Texas Instruments LM5010 EVAL

Overview

LM5010 EVAL from Texas Instruments is an evaluation board for the LM5010 constant-on-time (COT) synchronous buck DC/DC controller IC, configured to deliver a regulated 10V ±3% output from 12V–75V input, supporting >1A load current with 93% measured efficiency at 12V/500mA and ≊480 kHz switching frequency.

For engineers reviewing the LM5010 EVAL datasheet, LM5010 EVAL pinout, LM5010 EVAL application, or LM5010 EVAL equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of high-input-voltage buck regulation, COT loop stability, thermal behavior under forced-air cooling, and low-ripple dual-output operation (OUT1: ≊120–650 mV_p-p, OUT2: ≊10–60 mV_p-p).

Technical Context

The LM5010 EVAL implements the LM5010 HTSSOP-14 controller in a complete buck topology with external MOSFET drive (via SW/BST pins), integrated current sensing (ISEN), and feedback regulation referenced to a 2.5V FB threshold. It uses R1 to set on-time per t_ON = 1.18×10⁻¹⁰×(R1 + 1.4k)/(V_IN − 1.4V) + 67 ns, yielding ≊1750 ns at 12V and ≊310 ns at 75V.

Two output terminals are provided: OUT1 delivers high-load-current capability with looser ripple control, while OUT2 adds R4 (1.5Ω) to enable ultra-low ripple (10–60 mV_p-p) at the expense of degraded load regulation-confirming intentional trade-off between noise performance and regulation accuracy.

Key Specifications

Availability

LM5010 EVAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power conversion, transportation electronics, and high-voltage DC/DC prototyping requiring stable component supply, documented reference design validation, and repeatable lab testing environments.

Supply support for LM5010 EVAL includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with leadership in high-reliability industrial and automotive power solutions.

The LM5010 EVAL belongs to TI's high-input-voltage DC/DC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of robust, efficient buck regulators for 12–75V input applications such as telecom power, railway systems, and industrial automation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the LM5010 EVAL?

The LM5010 EVAL is a fully assembled evaluation board that demonstrates the LM5010 constant-on-time buck controller in a working 10V output regulator. It enables engineers to verify performance metrics-including efficiency, ripple, transient response, and thermal behavior-under real-world 12V–75V input conditions before committing to custom PCB design. The LM5010 EVAL includes all necessary passives, power inductor, and diode for immediate bench testing.

How does the dual-output configuration (OUT1 vs. OUT2) differ on the LM5010 EVAL?

OUT1 provides direct access to the main buck output with minimal series resistance, delivering up to 1.0A with ≊120–650 mV_p-p ripple. OUT2 routes the same output through R4 (1.5Ω) and additional filtering, reducing ripple to ≊10–60 mV_p-p but degrading load regulation due to IR drop across R4. This design allows users to choose between high-fidelity low-noise operation (OUT2) or high-accuracy regulation (OUT1), depending on system requirements. The LM5010 EVAL documentation explicitly confirms this functional distinction.

What thermal considerations apply when operating the LM5010 EVAL at maximum input voltage and load?

At high input voltage (e.g., 75V) and full load (1.0A), both the LM5010 IC and diode D1 (CUD6-02C) become hot to the touch and require forced air cooling per AN-1352 guidelines. The LM5010 EVAL PCB layout places U1 and D1 with thermal relief pads but no heatsink; sustained operation above 50°C ambient without airflow risks thermal shutdown or accelerated aging. Users must monitor case temperature and ensure adequate ventilation during extended testing-especially critical because the LM5010 EVAL's efficiency drops at higher VIN, increasing power dissipation.

Can the current limit of the LM5010 EVAL be increased beyond ≊1.3A?

Yes-the LM5010 EVAL's default current limit of ≊1.3A is set by the ISEN network and can be raised by populating R5 (0805 footprint) with a value calculated using the LM5010 datasheet's I_LIM = 100 mV / R_SENSE relationship. The board's schematic and BOM indicate R5 is optional and unpopulated in the base configuration. Adding R5 modifies the effective sense resistance, allowing precise tuning of overcurrent protection for higher-power applications-confirmed in Section 6 ("Increased Current Limit") of the SNVA101A User's Guide for the LM5010 EVAL.

Is the LM5010 EVAL compatible with other LM5010-based designs or reference layouts?

The LM5010 EVAL uses the LM5010 in HTSSOP-14 packaging and follows TI's recommended layout practices for high-voltage buck controllers, including Kelvin connections for ISEN, tight SW loop area, and ground plane segmentation. Its schematic (Figure 4), bill of materials, and PCB dimensions (1.1" × 1.875") are published in AN-1352 and serve as a validated starting point for derivative designs. While not a drop-in replacement for custom boards, the LM5010 EVAL provides traceable, tested implementation details that directly inform layout, component selection, and thermal management decisions for new LM5010-based products.