Digital PWM controllers for next-gen computing platforms

IR’s digital controllers meet Intel VR12 and VR12.5 specifications, and support multiphase designs from one to eight phases operating one or two loops. These digital controllers can be used in combination with a choice of seven PowIRstage products to deliver an optimised high-performance end-to-end multiphase solution for CPU and DDR memory applications.

These latest generation CHiL controllers offer enhanced features over the previous generation including significant expansion in the PMBus command set, substantial reduction in quiescent current to enable higher peak efficiency, min/max telemetry recording and an improved high-speed phase balance algorithm.

The company’s latest PowIRstage solutions integrate a high performance driver, control and synchronous MOSFETs with accurate, temperature compensated, on-chip current sense reporting and provide cycle-by-cycle over-current protection to self-protect against harsh circuit conditions such as inductor saturation events. Temperature sensing, reporting and over-temperature protection are also available in addition to a fault-flag output. These PowIRstage devices are offered in 6x6mm PQFN packages, rated at 40, 50 and 60A with over-molded and exposed top options available providing flexibility to achieve optimal thermal design.

IR offers dedicated demo boards and fully documented reference designs. These CHiL digital power solutions are fully supported by IR’s real-time GUI for design and development, and hardware interface tools to communicate and program the CHiL devices.

Pricing for the controller range from $3.81 (USD) each for the IR3584 to $4.13 (USD) each for the IR3580 in 1,000 unit quantities. Pricing for the PowIRstage devices range from $3.19 (USD) each for the IR3557 to $4.25 (USD) each for the IR3579 in 1,000 unit quantities.