DC/DC digital PWM power controller
The ZL8801 dual-phase, DC/DC digital PWM controller enables a simple dual phase solution for higher current applications ranging from 40A to 100A. With the ability to current share across multiple devices, its 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. Used in conjunction with Intersil’s PowerNavigator graphical user interface (GUI), the ZL8801 simplifies the system power conversion design process.
The ZL8801 uses Intersil’s digital power technology ChargeMode control loop architecture to deliver transient response performance superior to analogue controllers. Inherently stable, the ZL8801’s fully digital control loop corrects errors cycle-by-cycle, eliminating the need for compensation. Its high control loop bandwidth reduces the amount of output capacitance needed to meet the latest transient requirements of high-end FPGAs and ASICs, resulting in a smaller board size and lower bill of materials cost. The ZL8801 can be paired with the ISL99140 40A DrMOS (Integrated Driver and MOSFET) output stage to create a complete voltage regulator solution.
The ZL8801 supports Intersils DDC (digital DC) bus for inter-controller communication. This bus allows for system-based sequencing, fault management and current sharing in conjunction with other Intersil digital power ICs, all on a single wire. Configuration is managed with the graphical PowerNavigator tool to provide drag and drop sequencing control, which is autonomously managed in-system by the ZL8801. Current sharing is enabled by the DDC bus, allowing up to four ZL8801s to be paralleled providing for high current power system designs.
Modern systems have increased complexity and reliability demands requiring designers to control and monitor every power rail to maximise efficiency and reduce downtime. This has historically been achieved through the use of numerous discrete monitors, sequencers and system controllers to provide added functionality around the PoL converters. The ZL8801 integrates all of these functions, so a designer can monitor and control every aspect of the power supply through a PMBus interface. Full telemetric data can be read using the PowerNavigator GUI, including input voltage, input current, output voltage, output current, temperature and all fault conditions.
The 8801 features;
- Dual phase output for high current applications;
- Compensation-free modulation technique allows designs to meet transient specifications with 1% output voltage accuracy over line, load and temperature;
- Single input supply operation simplifies design, eliminates the need for multiple supply rails to the controller;
- Integrated 5V, 80 mA LDO for external driver supply voltage eliminates the need for additional supply rail for gate drive, saving board space;
- 200 Hz to 1.33 MHz switching frequency range allows for a variety of power stage and output filter options;
- SnapShot fault logging capability captures telemetry and fault information in non-volatile memory in the case of a fault, enabling diagnostic and system debug;
- Adjustable cycle-by-cycle inductor peak current protection enables quick reaction to overcurrent faults, prevents saturation and damage to the load;
- Supports a wide range of output voltages (0.54V to 5.5V) operating from input voltages from 4.5V up to 14V.
Intersil’s PowerNavigator GUI software simplifies the ZL8801’s setup and configuration, including all device parameters and full telemetry, changing features and functions of a digital power supply design without writing code.
In a 7 x 7mm, 44-pin QFN package the part costs $4.95 (1000).T wo demo boards are also available: the ZL8801-2PH-DEMO1Z 80A dual phase demo board is priced at $120, and the ZL8801-4PH-DEMO1Z 160A 4-phase demo board is priced at $160.
Intersil; www.intersil.com/powernavigator / www.intersil.com/products/ZL8801
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