SNVSCQ8B November 2025 – July 2026 LM654A5-Q1 , LM654B0-Q1
PRODMIX
As with any power conversion device, the LM654xx-Q1 family of regulators dissipates internal power while operating. The effect of this power dissipation is to raise the internal temperature of the converter above ambient. The internal die temperature (TJ) is a function of the ambient temperature, the power loss, and the effective thermal resistance, RθJA, of the device and PCB combination. The maximum junction temperature for the LM654xx-Q1 must be limited to 150°C. This limit establishes a limit on the maximum device power dissipation and, therefore, the load current. Equation 22 shows the relationships between the important parameters. Higher ambient temperatures (TA) and larger values of RθJA reduce the maximum available output current. The converter efficiency can be estimated by using the curves provided in this data sheet. If the desired operating conditions cannot be found in one of the curves, interpolation can be used to estimate the efficiency. Alternatively, the EVM can be adjusted to match the desired application requirements and the efficiency can be measured directly. The correct value of RθJA is more difficult to estimate. As stated in the Semiconductor and IC Package Thermal Metrics application note, many of the values given in the column labeled "JESD"of the Thermal Information table are not valid for design purposes and must not be used to estimate the thermal performance of the application. The values reported in that column of the table are measured under a specific set of conditions that are rarely obtained in an actual application. The column labeled "LM654B0EVM" represent measured data on the EVM, and can be helpful when estimating thermal performance. Also, the data given for RθJC(bott), RθJC(top), and ΨJT can be useful.
where
The effective RθJA is a critical parameter and depends on many factors such as the following:
The advanced package used for this regulator features a die attach paddle, or "thermal pad" (DAP), to provide a place to solder down to the PCB heat-sinking copper. This feature provides a good heat conduction path from the regulator junction to the heat sink and must be properly soldered to the PCB heat sink copper. A typical curve of RθJA versus copper board area can be found in Figure 8-8. The copper area given in the graph is for each of six layers. The top and bottom layers are 2oz copper each, while the inner layers are 1oz. Remember that the data given in this graph is for illustration purposes only, and the actual performance in any given application depends on all of the previously mentioned factors. As one data point, the EVM exhibits an approximate RθJA of about 16ºC/W for a copper area of about 100cm2, using a six layer design.
In addition, the package for this device family features an exposed top side. This allows the use of an external heat-sink to further reduce the effective RθJA when required.
The data in Figure 8-9 and Figure 8-10 provide an example of the allowable output current for a given ambient temperature. This data is valid only under the specific conditions given in the figures. The data is taken on the LM654B0EVM, with no external heat-sink and no air-flow.
The major advantage to the 'stackability" of the LM654xx family is that several regulators can be paralleled to share the total load current. Not only does advantage bring the total load current within the capability of a single regulator, but this advantage also reduces the individual power dissipation, thus reducing the regulator junction temperature.
The PCB Thermal Design Tips for Automotive DC/DC Converters application note is a good place to start when designing the thermal system for any DC/DC converter.
| VIN = 12V | 400kHz | TJ ⋍ 150ºC |
| 1.2μH, 3.4mΩ |
| VIN = 12V | 2100kHz | TJ ⋍ 150ºC |
| 0.35μH, 2.2mΩ |
Use the following resources as guides to excellent thermal PCB design and estimating RθJA for a given application environment: