Powertrain doubles DC/DC convertor density

The Philips Intelligent Power 212-12M is billed as the industry's most advanced integrated powertrain that combines two power MOSFET switches and a driver IC into a single 8 x 8mm QFN package.

The Philips Intelligent Power 212-12M is billed as the industry's most advanced integrated powertrain that combines two power MOSFET switches and a driver IC into a single 8 x 8mm QFN package.

Compared with discrete solutions, this results in an overall board space savings of approximately 50%, improved power conversion efficiencies of 94%, and doubled power density.

The attributes of the PIP212-12M contribute to greater system efficiency and reliability for computing and communication systems.

Whether via instant messaging, e-mail or web surfing, consumers are increasingly relying on the Internet as a means of communicating and obtaining information.

With this comes an increasing demand for faster and more reliable communications and networking equipment.

Integrated powertrains are a critical component in meeting this demand as they enable DC/DC convertors to minimise power consumption and reduce heat generation to maintain the system stability that is required by high-end processors in applications such as servers, network access routers, WLAN and cellular infrastructures.

DC/DC convertors are also required to consume minimal area in order to reduce costly board space.

With Philips' highly integrated PIP212-12M at the heart of a DC/DC convertor, current densities can be increased from 4 to 8A/cm3.

In addition, the PIP212-12M extends a broad array of features that facilitate the design of the DC/DC convertors, resulting in faster time-to-market.

"With advanced communications and networking systems, the challenge for designers is to increase power density and conversion efficiencies".

"PIP212-based solutions deliver up to 94% efficiency in half the space of competing solutions", said Manuel Frade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Business Line Power Management, Philips Semiconductors.

"Philips' innovation in trench technology and IC design, and its expertise in advanced packaging techniques enable us to provide our customers with a fully integrated powertrain that meets the demands of high-performance processors".

Compatible with industry-standard single- and multiple-phase pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) controllers, the PIP212-12M is a "plug and play" solution that eliminates many of the design issues associated with synchronous buck convertors.

The solution allows designers to considerably reduce the external system component count, manage parasitics more effectively and achieve outstanding efficiencies for switching frequencies up to 1MHz.

The PIP212-12M combines a control MOSFET, synchronous rectifier MOSFET, parallel Schottky diode, MOSFET driver and bootstrap diode in a single device for increased functionality and simpler PCB layout.

The integrated powertrain is suitable for converting a wide range of input voltages, and can offer up to 35A of output current.

It also includes automatic deadtime reduction for maximum efficiency, an internal low-voltage drop bootstrap switch, efficient gate drive, internal thermal shutdown, power sequencing, lost phase fault flag, and an auxiliary 5V output to drive an external PWM.

The PIP212-12M is available now.

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