Dropout operation is defined as any input-to-output voltage ratio that requires frequency to drop to achieve the required duty cycle. At a given clock frequency the duty cycle is limited by minimum off time. After this limit is reached, as shown in Figure 8-19, and the clock frequency was to be maintained, the output voltage can fall. Instead of allowing the output voltage to drop, the device extends the high-side switch on time past the end of the clock cycle until the needed peak inductor current is achieved. The clock is allowed to start a new cycle after peak inductor current is achieved or after a pre-determined maximum on time, t_ON-MAX, of approximately 9 µs passes. As a result, after the needed duty cycle cannot be achieved at the selected clock frequency due to the existence of a minimum off time, frequency drops to maintain regulation. As shown in Figure 8-18, if input voltage is low enough so that output voltage cannot be regulated even with an on time of t_ON-MAX, output voltage drops to slightly below the input voltage by V_DROP1. For additional information on recovery from dropout, refer to Figure 8-8.

Output voltage and frequency versus input voltage: If there is little difference between input voltage and output voltage setting, the IC reduces frequency to maintain regulation. If input voltage is too low to provide the desired output voltage at F_SW-LOW which is approximately 110-kHz, input voltage tracks output voltage.

Figure 8-18 Frequency and Output Voltage in Dropout

Switching waveforms while in dropout. Inductor current takes longer than a normal clock to reach the desired peak value. As a result, frequency drops. This frequency drop is limited by t_ON-MAX.

Figure 8-19 Dropout Waveforms