x
VTM48E 120y025A0R
7.0 USING THE CONTROL SIGNALS VC, PC, TM, IM
by 100. (i.e. 3.0 V = 300 K = 27ºC). If a heat sink is applied,
TM can be used to thermally protect the system.
The VTM Control (VC) pin is an primary referenced pin which
powers the internal VCC circuitry when within the specified
voltage range of 11.5 V to 16.5 V. This voltage is required for
VTM current multiplier start up and must be applied as long as
the primary is below 26 V. In order to ensure a proper start, the
slew rate of the applied voltage must be within the
specified range.
• Fault detection flag: The TM voltage source is internally
turned off as soon as a fault is detected. For system
monitoring purposes (microcontroller interface) faults are
detected on falling edges of TM signal.
8.0 START UP BEHAVIOR
Some additional notes on the using the VC pin:
Depending on the sequencing of the VC voltage with respect
to the same voltage, whether the source is on the primary or
secondary, the behavior during start up will vary as follows:
• In most applications, the VTM module primary side will be
powered by an upstream PRM® regulator which provides a
10 ms VC pulse during start up. In these applications the VC
pins of the PRM regulator and VTM current multiplier should
be tied together.
• Normal operation (VC applied prior to the source voltage):
In this case, the controller is active prior to the source
ramping. When the source voltage is applied, the VTM
module load voltage will track the source (See Figure 10).
The inrush current is determined by the source voltage rate
of rise and load capacitance. If the VC voltage is removed
prior to the primary voltage reaching 26 V, the VTM may
shut down.
• In bi-directional applications, the primary of the VTM may
also be providing power to a PRM input. In these
applications, a proper VC voltage within the specified range
must be applied any time the primary voltage of the VTM is
below 26 V.
• The VC voltage can be applied indefinitely allowing for
continuous operation down to 0 VPRI.
• Stand-alone operation (VC applied after VPRI): In this case the
VTM secondary will begin to rise upon the application of the
VC voltage (See Figure 11). The Adaptive Soft Start Circuit
(See Section 11) may vary the secondary voltage rate of rise
in order to limit the inrush current to its maximum level.
When starting into high capacitance, or a short, the
secondary current will be limited for a maximum of
1200 µsec. After this period, the Adaptive Soft Start Circuit
will time out and the VTM module may shut down. No
restart will be attempted until VC is re-applied or PC is
toggled. The maximum secondary capacitance is limited to
1000 µF in this mode of operation to ensure a
• The fault response of the VTM module is latching. A positive
edge on VC is required in order to restart the unit. If VC is
continuously applied the PC pin may be toggled to restart
the VTM module.
Primary Control (PC) is a primary referenced pin that can be
used to accomplish the following functions:
• Delayed start: Upon the application of VC, the PC pin will
source a constant 100 µA current to the internal RC
network. Adding an external capacitor will allow further
delay in reaching the 2.5 V threshold for module start.
successful start.
• Auxiliary voltage source: Once enabled in regular
operational conditions (no fault), each VTM PC provides a
regulated 5 V, 2 mA voltage source.
9.0 THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS
VI Chip® products are multi-chip modules whose temperature
distribution varies greatly for each part number as well as with
the line/load conditions, thermal management and
environmental conditions. Maintaining the top of the
VTM48EF120T025A0R case to less than 100ºC will keep all
junctions within the VI Chip module below 125ºC for most
applications.
• Disable: PC pin can be actively pulled down in order
to disable the module. Pull down impedance shall be lower
than 400 Ω.
• Fault detection flag: The PC 5 V voltage source is internally
turned off as soon as a fault is detected. It is important to
notice that PC doesn’t have current sink capability. Therefore,
in an array, PC line will not be capable of disabling
neighboring modules if a fault is detected.
The percent of total heat dissipated through the top surface
versus through the J-lead is entirely dependent on the
particular mechanical and thermal environment. The heat
dissipated through the top surface is typically 60%. The heat
dissipated through the J-lead onto the PCB board surface is
typically 40%. Use 100% top surface dissipation when
designing for a conservative cooling solution.
• Fault reset: PC may be toggled to restart the unit if VC
is continuously applied.
Temperature Monitor (TM) is a primary referenced pin that
provides a voltage proportional to the absolute temperature of
the converter control IC.
It can be used to accomplish the following functions:
It is not recommended to use a VI Chip module for an
extended period of time at full load without proper
heat sinking.
• Monitor the control IC temperature: The temperature in
Kelvin is equal to the voltage on the TM pin scaled
VTM® Current Multiplier
Page 10 of 19
Rev 1.2
vicorpower.com
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07/2015