Low-noise, 1-A, 420-kHz transformer driver with soft start for isolated power supplies

The SN6505x is a low-noise, low-EMI push-pull transformer driver, specifically designed for small form factor, isolated power supplies. It drives low-profile, center-tapped transformers from a 2.25 V to 5 V DC power supply. Ultra-low noise and EMI are achieved by slew rate control of the output switch voltage and through Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC). The SN6505x consists of an oscillator followed by a gate drive circuit that provides the complementary output signals to drive ground-referenced N-channel power switches. The device includes two 1-A Power-MOSFET switches to ensure start-up under heavy loads. The switching clock can also be provided externally for accurate placement of switcher harmonics, or when operating with multiple transformer drivers. The internal protection features include a 1.7 A current limiting, under-voltage lockout, thermal shutdown, and break-before-make circuitry. SN6505x include s a soft-start feature that prevents high inrush current during power up with large load capacitors. SN6505A has a 160 kHz internal oscillator for applications that need to minimize emissions whereas SN6505B has a 420 kHz internal oscillators for applications that require higher efficiency and smaller transformer size. The SN6505x is available in a small 6-pin SOT23/DBV package. The device operation is characterized for a temperature range from –55°C to 125°C.