EVAL-ADP1712/ADP1713/ADP1714

Rev. 0 | Page 7 of 8

GROUND CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

GND

GND

GND

GND

C1

C2

U1

C3

R1

R2

VIN

VOUT

EN

J1

EVAL-ADP1712/

ADP1713/ADP1714

SS/ADJ/BYP/TRK

+

_

VOLTAGE

SOURCE

AMMETER

LOAD

_

+

μA

Figure 11. Ground Current Measurement

Figure 11 shows how the evaluation board can be connected to

a voltage source and an ammeter for ground current measure-

ments. A resistor can be used as the load for the regulator.

Ensure that the resistor has a power rating adequate to handle

the power expected to be dissipated across it. An electronic load

can be used as an alternative. Ensure that the voltage source

used can supply enough current for the expected load levels.

Follow these steps to connect to a voltage source and ammeter:

1.

Connect the positive terminal (+) of the voltage source to

the VIN pad on the evaluation board.

2.

Connect the positive terminal (+) of the ammeter to one of

the GND pads of the evaluation board.

3.

Connect the negative terminal (−) of the ammeter to the

negative (−) terminal of the voltage source.

4.

Connect a load between the VOUT pad of the evaluation

board and the negative (−) terminal of the voltage source.

5.

The voltage source can now be turned on. If J1 is inserted

(this connects EN to VIN for automatic startup), then the

regulator powers up.

GROUND CURRENT CONSUMPTION

Ground current measurements are a way of determining how

much current the regulator’s internal circuits are consuming

while performing the regulation function. To be efficient,

the regulator needs to consume as little current as possible.

Typically, the regulator uses the maximum current when

supplying its largest load level (300 mA). Figure 12 shows the

typical ground current consumption for various load levels.

400

0

0.1

1000

1

10

100

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

Figure 12. Ground Current vs. Load Current

When the device is disabled (EN = GND), ground current

drops to less than 1 μA.

Note: Larger ground current levels occur when using an

evaluation board with R1 and R2 present.