Power conversion solution for high-performance FPGAs

The power conversion solution offers systems designers the high-density, high-efficiency power conversion they require when integrating high-performance FPGAs into their system.

The powertrain, (part number ET4040), meets the stringent core voltage requirements of high-performance FPGAs, processors and memory. Systems designers can leverage the 40A powertrain to efficiently power the FPGA's core supply rails in single-phase or multiphase configurations. It can also be used in VDDQ supply rails for DDR3, DDR4, and QDR memories as well as supplying all high-current supply rails for ASIC and ASSPs that are used in high-end servers and communications infrastructure systems.

The ET4040 powertrain offers 40A continuous output current over an industrial temperature range from -40 to +85°C and across an input range of 4.5-14V. It delivers low Rds-on and low switching loss while enabling high efficiency at high frequencies (up to 3MHz switching frequency). The device's on-board monolithic current sense enables use of a lower loss inductor for better system efficiency while also providing a vast improvement in reliability and thermal performance over competing solutions on the market.

Mark Davidson, Marketing Director, Power Business unit, Altera, commented: "Over the past year, Altera has delivered a variety of solutions optimised to power Altera's FPGAs and SoCs with the performance, power density and efficiency system developers require. This powertrain complements Altera's Power SoC DC-DC converters to offer systems engineers new ways of designing products with the smallest, most efficient power solutions, optimised to meet the most demanding requirements and deliver needed performance."

The Altera ET4040 monolithic 40A driver plus synchronous MOSFET is available now.