IC selection
IC selection
(OP)
Hi. I have been looking for a multi-phase (3 or 4) controller for a DC-DC application, which has SPI, I2C, or other serial interface so that I can control the duty cycle (PWM) and read back outpt voltage and current. I need the supply voltage to be 18-40v (with different inductors for the higher range), o/p 14-18v, and external switches for high current.
Does anyone know of a suitable device ?
Failing that, I will use a PIC.
Thanks
Shane
Does anyone know of a suitable device ?
Failing that, I will use a PIC.
Thanks
Shane





RE: IC selection
RE: IC selection
For this application, I want the power stuff in one place, with remote monitoring (Arduino or Pi) and variance of power transfer.
RE: IC selection
Perhaps change your search from "DC-DC controller" to "DC-DC converter". Converters are single function chips - they have a certain Vin range and a certain Vout range, but for the most part you have control over the switching device and output inductor. Typically they're designed for fixed output voltage, variable output power, but if you want variable output voltage then you can indirectly control the duty cycle by using a variable resistance feedback circuit. For serial interface monitoring, add an ADC.
If you really want to go down the controller route, with direct control over the PWM, maybe look at the Texas Instruments motor drive chips. They're obviously designed for motor control rather than DC/DC, but the switching function is actually quite similar. Start with the DRV8307. You supply the PWM signal (from your Arduino/Pi) and it drives external FETs. Instead of arranging them in half bridge, arrange them in a three phase buck converter configuration (three output inductors feeding one output capacitor). There'll be a lot of details to sort out, but maybe it's a worthy route.
RE: IC selection
TTFN

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RE: IC selection