6.3.2.1.8 Step-Down Converter SMPS45 and SMPS457
The step-down converters SMPS4, SMPS5 and SMPS7 can be used in two different configurations:
- SMPS45 in dual-phase configuration supporting 4-A load current and SMPS7 in single-phase configuration supporting 2-A load current
- SMPS457 in triple-phase configuration supporting 6-A load current
SMPS4 and SMPS5 cannot be used as separate converters. In dual-phase configuration the two interleaved synchronous buck regulator phases with built-in current sharing operate in opposite phase. In triple-phase configuration the three interleaved synchronous buck regulator phases with built-in current sharing operate 120° out of phase. For light loads, the converter automatically changes to 1-phase operation.
To use SMPS457 or SMPS45 and SMPS7 in the system:
- OTP defines dual-phase (SMPS45) operation, single-phase (SMPS7) operation, or triple-phase (SMPS457) operation. If SMPS457 mode is selected, the SMPS45 registers control SMPS457.
- By default SMPS457 and SMPS45 operate in multiphase mode for higher load currents and switch automatically to single-phase mode for low load currents. Forcing multiphase operation or single-phase operation by setting the SMPS_CTRL.SMPS457_PHASE_CTRL[1:0] bits when the SMPS457 or SMPS45 are loaded is also possible. Under no-load condition, do not force the multiphase operation, as this causes the SMPS to exhibit instability.