Compensation calculation eliminated in digital DC/DC power controller designs
ZL8800 is a dual channel/dual phase controller that uses a ChargeMode control loop technology to deliver fast transient response without the need for compensation. The device provides fast transient response for digital Point of Load supplies (POLs), saving on output capacitance and board space.
These complex systems require designers to fully control and monitor every power rail, and typically use monitors and sequencers to provide added functionality around the POL converters. The ZL8800 integrates all of these functions, soyou can monitor and control every aspect of the power supply through a PMBus interface, without the need for additional parts. Telemetric data is available on the power supply, including temperature, input current, output current, input voltage, output voltage and fault status.
Each ZL8800 output can operate independently or together in a dual phase configuration for high current applications. The device supports a wide range of output voltages (0.54V to 5.5V) operating from input voltages from 4.5V up to 14V.
ZL8800’s compensation-free design saves development time while the device’s integrated LDOs enable single supply operation from 12V. The single wire DDC bus enables sequencing and fault management across multiple Intersil devices. The ZL8800’s non-volatile memory allows users to store all configuration and setup parameters.
"With this new fourth generation device we have changed the loop control and we are using something called Charge Mode Control technology that we have developed," according to Chance Dunlap, Business Unit Manager of Intersil’s Power Management Group. "The concept behind this was that we are trying to push for very fast transient response to minimise the output capacitance but then, also using the intelligence available from a digital standpoint, we aimed to also create a device that is always stable. So there is no need for compensation… as regards the transient response we are able to push bandwidth across one quarter of the switching frequency".
To support the launch of the ZL8800 Intersil has also released latest generation of the company’s PowerNavigator graphical user interface which enables designers to use all the capabilities of the ZL8800 digital controller without code. You can use the GUI’s drag-and-drop utility to set up and control any power supply architecture.
The PowerNavigator tool is a free, downloadable GUI that provides the flexibility to set up and control any power supply architecture. Crafting the power architecture in PowerNavigator’s ‘hardware-free’ mode lets users select components prior to hardware development, without design risk. The PowerNavigator GUI provides access to all commands and setup configurations, including the ability to load predefined configurations for common applications.
Once the initial hardware is developed, the GUI can apply the saved settings and monitor all the rails. Any number of rails can be displayed with a selection of telemetric data. Designers make final system adjustments through the GUI with simple and intuitive controls. Sequencing of the rails is managed through a visual drag-and-drop interface.
Dunlap concludes, "…some systems require extensive programming and coding experience to be able to set up the commands of functionality. Intersil has solved this challenge through PowerNavigator’s simple visual GUI approach that allows you to set up all the sequencing and command controls without the need for coding at all. With simple ‘Drag and Drop’ graphics we are able to simplify your design and create a single power management environment without a single line of code."
ZL8800, in a 7 x 7mm 44-pin QFN package is priced from $4.90 (1,000). There are also two evaluation kits available, the ZL8800-2CH-DEMO1Z 2-output demo board, and the ZL8800-2PH-DEMO1Z, a 60A 2-phase demo board. Both are available for $150.00 each.
Intersil; www.intersil.com/products/ZL8800 /
www.intersil.com/en/products/power-management/zilker-labs-digital-power/powernavigator.html
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