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4 Test Setup
4.1 Test and Configuration Software
To change any of the default configuration parameters on the EVM through PMBus, obtain the
4.1.1 Description
The
TI Fusion Digital Power Designer
is the graphical user interface (GUI) used to configure and monitor the
Texas Instruments TPS546B24A power converter installed on this evaluation module. The application uses the
PMBus protocol to communicate with the controller over serial bus by way of a TI USB adapter described in
4.1.2 Features
Some of the tasks the user can perform with the GUI include:
• Turn on or off the power supply output, either through the hardware control line or the PMBus operation
command.
• Monitor real-time data that is continuously monitored and displayed by the GUI:
– Input voltage
– Output voltage
– Output current
– Die temperature
– Warnings and faults
• Configure common operating characteristics such as the following:
– V
OUT
trim and margin
– UVLO
– Soft-start time
– Warning and fault thresholds
– Fault response
– On/off modes
4.2 Test Equipment
4.2.1 Voltage Source
The input voltage source, V
IN
, should be a 0-V to 20-V variable DC source capable of supplying a minimum of 8
ADC to support 40-A load with 5-V input. Connect input VIN and GND to T1 and T2. If the output voltage of the
EVM is increased, the power supply may need to be capable of supplying more current.
4.2.2 Multimeters
TI recommends using two separate multimeters: one meter to measure V
IN
and the other to measure V
OUT
.
4.2.3 Output Load
A variable electronic load is recommended for the test setup. To test the full load current this EVM supports, the
load should be capable of sinking at least 40 A.
4.2.4 Oscilloscope
When using an oscilloscope to measure the switching node voltage or voltage ripple, measure using a
Tip-and-
Barrel
4.2.5 Fan
During prolonged operation at high loads, it can be necessary to provide forced air cooling with a small fan
aimed at the EVM. Maintain the surface temperature of the devices on the EVM below their rated temperature.
4.2.6 USB-to-GPIO Interface Adapter
A communications adapter is required between the EVM and the host computer. This EVM is designed to use
TI's USB-to-GPIO adapter. Purchase this adapter at
http://www.ti.com/tool/usb-to-gpio
Test Setup
SLUUC48A – FEBRUARY 2020 – REVISED FEBRUARY 2022
TPS546B24A 2-Phase SWIFT™ Step-Down Converter Evaluation Module
User's Guide
9
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