SNVSB96 July 2019 LM3424-Q1
PRODUCTION DATA.
The LM3424-Q1 requires an external NFET (Q1) as the main power MOSFET for the switching regulator. Q1 is recommended to have a voltage rating at least 15% higher than the maximum transistor voltage to ensure safe operation during the ringing of the switch node. In practice, all switching regulators have some ringing at the switch node due to the diode parasitic capacitance and the lead inductance. The current rating is recommended to be at least 10% higher than the average transistor current. The power rating is then verified by calculating the power loss given the RMS transistor current and the NFET on-resistance (RDS-ON).
When PWM dimming, the LM3424-Q1 requires another MOSFET (Q2) placed in series (or parallel for a buck regulator) with the LED load. This MOSFET should have a voltage rating greater than the output voltage (VO) and a current rating at least 10% higher than the nominal LED current (ILED) . The power rating is simply VO multiplied by RDS-ON, assuming 100% dimming duty cycle (continuous operation) will occur.
In general, the NFETs should be chosen to minimize total gate charge (Qg) when fSW is high and minimize RDS-ON otherwise. This will minimize the dominant power losses in the system. Frequently, higher current NFETs in larger packages are chosen for better thermal performance.