GUI-Based Design Tool for Digital Controllers Simplifies DC/DC Converter Design

Users may use the tool to make simple point-and-click or numeric entry changes to parameters and quickly configure/power-up the power supply. Additionally, users may take advantage of its advanced settings to access more than 60 parameters and finely tune the features to their specific needs within the GUI environment, with precision and flexibility beyond that of hardware programmed analog-based solutions.

The GUI-based design tool can connect and control multiple devices in a system concurrently. For a single device used in a single- or dual-phase converter, users will utilize the Single Mode feature of the design tool. The PowerSMART design software also provides a System Mode feature where multiple Powervation devices can be used in parallel to control a multi-phase converter (e.g., 6 phases), and multiple Powervation devices can be used within a common platform to provide power management for multiple rails and the sequencing of these rails.

The framing of the GUI display provides status and fault indicators that are available to the user at all times. The main PowerSMART display page has been designed to provide a heads-up view of VOUT, VIN, and IOUT against a time axis, so that users may view these key parameters the way engineers typically see them displayed on today’s popular digital oscilloscopes. Additionally, the Monitoring indicator box on the main page summarizes, numerically, the current telemetry information for temperature (IC and external sensors), current, and voltages, giving the user easy access to this data for both design and debugging activities.

Comments David New, Director, Product Marketing, Powervation Inc., “During the design stage, the GUI-environment allows users to easily select and program the desired parameters, while helping users fully utilize the capabilities of our digital controllers without coding or training. From engineers that desire to use the tool’s automatic setup, to users that need advanced optimization and access to dozens of parameters, the software supports a wide range of users.” Additionally, Powervation’s control ICs, such as the recently-launched PV3012, are equipped with Powervation’s Single Pin CONFIG™ technology that provides the user access to eight configuration tables, or profiles, within the IC’s non-volatile memory. Each of the eight configuration tables can be configured within the tool, and allows the user access to more than 60 parameters that may be used when designing a power supply. Using the device’s on-board configuration profiles allows a single controller to be used in up to eight converters, and eliminates the need to configure the part through PMBus or via multiple external programming components. The PowerSMART tool provides users flexible access to this feature, and many more, in a simple and intuitive environment, that has been designed to be usable for engineers new to digital power, as well as those already well on their way.

Summary of Key Features
• Simple, Intuitive, Flexible GUI-Based Design Tool; No Coding Required
• Communicate, Control, and Configure Multiple Devices Concurrently
• Supports Single- and Multi-Phase Converters and Large Systems Using Multiple Converters
• Uses SMBus Interface with PMBus™ Compliant Communication
• Precision Measurement and Reporting
• More than 60 Parameters Configured and Adjusted Within the GUI Environment
• Programmable Fault Protection & Warning Features
• Configure Automatic, Phase Drop/Add Thresholds
• Output Voltage Tracking, Sequencing, Margining
• Configure and Program up to Eight Profile Tables Using Powervation’s Single-Pin Configuration