ERICSSON adds FULL PMBUS READ AND WRITE CAPABILITY to VOLTAGE REGULATORS

Read-back offered end-users a large range of monitoring options such as output-voltage and current, temperature, power-good. Now with added write-mode it is possible to program the output voltage to a very specific voltage, and to modify this voltage as a function of load condition. It is also possible to sequence modules, and to modify sequencing to account for new configurations that some processors may require. Further, it enables one to adjust current limits and warning levels, to remotely turn modules into sleep-mode, plus many other dynamic features. At its most intimate level, write-mode makes it possible to optimize the compensation loop and many other internal parameters that ultimately contribute to reduce the amount of filtering capacitors and improve dynamic response.

The products are aimed at (but not limited to) the new generation of information and communication technology equipment where systems' architects are optimizing board designs for optimized control and reduced power consumption. The most important application areas are wireless and fixed networks - optical network equipment - data server and data storage but also in a broad range of industrial applications from medical to process control, and even in automotive applications.

Now, with access to the central controller of Ericsson's 3E point-of-load voltage regulators, board and systems' designers have a great deal of freedom to program, configure and monitor board mounted power solutions that will make it possible for them to optimize energy efficiency at a very low level of their applications, reducing energy consumption and optimizing systems' performances said Patrick Le Fèvre, director of marketing and communication at Ericsson Power Modules.

The BMR450 and BMR451 use a highly integrated digital PWM controller. This makes it possible to increase current density while decreasing footprint, and to reduce component count by 50%. Further, thanks to flexibility offered by write-mode, it is possible to reduce power consumption by adjusting critical parameters to match load conditions, resulting in higher efficiency throughout the whole range of operation.

Both devices are digitally controlled and rated at 20 A and 40 A respectively. They feature a high current density in the order of three times greater than an analogue voltage regulator for a similar in/out performance. Indeed, a higher current density and lower footprint are two important factors for designers when considering board space to accommodate other vital components of their core application. Smaller voltage regulators are easier to locate close to FPGAs, DSPs and other processors, reducing power losses and parasitic inductance issues.

In order to assist designers when evaluating Ericsson's 3E point-of-load digitally controlled voltage regulators, an evaluation kit simplifies their application within PMBus systems. The 3E GUI Silver Edition evaluation kit makes it easy for engineers to monitor (read), program (write), and test the full range of BMR45x-series parts within a representative hardware and software environment. The kit's software package features a graphical user interface that's exceptionally easy to use, unlocking the power of these PMBus-programmable devices to make even complex applications easily approachable.