
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Operating Features and System Considerations for the PTQB425080 Series of DC/DC
Overcurrent Protection
Overtemperature Protection
Undervoltage Lockout
Primary-Secondary Isolation
Input Current Limiting
Thermal Considerations
SLTS269B – DECEMBER 2006 – REVISED NOVEMBER 2007........................................................................................................................................ www.ti.com
Converters
To protect against load faults, these converters incorporate output overcurrent protection. Applying a load to the
output that exceeds the converter's overcurrent threshold (see applicable specification) causes the output voltage
to momentarily fold back, and then shut down. Following shutdown the module periodically attempts to
automatically recover by initiating a soft-start power-up. This is often described as a hiccup mode of operation,
whereby the module continues in the cycle of successive shutdown and power up until the load fault is removed.
Once the fault is removed, the converter automatically recovers and returns to normal operation.
Overtemperature protection is provided by an internal temperature sensor, which closely monitors the
temperature of the converter’s printed circuit board (PCB). If the sensor exceeds a temperature of approximately
125°C, the converter shuts down. The converter then automatically restarts when the sensed temperature drops
back to approximately 95°C. When operated outside its recommended thermal derating envelope (see data sheet
SOA curves), the converter typcially cycles on and off at intervals from a few seconds to one or two minutes.
This is to ensure that the internal components are not permanently damaged from excessive thermal stress.
The Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) is designed to prevent the operation of the converter until the input voltage is
at the minimum input voltage. This prevents high start-up current during normal power-up of the converter, and
minimizes the current drain from the input source during low input voltage conditions. The UVLO circuitry also
overrides the operation of the Remote On/Off control.
The converter incorporates electrical isolation between the input terminals (primary) and the output terminals
(secondary). All converters are production tested to a withstand voltage of 1500 VDC. This specification complies
with UL60950 and EN60950 requirements. This allows the converter to be configured for either a positive or
negative input voltage source. The data sheet Pin Descriptions section provides guidance as to the correct
reference that must be used for the external control signals.
The converter is not internally fused. For safety and overall system protection, the maximum input current to the
converter must be limited. Active or passive current limiting can be used. Passive current limiting can be a fast
acting fuse. A 125-V fuse, rated no more than 10 A, is recommended. Active current limiting can be implemented
with a current limited Hot-Swap controller.
Airflow may be necessary to ensure that the module can supply the desired load current in environments with
elevated ambient temperatures. The required airflow rate may be determined from the Safe Operating Area
(SOA) thermal derating chart (see typical characteristics).
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