Controller powers up latest Pentium processors

Pulsar Electronics has a new highly integrated core-voltage controller that is specifically tailored for Intel's latest Pentium M processors.

Pulsar Electronics has a new highly integrated core-voltage controller that is specifically tailored for Intel's latest Pentium M processors.

Ideal for applications in portable and embedded computing the SC1476 dual-phase controller is fully compliant with the latest Intel mobile voltage positioning specification, IMVP-IV, as well as the enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology to extend battery life while optimising performance.

The device is also designed for use with the recently launched Intel Centrino Mobile technology.

Featuring automatic power save and DeeperSleep mode support the SC1476 integrates functionality into one chip that would usually take two or three devices to implement.

Built using a hysteretic PWM topology, the SC1476 requires no error amplifier, thus assuring fast response and guaranteed stability compared with conventional PWM controllers.

In addition the device enhances its dual-phase operation with dynamic current sensing to avoid hot spots caused by unbalanced current flow.

An interesting feature is the integrated 6bit +/- 0.85% accurate DAC that sets the processor core voltage to a value from 0.700 to 1.708V.

The DAC slew rate can be externally controlled to limit audible noise effects resulting from DeeperSleep transitions.

In addition, built in 4A gate drivers improve efficiency while allowing for lower cost mosfets.

In addition the high side driver's soft turn on reduces ringing and low side capacitive turn on.

Other key features include a boot voltage setting and an open-drain power good signal, which is blanked (indicating good voltage levels) during output voltage and DeeperSleep mode changes.

Manufactured by Semtech Corp, evaluation kits, samples and further information are fully available from Pulsar Electronics.

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