Multi-Phase Link Controller
POWER MANAGEMENT
Description
The SC4201 is a multi-phase link controller, ideal for iso-
lated and non-isolated applications. Its frequency of op-
eration can be programmed in excess of 2MHz per phase
(oscillator frequency = phase frequency times number
of phases 3 or 4) and can be easily synchronized to an
external faster frequency. The SC4201 output frequen-
cies can be set to 2/4 or 3 phase operation. A single pin
can either set a 4 phase operation (each phase is 90
degrees apart) or 3 phase operation (120 degrees apart).
Multi-phase operation of multiple primary or secondary
controllers reduces input/output ripple, the number of
components required for filtering, and noise due to fre-
quency beating generated by multiple free running oscil-
lators.
The SC4201 is available in the MSOP-8 surface mount
package.
SC4201
Features
Small footprint MSOP-8
Programmable frequency > 2MHz, each phase
Synchronized to faster frequency
Programmable 2/4 or 3 phase operation
Applications
Telecom distributed power architectures
Multi-phase operation of isolated power supplies
Multi-phase operation of non-isolated switching
regulators
Typical Application Circuit
+3 to 6V
C1
0.1
U1
SC4201
1
2
3
R1
5K
4
RT
VDD
SYNC
A
GND
D
C
B
8
7
6
5
VDD for 3 Phase
Ph D
Ph C
Ph B
Ph A
Sync
Revision: September 17, 2004
1
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