The LM5170 is a high-performance, dual-channel bidirectional current controller intended to manage current transfer between a Higher Voltage Port (HV-Port) and Lower Voltage Port (LV-Port). It integrates essential analog functions that enable the design of high-power converters with a minimal number of external components. The device regulates DC current in the direction designated by the DIR pin input signal. The current regulation level is programmed by the analog signal applied at the ISETA pin or the digital PWM signal at the ISETD pin. Independent enable signals activate each channel of the dual controller.

The dual-channel differential current sense amplifiers and dedicated channel current monitors achieve typical accuracy of 1%. The robust 5-A half-bridge gate drivers are capable of controlling parallel MOSFET switches, delivering 500 W or more per channel. The diode emulation mode of the buck or boost synchronous rectifiers enables discontinuous mode operation for improved efficiency under light load conditions and prevents negative current. Versatile protection features include:

• Cycle-by-cycle peak current limit
• Overvoltage protection of both 48-V and 12-V battery rails
• Detection and protection of MOSFET switch failures
• Overtemperature protection

The LM5170 uses average current mode control, simplifying compensation by eliminating the right-half plane zero in boost operating mode and maintaining a constant loop gain regardless of the operating voltages and load level. The free-running oscillator is adjustable up to 500 kHz and can be synchronized to an external clock within ±20% of the free running oscillator frequency. Stackable multiphase parallel operation is achieved by connecting two LM5170 controllers in parallel for 3- or 4-phase operation. It can also be done by synchronizing multiple LM5170 controllers to external multiphase clocks for a higher number of phases. The UVLO pin provides master ON and OFF control that disables the LM5170 in a low-quiescent current shutdown state when the pin is held low.

Definition of IC Operation Modes:

• Shutdown Mode: When the UVLO pin is < 1.25 V, VCC < 8 V, or nFAULT < 1.25 V, the LM5170 is in shutdown mode with all gate drivers in the low state, all internal logic reset, and the VINX pin disconnected from the VIN pin. When UVLO < 1.25 V, the IC draws < 20 µA through the VIN and VCC pins.
• Initialization Mode: When the UVLO pin is > 1.5 V but < 2.5 V, VCC > 8.5 V, and nFAULT > 2 V, the LM5170 establishes proper internal logic states and prepares for circuit operation.
• Standby Mode: When the UVLO pin is > 2.5 V, VCC > 8.5 V, and nFAULT > 2 V, the LM5170 first performs fault detection for 2 to 3 ms. During this time, the external power MOSFETs are each checked for drain-to-source short-circuit conditions. If a fault is detected, the LM5170 returns to shutdown mode and is latched in shutdown until reset through the UVLO or VCC pins. If no failure is detected, the LM5170 is ready to operate. The circuit breaker MOSFETs are turned on and the oscillator and ramp generators are activated, but the four gate drive outputs remain off until the EN1 or EN2 initiate the power delivery mode.
• Power Delivery Mode: When the UVLO pin > 2.5 V, VCC > 8.5 V, nFAULT > 2 V, EN1 or EN2 > 2 V, DIR is valid (> 2 V or < 1 V), and ISETA > 0 V, the SS capacitor is released and the LM5170 regulates the DC current at the level set at the ISETA pin.