TI’s new eight-channel power sequencer and monitor

14th October 2008

ES Admin

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Datasheet

Texas Instruments has introduced today a new eight-channel sequencer and monitor with non-volatile error logging. The device supports the latest generation microprocessors, ASICs and DSPs, to improve system reliability and ease sequencing on boards with multiple points of load. The sequencer operates from a 3.3-V supply and does not require external memory or a clock, to help reduce board space in a variety of equipment, including telecommunication switches, servers, industrial, networking and test equipment.

The UCD9081 allows the designer to constantly monitor the health of the power supply system and manage the increasing number of power supply rails being used in today’s system design. The device’s non-volatile error logging stores any system failure to FLASH, which allows for further diagnostics of any power supply failures. The UCD9081 independently monitors eight voltage rails with 3.5-mV resolution. The programmable under- and over-voltage thresholds help protect high-value loads from damage. In addition, the flexible rail startup and shutdown sequence and fault response options add further system and load protection. The UCD9081 also provides up to four additional general-purpose outputs for other board-level functions such as power good or reset signals.

TI’s easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows the designer to configure the UCD9081 via an I2C interface. The tool, which is free and downloadable, simplifies the development process and improves time-to-market by allowing the designer to easily configure all device parameters in minutes. Configurable device features include under- and over-voltage threshold limits, selectable fault response for each rail; supply voltage sequencing; and monitoring conditions.