Share current across multiple DC/DC digital PWM controllers

30th September 2014

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

A dual-phase, DC/DC digital PWM controller, designated the ZL8801, has been introduced by Intersil. Capable of sharing current across multiple devices, the controller's range can be extended up to 300A for high-end FPGAs and ASICs employed in densely populated power supplies in servers, storage equipment and basestations.

Utilising the company's ChargeMode control loop architecture, the controller delivers transient response performance that is claimed by the manufacturer to be far superior to alternative analogue controllers. The device's fully digital control loop corrects errors cycle-by-cycle, negating required compensation. Reducing the output capacitance required for transient requirements of high-end FPGAs and ASICs, a high control loop bandwidth enables a smaller board size and lower BOM costs.

The ZL8801 supports Intersil’s proprietary digital DC bus for inter-controller communication, which enables system-based sequencing, fault management and current sharing in conjunction with other Intersil digital power ICs. Using the ZL8801, a designer can monitor and control every aspect of the power supply through a PMBus interface. An integrated 5V, 80mA LDO eliminates the need for additional supply rail for gate drive and saves board space. The PWM controller operates from 4.5-14V input voltages and supports 0.54-5.5V output voltages.

Expanding it's fourth generation controller family, the ZL8801 can be used with Intersil’s PowerNavigator GUI to shorten development time and simplify system power conversion. When paired with the ISL99140 40A DrMOS output stage, the ZL8801 creates a complete voltage regulator solution. Intersil also provides the ZL8801-2PH-DEMO1Z 80A dual phase demo board and the ZL8801-4PH-DEMO1Z 160A 4-phase demo board for $120 and $160, respectively.

Mark Downing, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure and Industrial Power Products, Intersil, commented: "A fully digital control loop improves system performance and provides the intelligence customers need to monitor power supply health and optimise their systems dynamically, such as changing output voltage on the fly. Intersil is on the forefront of digital power design, making it easy to use through advanced control technology and intuitive GUIs.”

Supplied in a 7x7mm 44-pin QFN package, the ZL8801 DC/DC digital PWM controller is available now for $4.95 each in 1,000 unit quantities.