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Registered Member #152
Joined: Sun Feb 12 2006, 03:36PM
Location: Czech Rep.
Posts: 3384
So i made the driver for Jacobs ladder, but I have ran into problems. The KA3525 controller is getting quite hot, even running without any load (GDT unconnected)! Its power draw changes when I change the running frequency. I had some shorts on the circuit board previously so I'm wondering if this may have damaged the IC. I could replace it but the problem is that its soldered directly to the board and it would be a great PITA to resolder it, and the circuit board would probably lose some solder pads... With the GDT and FETs connected, the sink on the volt reg. gets VERY hot and the control IC nearly as much (probably heat conduction)...
Other than wasting several watts of power, the driver seems to work normally...
So, it is normal that a SMPS controller IC gets hot even running no-load, or is my part damaged?
Edit: pic
Edit2: I found another problem, I put in the wrong value of the tuning capacitor, 1/2 of its value. So putting in the right one should cut the f in half, decreasing heating to acceptable level...
Registered Member #152
Joined: Sun Feb 12 2006, 03:36PM
Location: Czech Rep.
Posts: 3384
I replaced the tuning cap and things are still hot, but only so much that I can actually hold my finger on the components without getting burned I guess the temperature rise is the result of the components stuffed together, on the breadboard they were nicely spaced.
The temp is now acceptable so I think the problem is solved
I will post the finished ladder tomorrow if nothing goes boom, I'm really in a hurry as "they" also asked for a demo plasma lightbulb, that will be powered just with the single transistor driver so it should be done quickly. And I must have everything finished tomorrow night
Registered Member #95
Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 04:57PM
Location: Norway
Posts: 1308
I tried a '3525 once and it's one output died somehow rendering it useless, so I've stuck with '494s since. In my experience the 494s never dissipate any noticeable power unless they were actually switching some current with the internal drive transistors. Since I assume you're using gate drivers of some kind the smps controller shouldn't be dissipating any power for gate driving. I would consider the heating abnormal.
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stinking hot parts :(
