CAT4238
OPEN LED PROTECTION
In the event of an “Open LED” fault condition, the
CAT4238 will continue to boost the output voltage with
maximum power until the output voltage reaches
approximately 40V. Once the output exceeds this
level, the internal circuitry immediately places the
device into a very low power mode where the total
input power is limited to about 6mW (about 1.6mA
input current with a 3.6V supply). The SW pin clamps
at a voltage below its maximum rating of 60V. There is
no need to use an external zener diode between Vout
and the FB pin. A 50V rated C2 capacitor is required
to prevent any overvoltage damage in the open LED
condition.
Open LED Protection without Zener
Open LED Switching Waveforms
without Zener
Schottky 100V
(Central CMSH1-100)
L
VOUT
VIN
47µH
C1
4.7µF
C2
0.22µF
SW
VIN
CAT4238
SHDN FB
GND
V
FB = 300mV
OFF ON
R1
15Ω
Open LED Output Voltage vs. VIN
without Zener
Open LED Supply Current vs. VIN
without Zener
55
50
45
40
35
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
INPUT VOLTAGE [V]
INPUT VOLTAGE [V]
© 2006 Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc.
Characteristics subject to change without notice
9
Doc. No. 5019 Rev. A