8.4.2 FPWM Mode

With a logic high on the FPWM input, the device is locked in PWM mode. CCM operation is maintained, even at no load, by allowing the inductor current to reverse its normal direction. To prevent frequency foldback behavior at low duty cycles, provide a 200-mA load. This mode trades off reduced light load efficiency for low output voltage ripple, tight output voltage regulation, and constant switching frequency. In this mode, a negative current limit of I_NEG is imposed to prevent damage to the low-side FET of the regulator. When in PWM, the converter synchronizes to any valid clock signal on the SYNC input (see Synchronizing Input).

When constant frequency operation is more important than light load efficiency, pull the LMS3655 FPWM input high or provide a valid synchronization input. Once activated, the diode emulation feature is turned off in this mode. This means that the device remains in CCM under light loads. Under conditions where the device must reduce the on time or off time below the ensured minimum, the frequency reduces to maintain the effective duty cycle required for regulation. This can occur for high input or output voltage ratios.

With the FPWM pin pulled low (normal mode), the diode emulation feature is activated. Device operation is the same as above; however, the regulator goes into DCM operation when the valley of the inductor current reaches zero.

This feature may be activated and deactivated while the part is regulating without removing the load. This feature activates and deactivates gradually preventing perturbation of output voltage. When in FPWM mode, a limited reverse current is allowed through the inductor allowing power to pass from the regulator's output to its input. In this case, ensure that a large enough input capacitor is used to absorb the reverse current.