NCP1237: Controller, Fixed Frequency, Current Mode, for Flyback Converters

The NCP1237 is a new generation of the NCP12xx fixed-frequency current-mode controllers featuring Dynamic Self-Supply (DSS), pin to pin compatible with the previous generation. The DSS function greatly simplifies the design of the auxiliary supply and the V_CC capacitor by activating the internal start-up current source to supply the controller during transients. Due to its proprietary Soft-Skip™ mode combined with frequency foldback, the controller exhibits excellent efficiency in light load condition while still achieving very low standby power consumption. This Soft-Skip feature also dramatically reduces the risk of acoustic noise, which enables the use of inexpensive transformers and capacitors in the clamping network. The NCP1237 features a dual-level timer-based fault detection that controls the amount of transient peak power that the controller can deliver for a limited time. Internal frequency jittering, ramp compensation, and a versatile latch input make this controller an excellent candidate for converters where ruggedness and components cost are the key constraints. In addition, the controller includes a new high voltage circuitry that combines a startup current source and a brown-out / line OVP detector able to sense the input voltage either from the rectified ac line or the dc filtered bulk voltage. Finally, due to a careful design, the precision of critical parameters is well controlled over the entire temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), enabling easier design and increased safety (e.g. ±5% for the peak current limit, ±7% for the oscillator).