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Single-Channel Stackable DC/DC Controller for High-Density Blade Servers

26th June 2007

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Texas Instruments has introduced a single-channel version of its TPS40KT stackable controller family that transforms power supplies in data centers and telecommunications equipment into fully scalable, interleaved power systems with higher performance and design flexibility. TI's TPS40180 synchronous, DC/DC controller allows a system designer to connect or stack together multiple power modules, resulting in a high-density power supply that supports 10 A to 200 A of output current. Based on the TPS40140 dual-phase controller announced in 2006, the single-channel version provides greater design flexibility when additional circuitry or daughter cards are added to the board -- especially when the dual-phase capabilities of the TPS40140 are not needed.

The TPS40180 features automatic phase-balancing, which allows a power supply to minimize the ripple current in both the output and input capacitors, and results in an overall smaller solution size. Designers
can also implement topologies where multiple output rails can be synchronized to achieve greater levels of power density and flexibility, while minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) system noise. The
load share feature enables modular power supply design where modules can be paralleled together, so that each module will deliver power equally to the load.

The TPS40180 device supports a wide input voltage conversion range of 2 V to 40 V, and operates from a 4.5-V to 15-V power source. The device converts from 15-V input to 0.7-V output at a programmable switching frequency of 1-MHz per phase, resulting in an effective ripple frequency of up to 8 MHz at the input and output during operation. The TPS40180 also has excellent line and load regulation of 0.1 percent, supported by a high-precision ±0.5 percent, 0.7-V voltage reference and high-accuracy
differential load sense amplifier.

The TPS40180 is equipped with complete supervisory and control features for today's power supplies, including pre-bias start-up capability, programmable under-voltage lockout, lossless direct current resistance or resistor current sensing, power good, soft start control, synchronization input, programmable over-current protection and thermal shutdown. In addition, the TPS40180 controller provides a unique eTrimT feature that allows a designer to trim the reference voltage on the
device to compensate for external component tolerances. This helps tighten overall system accuracy and specifications for output voltage of the converter.

The TPS40180 controller is available in volume from TI and its authorized distributors. Packaged in a 4 mm x 4 mm, 24-pin QFN, suggested resale pricing is $1.95 each in quantities of 1,000 units.