Datasheet
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
0
6491-011
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
I
LOAD
(mA)
I
GND
(µA)
1 10 100
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
06491-012
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.