HOW DOES IT WORK?

Step Down 10 Click is based on the TPSM63610, a high-density synchronous buck DC/DC power module with enhanced HotRodTM from Texas Instruments. The TPSM63610 features up to 95% efficiency, ultra-low conducted and radiated EMI signatures, several protection mechanisms, and more. The feedback input of the TPSM63610 that sets the desired voltage output regulation consists of a voltage divider, of which one part is the MCP4661T, a dual digital POT with non-volatile memory from Microchip. The MCP4661T is a 100K potentiometer in 8-bit resolution, 256 wiper steps, and can store values in internal EEPROM. The TPSM63610 also has an adjustable frequency in a range of 2.2MHz up to 400kHz, which can be selected over the onboard digital potentiometer or can be set as a fixed value over the unpopulated R12 resistor. The values are in the table of the attached Step Down 10 Click schematic.

There are two screw terminals for connecting input and output voltages. The Step Down 10 Click features an additional 3-pin header. This header allows you to improve efficiency by connecting the VLDO as an input bias voltage to the VOUT as an output voltage. You can also improve noise immunity by connecting the VLDO to GND with a 0.1 μF to 1 μF capacitor. If the output voltage is above the 12V, connect VLDO to GND.

Step Down 10 Click uses a standard 2-Wire I2C interface of the MCP4661T to allow the host MCU to set the output voltage, supporting clock frequencies up to 3.4MHz. The I2C address can be selected over the ADDR SEL jumper (0 set by default). If the output voltage is not within the specified window threshold, the power-good PG pin will be asserted. Over the MD pin, you can set the mode of operation for this module. You can choose between auto mode, forced pulse width modulation, and synchronization with an external clock, in this case, set over the digital potentiometer (or resistor). The EN pin is a precision enable input to the regulator.

This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. Also, this Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

SPECIFICATIONS