Intersil Introduces Point-Of-Load Power Regulator

Intersil has introduced a compact, scalable power module, which provides designers with a general-purpose power solution that satisfies a range of point-of-load (POL) power requirements. The ISL8200M is a 10A, integrated POL regulator in a surface-mount QFN package, which includes a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller, power Mosfets, a power inductor and associated discrete components. It is suitable for a range of applications in the computing, telecommunications and networking infrastructure, as well as in industrial markets.

The ISL8200M's highly integrated construction makes it simple to design a high-performance POL regulator, according to the company. Constructing a high-performance POL regulator with the ISL8200M is fast; all the user needs is input and output capacitors, a few support components and a single resistor to program the output voltage. The ISL8200M minimises the risk of product delays; the user just drops it on the board and it works.

Its compact 15 x 15mm package does not consume much area on the printed circuit board (PCB). With its thin 2.2mm profile, the ISL8200M can be mounted on the back side of the PCB, where space is typically free. Today, designers must use different power solutions depending on the output current demands. The ISL8200M enables a single solution covering less than 10-60A. This simplifies inventory by allowing a single part to satisfy a range of POL regulator applications.

The ISL8200M accepts input voltages from 3V to 20V and supports output voltages from 0.6V to 6V. A patented current-sharing architecture allows up to six modules to be paralleled for a total output current of 60A. Remote voltage sensing also assures precise regulation, even in low-voltage, high-current applications. Intersil claims that a programmable and synchronisable switching frequency allows designers to optimise efficiency and control switching noise in noise-sensitive systems.

An enable pin and a power-good indicator can be used to sequence modules to meet FPGA and processor power sequencing requirements. The ISL8200M is assembled in a thermally enhanced surface-mount QFN package with leads around the perimeter. This provides for reliable soldering, solder quality inspection and easy access with oscilloscope probes. The ISL8200MIRZ is available now in a 23-lead QFN package, with prices starting at USD15.86 (GBP9.82) each in 1,000-piece quantities.

Intersil LDOs Utilise Bicmos Technology

Intersil has introduced the ISL80102 and ISL80103, a pair of low-voltage, high-current, low dropout linear regulators (LDOs), specified at 2A and 3A output current respectively. The parts utilise Bicmos technology, providing a fast transient response, which ensures that the output voltage is properly regulated under varying load current changes. They also feature 120mV dropout at 3A and 81mV dropout at 2A.

Operating from input voltages of 2.2V to 6V, the ISL80102 and ISL80103 are capable of providing supply output voltages of 0.8V to 5V on the adjustable versions. Fixed output voltages of 0.8V, 1.2V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 5V are also available, along with custom voltage options. Initial VOUT accuracy is +/- 0.5 per cent, and the devices provide +/- 1.8 per cent guaranteed VOUT accuracy for the junction temperature range of -40C to +125C, assuring point-of-load voltage regulation in critical applications.

Shutdown current is less than 1microA, and PSRR is 60dB over full-rated load current. The two LDOs also include an enable feature, so they can be placed into a low quiescent current shutdown mode. Additional capabilities, including 'power good' status indicator, soft-start, over-current protection and thermal shutdown, ensure the LDOs are reliable and customisable for various applications.

This combination of features are said to make the ISL80102 and ISL80103 ideal for a range of applications including core power supplies for microprocessors, DSPs and FPGAs, as well as instrumentation applications, industrial medical equipment, servers and networking equipment. The devices are manufactured using a Bicmos process, meaning that they consume lower quiescent current as a function of load, compared with LDOs manufactured using older bipolar processes. The ISL80102 and ISL80103 are available in compact 3 x 3 10-lead DFN packages.