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Tracking / Reference-Follow LDO: Soft-Start & Sequencing

Scope: This page covers tracking/reference-follow LDO start-up & sequencing only.
Also called: tracking LDO · ratiometric/coincident LDO · pre-bias start-up for LDO

Concepts & Terms

Reference-follow

LDO output follows an external reference or upstream rail during start-up/operation. Rule: dVOUT/dt ≤ dVREF/dt, and the reference must stay within CM range & drive capability.

Ratiometric

VOUT(t) = k·VMASTER(t). Divider tolerance dominates k-error; prefer 0.1–0.5% resistors or buffered reference + programmable FB.

Coincident

Same start time and ramp slope as master. Check t0 & dV/dt mismatch ≤ 10% and clean PG/POR timing.

Master/Slave Rail

Master defines reference & timing; slave is controlled. EN/PG chain should ensure “master OK → slave enable”.

Pre-bias

Output is pre-charged at start-up. Prefer LDOs supporting pre-bias; add FB protection and anti-backfeed measures.

Tracking Modes Master vs LDO: coincident and ratiometric ramps Master rail coincident ratiometric (k < 1) TR / SS control PG asserted Master reference / rail LDO output (tracking)
Ratiometric scales with master level; coincident matches start time & ramp slope. TR/SS shapes the LDO ramp; PG defines the valid window.

Path A — Built-in TR/SS/NR/EN

  • Use TR/SS to set ramp: tramp ≈ CSS·ΔV / ISS.
  • Drive EN from master PG (open-drain AND) to avoid early turn-on.
  • Confirm pre-bias support and PG hysteresis; check NR vs SS interaction.
Master Rail VMASTER + PG LDO (with TR/SS/NR/EN) EN TR/SS NR GND System (MCU/FPGA) POR / Reset input PG → EN VMASTER → TR/SS PG → POR VOUT (Tracking) Coincident or Ratiometric To loads
Built-in tracking: master PG gates EN; TR/SS shapes ramp; PG drives system POR. Stable and easiest to validate.

Path B — RC/Diode + Divider (EN/TRK)

  • Use RC slope from master to drive EN/TRK; add diode to limit discharge overshoot.
  • Set ratio via precision divider; buffer if EN threshold is load-sensitive.
  • Check noise coupling and temperature drift on RC and divider.
Master Rail RC + Diode Slope to EN/TRK Divider / Buffer Set ratio k LDO EN / TRK input VOUT (Tracking) To loads
RC ramp feeds EN/TRK for a controlled start; the divider sets ratiometric level. Add a clamp/diode path to avoid overshoot on fall.

Path C — Buffered Reference → FB/ADJ (Programmable)

  • Buffer the master rail/reference (op-amp) before the LDO FB/ADJ to control k precisely.
  • Ensure op-amp CM range and output swing cover the full ramp; choose low-noise/adequate drive.
  • Respect recommended FB impedance; add anti-backfeed protection for pre-bias cases.
Master Reference Buffer (Op-amp) CM & swing checked Programmable LDO FB / ADJ input VOUT (Ratiometric) System POR VMASTER Buffered ref PG → POR Loads
Buffered reference drives FB/ADJ to set a precise ratio k and isolate master noise; verify op-amp CM/swing and FB impedance.

Pre-bias Startup (Sink-Capable & Anti-Backfeed)

Design Rules

  • Choose LDOs with pre-bias supported and sink-capable path.
  • Add OR-ing (ideal diode/back-to-back FET) to block reverse paths.
  • Protect FB/ADJ with 100–1k Ω series resistor; clamp if needed.
  • Enable sequence: confirm sink path → then assert EN.

Validation (Quick)

  • Pre-charge VOUT at 10/50/90% → assert EN; log Isink, trise, PG jitter.
  • Power-down: ensure no reverse current into upstream rail.
  • VINmin/max × load (light/med/heavy) corners.
Pre-bias: Sink Path & Anti-Backfeed Vout pre-charged → enable after sink path is ready; block reverse paths Upstream Rail VIN / Buck LDO (pre-bias capable) EN PG FB/ADJ sink path OR-ing (ideal diode / back-to-back FET) Load reverse blocked FB series R + clamp Vout pre-charged Enable after sink path ready
Pre-bias flow: ensure a sink-capable path, add OR-ing to stop backfeed, protect FB/ADJ, and only assert EN after the sink path is ready.

Sequencing Harmony (PG/RESET · POR · Master PG Chain)

Alignment Targets

  • Coincident: same t0 & slope (|ΔdV/dt| ≤ 10%).
  • Ratiometric: endpoint ratio error ≤ tolerance chain (≤ ±2%).
  • Order: PGmaster ↑ → ENLDO ↑ → PGLDO ↑ → POR ↑.

Practical Hooks

  • Drive EN from PGmaster (open-drain AND + pull-up).
  • Use TR/SS for ramp; PG hysteresis to filter jitter.
  • Scope: Vmaster, VLDO, PGs, POR (multi-channel capture).
PG Chain & Ramp Alignment Order: PG_master → EN_LDO → PG_LDO → POR; match coincident or ratiometric criteria Vmaster coincident ratiometric (k < 1) t0 window slope check PG_master EN_LDO PG_LDO POR
Sequencing order and alignment: master PG gates EN; LDO PG releases POR. Coincident = same start & slope; ratiometric = correct final ratio.
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Risk & Layout Priorities

TR/SS Routing & Noise Guards

Layout Rules

  • TR/SS are weak-signal nodes: short & straight, away from SW/BST/PHASE.
  • Place CSS next to the pin (≤ 3 mm) with direct return to AGND.
  • Use guard/inner reference plane; add 10–100 Ω + 10–100 nF at TR when fed from dividers.

Noise Checklist

  • No TR/SS traces parallel to clocks/reset for long runs; cross at right angles if needed.
  • Keep ≥ 2–3 mm clearance from high dV/dt nodes; avoid stubs/long vias.
  • Single-point AGND–PGND tie at the LDO; avoid sneak analog loops.
TR/SS Routing: short loop & AGND tie LDO TR/SS · FB · EN Noisy area (SW/BST) AGND–PGND tie (single point) C_SS ≤ 3 mm Guard TR from divider avoid long run near SW
Keep TR/SS short, local, and guarded; place CSS by the pin; tie AGND–PGND once; stay clear of SW/BST zones.

Divider Tolerance vs Ratiometric Error

Budget ratio error: resistors (≈50%), reference/FB (≈30%), temp/bias (≈20%). Use 0.1–0.5% resistors or buffered reference when tighter than ±2% is required.

Divider Tolerance (±%) Worst-case Ratio Error (±%) Suggested Rtop/Rbot Tempco Note Use Case
0.5% ≤ ~1.0% 20–100 kΩ equivalent Match TCR; same series parts Tight ratiometric; FPGA/ADC rails
1% ~1.5–2.0% 20–200 kΩ Derate over temp General purpose ratiometric
2% ~3–4% ≤ 200 kΩ; lower if Ibias noticeable Use low-TCR or buffer Loose ratio; consider buffered ref
Ratiometric error vs divider tolerance Worst-case ratio error (±%) 0.5% tol → ~1.0% 1% tol → ~1.5–2% 2% tol → ~3–4% Budget split example Resistors ≈ 50% Ref/FB ≈ 30% Temp/Bias ≈ 20%
Divider tolerance drives the ratio error; keep total within ±2% by splitting the budget across resistors, reference/FB, and temp/bias.

EN Pull-up Source: PG-Gated vs Constant Reference

PG-Gated (Preferred)

  • EN rises only after PGmaster is valid (open-drain AND + pull-up).
  • Add PG hysteresis/RC to filter jitter; pull up to a stable rail.

Constant Reference (Conditional)

  • Requires extra gating with PG to avoid early enable (breaks coincident).
  • Use EN hysteresis or RC delay; verify over temp and VIN corners.
EN pull-up source selection Preferred: EN from PG_master (open-drain AND + pull-up) Pull-up → stable rail; add hysteresis/RC Constant reference Needs extra gating with PG to avoid early enable LDO (EN input) EN via PG EN via constant ref + gate
Prefer PG-gated EN so the LDO only starts after the master is valid; a constant reference requires extra gating and thorough corner checks.

Validation Checklist

Signals & Setup

  • Scope channels: Vmaster, VLDO, PGmaster, PGLDO, POR/RESET.
  • Matrix: VIN (min/typ/max) × load (10/50/90%) × temp (-40/25/85 °C; add 105/125 °C for automotive).

Pass/Fail Criteria

  • Coincident: |Δt0| ≤ 1–2 ms; |Δ(dV/dt)|/dV/dt ≤ 10%.
  • Ratiometric: endpoint ratio error ≤ target (recommend ±2%); no illegal logic levels during ramp.
  • TR/SS noise: inject 50–100 mV pulses → no PG/POR false toggles.
  • EN stability: PG jitter ±1 ms does not cause multiple enables.
  • Pre-bias: pre-charge 0.1/0.5/0.9·Vout; no reverse current beyond spec; clean power-down without backfeed.

Documentation

  • Record CSS, divider values/tolerance, EN pull-up source; attach layout screenshots (TR/SS area & AGND tie).
  • Export waveforms (CSV + images) with dV/dt and timing markers; note PG thresholds/hysteresis.

FPGA — VCCINT / VCCIO ratio follow

Goal: VCCIO follows VCCINT (ratiometric or coincident); PG chain feeds POR.

Preferred path: A) LDO with TRACK/SS + PG; B) EN/TRK via RC divider; C) buffered reference → ADJ/FB.

Master: VCCINT buck PG → POR Follower: LDO (VCCIO) EN/TRK ← RC/REF VCCINT ramp VCCIO ramp (ratio) coincident start
VCCIO follows VCCINT; use EN/TRK or buffered reference; wire PG into POR.
TI
  • [PN] LDO with PG + SS
  • [PN] ADJ with EN + PG
ST
  • [PN] Low-noise with PG
  • [PN] ADJ + EN + PG
Renesas
  • [PN] PGOOD + SS
  • [PN] AEC-Q100 option
onsemi
  • [PN] PG + wide VIN
  • [PN] ADJ variant
Microchip
  • [PN] POR/PG + BYP
  • [PN] Dual LDO option
NXP / Melexis
  • [PN] PMIC LDO (PG programmable)
  • [PN] Automotive rail LDO

High-speed ADC — AVDD / DVDD coordination

Goal: AVDD low noise + controlled ramp; DVDD synchronized; POR released after both rails are valid.

Use buffered reference for AVDD if needed; DVDD via TRACK/SS or EN-RC; PG hysteresis prevents chatter.

AVDD first, DVDD aligned; POR last AVDD DVDD POR released after both PGs
Sequence AVDD and DVDD; release POR after both PG signals qualify.
  • TI: [PN low-noise LDO with PG] · [PN ADJ with BYP]
  • ST: [PN LDLN series with PG] · [PN LD series with SS]
  • Renesas: [PN with PGOOD + SS] · [PN low-noise ADJ]
  • onsemi: [PN low-noise + PG] · [PN ADJ]
  • Microchip: [PN with POR/PG + BYP] · [PN dual LDO]
  • NXP: [PMIC LDO channel + PG config] · Melexis: [Automotive LDO]

Camera Sensor — AVDD / DOVDD ordering

Goal: DOVDD after AVDD (or fixed ratio) to avoid I/O stress; prevent backfeed on shutdown.

Implement with EN delay (RC) or TRACK; add OR-ing to block reverse paths; fold PG into sensor reset.

AVDD precedes DOVDD AVDD DOVDD (delayed) Anti-backfeed at shutdown
Delay or track DOVDD with respect to AVDD; add anti-backfeed; tie PG to sensor reset.
  • TI: [PN with EN + PG] · [PN with TRACK/SS]
  • ST: [PN low-noise + PG] · [PN ADJ]
  • Renesas: [PN with PGOOD] · onsemi: [PN with wide VIN + PG]
  • Microchip: [PN with BYP + POR/PG]
  • NXP: [PMIC LDO channel] · Melexis: [Automotive camera rail LDO]

Multi-rail MCU — VREF / VDDA follow

Goal: VREF/VDDA track main VDD (ratio or coincident); release POR after LDO PG.

Use buffered reference to set ratio; or TRACK/SS when available; divider ≤1% to keep total ratio error ≤ ±2%.

VDD master, VREF/VDDA follow VDD VREF / VDDA PG → POR gating
Let VDD be the master; VREF/VDDA follow; release POR from LDO PG.
  • TI: [PN low-noise + PG] · [PN ADJ + SS]
  • ST: [PN VLDO with PG] · [PN ADJ]
  • Renesas: [PN with PGOOD + SS]
  • onsemi: [PN low-noise + PG]
  • Microchip: [PN with POR/PG]
  • NXP: [PMIC LDO channel] · Melexis: [AEC-Q LDO]
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I guarantee coincident ramps without chatter?

Set coincident targets with Δt₀ ≤ 1–2 ms and |Δ(dV/dt)|/dV/dt ≤ 10%. Gate LDO EN from master PG, add 2–5% VOUT PG hysteresis, and size TR/SS so both rails share similar ramp slopes. Validate with 5-channel scope captures and inject ±1 ms PG jitter—no multiple EN toggles allowed.

Ratiometric vs coincident—when should I choose each?

Use ratiometric when logic thresholds require fixed end ratios (target total ratio error ≤ ±2%). Choose coincident when interface timing demands the same start time and similar slopes. Prefer TRACK/SS or buffered reference for accuracy; confirm that downstream I/O never sees illegal levels during ramps or brown-outs.

Which EN pull-up source is safer: master PG or a constant reference?

Master PG is safer: EN rises only after the master qualifies. If a constant reference is mandatory, add PG gating plus 2–5% hysteresis or an RC delay. Test across VIN/temperature with ±1 ms PG jitter; EN must not chatter, and POR should release only after both rails are valid.

How should I route TR/SS to avoid injected noise and false resets?

Keep TR/SS short (≤3 mm to the pin), return to AGND, and stay ≥2–3 mm from SW/BST/PHASE. Add 10–100 Ω + 10–100 nF if TR comes from a divider or remote node. Cross clocks/reset at right angles. Confirm by injecting 50–100 mV pulses—PG/POR must not false-trigger.

What divider tolerance do I need for a ±2% ratio target?

With a ±2% total target, budget ≈50% to resistors, 30% to reference/FB, 20% to temp/bias. That typically implies 0.5–1% resistors, matched TCR, and 20–200 kΩ equivalent resistance. If bias current or noise dominates, buffer the reference into FB/ADJ and re-verify the end-ratio across temperature.

Can I start cleanly when the output is pre-biased at 50–90% Vout?

Use an LDO with pre-bias support and a sink-capable path. Add ideal-diode or back-to-back FETs to block reverse current. Validate by pre-charging to 0.1/0.5/0.9·Vout, enabling, and monitoring sink current and timing. During shutdown, ensure no backfeed into upstream rails or references.

How much PG hysteresis is enough to suppress chatter over temperature?

Target ≥3%·Vout PG hysteresis for most designs. Combine with a clean TR/SS ramp and a stable EN source. Sweep temperature (−40 to 85/105/125 °C) and add ±1 ms PG jitter during tests; PG and EN should remain monotonic, and POR should assert only once per power-up sequence.

When do I need a buffered reference into FB/ADJ instead of a raw divider?

Use a buffer when noise, long traces, or I_bias·R errors violate the ratio budget. A low-noise op-amp or dedicated reference buffer stabilizes the node and enables accurate ratiometric control. Check loop stability and startup behavior, then confirm end-ratio error ≤ ±2% across voltage and temperature.

What’s the right way to chain PG → EN → PG → POR across rails?

Use open-drain ANDing for PG signals, pull up to a stable rail, and drive LDO EN from the master PG. Release downstream POR only after LDO PG qualifies. Scope Vmaster, VLDO, PGmaster, PGLDO, and POR to verify order and timing windows; no overlaps, no false releases during ramps.

How do I size TR/SS so slopes align without overshoot?

Start with the LDO’s ISS spec and pick CSS so dV/dt matches the master rail within ±10%. Respect min/max SS limits and ensure CSS returns to AGND. Verify no overshoot or late PG; for tight matching, fine-trim CSS and add small series R to damp spikes.

How can I prevent backfeed during shutdown or hot-plug events?

Insert ideal-diode controllers or back-to-back FETs on rails that can be externally driven. Ensure EN goes low before the master drops, and provide discharge where needed. Validate by hot-plugging adjacent rails and logging reverse current—spec must never be exceeded, and no residual voltage should persist.

FPGA rails (VCCINT/VCCIO): what pitfalls cause latch-up or I/O stress?

Mismatched order, slope drift, or PG jitter can violate I/O protection windows. Gate EN from master PG, keep coincident within Δt₀ ≤ 2 ms, and hold POR until both rails are valid. Use ≤1% dividers and ≥3% PG hysteresis; verify with scripted power cycles and brown-out simulations.

High-speed ADC (AVDD/DVDD): which tracking scheme minimizes spurs?

Buffer the reference feeding AVDD’s ADJ/FB for low noise and set DVDD via TRACK/SS or EN-RC for alignment. Keep ground returns clean and TR traces short. Release POR after both PGs. Measure spur levels with coherent sampling; adjust ramp slopes and PG hysteresis if residual spurs appear.

Camera sensors (AVDD/DOVDD): should DOVDD always lag AVDD?

Usually yes—delay or ratio-track DOVDD to avoid I/O pin stress when AVDD isn’t ready. Implement EN delay or TRACK and add anti-backfeed devices. Confirm with waveforms that DOVDD never leads AVDD; on shutdown, ensure no reverse current and sensor reset stays de-asserted until rails are safe.

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