15 & 20A POL regulators power next generation servers

Improved gate driver technology has reduced dead times to 10ns, resulting in improved efficiency across the entire operating range. The XR76116 and XR76120 extend the output current range of the PowerBlox line of Exar's high current POL regulators up to 20A. The patented COT control loop enables operation with ceramic output capacitors without degradation in transient performance and eliminates loop compensation components, making a simpler and more reliable design.

Additional features targeted at server applications include a power good pin which maintains a low impedance when the chip is unpowered thereby avoiding false power good signals. Also, there is a second output voltage sense pin, ensuring any failure of the main feedback does not result on damaging voltages being applied to expensive low voltage digital circuitry. These POLs have exceptional full range 0.1% load regulation and 1% output accuracy over the full -40 to 125°C temperature range. A host of supervisory and protection features for proper sequencing, safe operation under abnormal operating conditions and light load operation is built in.

“The XR76116 and XR76120 POL regulators show Exar’s commitment to its key customers and the server market,” said Tuomas Hollman, Vice President, power management products, Exar. “These are the second set of power products Exar has developed for the server market. The Universal PMIC, XRP7725, was the first product also used in Skylake servers.”

Specified over the full -40 to 125°C temperature range, the XR76116 and XR76120 are offered in a 5x6mm TQFN package. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.70 and $3.20 each, respectively. Device samples and evaluation circuit boards are available online.