Load Transient Response Consideration and Measurement Method

As a third [Evaluating a Switching Regulator] topic, we explain [Load Transient Response Consideration and Measurement Method].

What is load transient response?

Load transient response is the response characteristic to a sudden load fluctuation, that is, the time until the output voltage returns to a preset value after having fallen or risen, and the waveform of the output voltage. In contrast with load regulation, it is, just as the name implies a transient-state characteristic. Actual phenomena are explained using the following graphs.

In the waveforms of the graph on the left, the load current (the lower waveform) rises from zero rapidly, with a rise time (tr) of 1 μsec. On the other hand, the output voltage (upper waveform) momentarily drops, and thereafter rises rapidly, slightly exceeding the steady-state voltage, then drops again to a stable state. When the load current drops suddenly, we see that the opposite reaction occurs.

To explain things in a somewhat less formal way, when the load increases, suddenly more current is needed, and the output current is not supplied fast enough, so the voltage drops. In this operation, the maximum output current is supplied for a number of cycles in order to return the dropped voltage to its preset value, but a little too much is supplied and the voltage rises a bit higher, and so the supplied current is lowered so that the preset value is reached. This should be understood as a description of normal transient response. When there are other factors and abnormalities, other phenomena are included in addition to this.

In an ideal load transient response, there is response to a fluctuation in load current over few switching cycles (a short length of time), and the output voltage drop (rise) is kept to a minimum and returns to regulation in a minimal amount of time. That is, the occurrence of a transient voltage like the spikes in the graph occurs over an extremely short time.

The center graph is for a load current rise/fall time of 10 μsec, and the graph on the right is for 100 μsec. These are examples in which more gentle fluctuations in the load current result in improved response following, with little output voltage fluctuation. However, in actuality it is difficult to adjust the transient behavior of the load current in the circuit.

We have described the transient response characteristics of a power supply, but they can be thought of as basically the same as the frequency characteristics of an operation amplifier (phase margin and crossover frequency). If the frequency characteristic of the power supply control loop is appropriate and stable, then transient fluctuations of the output voltage can be held to a minimum.

Important Points in Evaluating Transient Response Characteristics

Important points to remember when evaluating the transient response of a power supply are summarized below.

When, in actual practice, there is no appropriate load device capable of instantaneous large-current on-off switching that can be used in experiments, a simple circuit such as that on the right in which a MOSFET is switched can be used. Of course tr and tf must be determined.

Actual load transient response and adjustment example

Below are oscilloscope waveforms and a frequency characteristic analysis graphs obtained using a FRA, showing the manner of change of the load transient response characteristic of the BD9A300MUV used in these examples when the capacitance of the capacitor at the ITH pin is fixed and the resistance value is adjusted.

① R3=9.1 kΩ、C6＝2700 pF　(Essentially an appropriate response and frequency characteristic are obtained using the recommended values)

② R3=3 kΩ、C6＝2700 pF

※Upon lowering the resistance value of R3 the band was narrowed, and the load response was worsened. There are no problems with operation itself, but there is too much of a phase margin.

③ R3=27 kΩ、C6＝2700 pF

※By raising the R3 resistance, the band is broadened and the load response is improved, but ringing occurs upon voltage fluctuation (enlarged waveform section).
The phase margin is small, and depending on scattering, abnormal oscillation may occur.

④ R3=43 kΩ、C6＝2700 pF

※When the resistance value of R3 is further raised, abnormal oscillation occurs.

The above are examples of adjustment of the response characteristic using the ITH pin. In essence, voltage transients that occur in the output voltage cannot be completely eliminated, and so adjustments are made such that the response does not pose problems for operation of the circuit being supplied with current.

• Switching regulator
• Op-amp