,
naturally offering a better efficiency for lighter load
conditions. Figure 45 portrays the specific foldback scheme
implemented in the NCP1251F.
F
sw
V
FB
V
CS
V
FB
65 kHz
26 kHz
350 mV
V
fold
3.4 V
V
fold
3.4 V
0.8 V
0.36 V
FB
V
freeze
[
0.25 V
1.05 V 1.5 V
1.5 V
max
min
max
min
V
fold,end
Frequency Peak current setpoint
V
FB
min
Figure 44. By Observing the Voltage on the Feedback Pin, the Controller Reduces its Switching Frequency for an
Improved Performance at Light Load
[
Figure 45. with NCP1251F, the frequency foldback occurs sooner as the load gets lighter.