POWER AND LINEAR IC SOLUTIONS

Integrated PoL Converters Ease FPGA Power Systems Design

A new generation of Point of Load (PoL) DC/DC systems from Linear Technology Corporation integrates MOSFETs, an inductor, capacitors, DC/DC controller and compensation circuitry in single Surface Mount package. Dubbed µModule™ regulators by Linear Technology Corporation, the devices are intended as complete power solutions for systems that require a diverse range of power supply levels with well defined startup and shutdown sequencing, such as those based on modern, large FPGAs.



The devices include an integrated inductor which is shielded to minimise EMI. With a built-in margining function, a system designer can accurately adjust the voltage to improve the performance of the FPGA and rest of the system in addition to increasing yield during assembly and test.

The new regulators use a current mode switching architecture, with fast transient response to minimize the size of the output capacitors. Low profile packaging facilitates air flow across the device and associated components, easing the designer's task in terms of thermal management. Since they are pre-assembled and tested they can produce substantial benefits in overall reliability. And, because they require only a few bulk capacitors and a resistor to produce a complete system, they can help to cut assembly costs and reduce manufacturing defects.

Several µModule devices can be synchronized to a common external clock and used in parallel to deliver high current while reducing switching noise interference and output ripple noise. For instance, four LTM4601 parts can be used together to build a 103W power system with outputs of 1.5V/12A, 1.8V/12A, 2.5V/12A and 3.3V/10A, generated from an intermediate bus input of 8V to 16V.

The four devices can be phase-locked to a clock source such as the LTC6902, a four-output, four-phase oscillator, which generates 90º interleaved clock signals to reduce noise and ripple. Such a solution is not only simple and compact, it is also highly efficient, requiring no heat sinks.

Features

• Family of six integrated Point of Load DC/DC converters
• Current range 6A to 12A
• Output voltage range 0.6V to 5V
• Input voltage range 4.5V to 28V
• Built-in inductor
• Onboard MOSFETs
• Compensation circuitry
• Synchronizable
• Current sharing up to 60A
• Optional remote sensing
• Optional tracking function
• 15mm x 15mm x 2.8mm RoHS compliant land grid array package

Applications

• Industrial automation
• Redundant array of inexpensive disk and high availability systems
• Blade servers
• Medical imaging
• Wireless base stations
• Computing
• Networking
• Telecommunications

For further information, including the LTM4601 Datasheet, the LTM4601 Thermal Performance Application Notes and information on how to request a FREE Evaluation Board*, please click here

* Evaluation Boards are limited to current or potential Arrow customers with valid opportunities that will be approved by local Arrow employees.