Product category:
DC/DC Convertors
News Release from: Emerson Network Power - Embedded Power | Subject: VRM10 series
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 31 August 2004
Point-of-load convertors boast speedy
response
A new series of nonisolated point-of-load DC/DC convertors is designed specifically to meet the demanding core power requirements of latest-generation processors and fast switching logic.
A new series of nonisolated point-of-load DC/DC convertors is designed specifically to meet the demanding core power requirements of latest-generation processors and fast switching logic The new VRM10 series convertors offer dynamic voltage programming, exceptionally fast transient response capabilities that extend to 930A/us, and continuous current outputs as high as 85A
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 4 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The series includes application-optimised models for powering Intel Xeon processors - typically used in rack-mounting enterprise products such as servers and routers - as well as Intel desktop product family processors, such as the Pentium 4.
VRM10 series convertors use an advanced four-phase buck conversion topology with interleaving to achieve a very high equivalent switching frequency of 2.2MHz: this yields conversion efficiencies of up to 86% when delivering 85A at 1.4V, combined with very fast transient response capabilities.
The topology also helps minimise component count, resulting in lower build costs and an exceptionally compact form factor.
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Measuring only 81 x 19.5mm, VRM10 convertor modules plug vertically into a standard motherboard connector and have a very low installed height of just 31.5mm.
The modules' very small footprint means that they offer a particularly flexible, plug-in, alternative to embedded voltage regulators on densely populated motherboards.
Furthermore, their minimal height means that they are ideal for use in 1U high equipment, supporting the industry trend towards slimmer rack-mount systems.
Complying with Intel's VRM10.0 and 10.1 specifications, Artesyn's VRM10 series convertors operate from a nominal 12V DC input and can generate any voltage in the range 0.8375 to 1.6V DC.
The output voltage is programmable in 12.5mV steps, defined by standard 6bit VID (voltage identification) codes.
The convertors' dynamic programming capability enables processors to automatically scale operating frequency and supply voltage to suit the prevailing temperature, thus maximising performance and reliability.
Artesyn's VRM10 POL convertors use a technique known as droop compensation to automatically increase their DC output impedance - lowering their output voltage - as load current increases.
Droop compensation significantly reduces the voltage overshoot normally caused by large step-changes in current, contributing to significantly faster transient response performance and improved processor reliability.
The VRM10 series comprises two models with different output currents and load regulation characteristics, enabling designers to choose the most appropriate for their particular application.
The output load line impedance, or droop compensation value, of each model precisely matches the recommended impedance of the power distribution network for a specific family of processors, optimising the balance between transient response and regulation.
Both models are designed to provide tight regulation in systems that can demand large step-changes in load current, at rates as high as 930A/us.
The VRM10-80-12-P has a maximum continuous current rating of 80A, a load line impedance of 1.24mohm (maintaining load regulation to 1.24mV/A), and is principally intended for powering Pentium 4 processors.
The higher-power VRM10-85-12-U can deliver up to 85A continuously, has a load line impedance of 1.25mohm - maintaining load regulation to 1.25mV/A - and is optimised for use with for high-end server type processors such as the Xeon.
VRM10 series processor power POL convertors have an ambient operating range of 0 to +60C, with derating, and are primarily intended for environments that use forced-air cooling.
For VID values of 1.4V or less and ambient temperatures of 45C or less, the VRM10-80-12-P can continuously deliver its full 80A output current with 400 litre/min of airflow, and the VRM10-85-12-U can continuously deliver its full 85A output current with 600 litre/min of airflow.
Both convertors feature remote sense and remote on/off capabilities, have no minimum load requirement, and are comprehensively protected against fault conditions.
They are of a highly integrated design and employ an open-frame, single board construction to minimise cost and weight, and simplify thermal management.
Artesyn's VRM10 series processor power POL convertors are available for immediate delivery.
In quantities of 1000, unit prices are US $35.25 for the VRM10-80-12-P, and US $36.35 for the higher performance VRM10-85-12-U.
Standard lead-time for both models is stock to 8-12 weeks.
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