MOSFET driver integrates more to shrink convertors

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 29, 2002

Intersil has developed a next-generation high-voltage MOSFET driver IC that saves board space and reduces costs by integrating components and logic circuits on-chip.

Intersil has developed a next-generation high-voltage mosfet driver IC that saves board space and reduces costs by integrating components and logic circuits on-chip.

The high frequency SL6205 is optimised to power mobile PCs and notebooks using the Intel Mobile Pentium 4 and Desktop Pentium 4 processors as well as AMD Mobile Athlon and Mobile Duron processors.

The ISL6205 driver IC works interfaces directly with all of Intersil's Endura line of multiphase PWM controllers to provide a complete single-stage power solution for the CPU core power supply.

It is optimised to operate from the high voltages found in notebook systems and drives both upper and lower mosfets in synchronous-buck DC/DC convertors.

Notebook PC systems operate from battery or battery charger voltages typically up to 20V during normal operation.

The CPU core voltage is generated directly from these relatively high-voltage sources in order to maximise the power efficiency of the total system.

A typical portable core power solution includes two to three ISL6205 mosfet drivers controlled by a portable-optimised ISL6200-series PWM (pulsewidth modulation) IC such as the ISL6223.

The actual choice of controller and number of drivers depends on the power requirements of the CPU being used.

The entire Intersil solution offers lower parts count with higher efficiency and reliability.

Key features of the ISL6205 include: ability to drive two standard N-channel mosfets in synchronous-buck mode (no P-channel mosfet is required); up to 2MHz switching speed allows smaller filter components; adaptive shoot-through protection provides circuit optimisation; phase voltage over -5 to +25V range for application flexibility; patented three-state PWM inputs prevent negative transients on the output voltage when it is being shut down, thus eliminating the need for an additional Schottky diode to protect the CPU from negative voltages; pin compatibility with existing Intersil HIP6600-series mosfet drivers; 5 to 12V gate drive for the lower mosfet; and undervoltage protection.

The ISL6205 is available now in an 8-lead SOIC package.