First encapsulated 80A digital power module provides highest power density POL solution

Intersil has announced the industry’s first 80A fully-encapsulated digital DC-DC PMBus power module that provides point-of-load (POL) conversions for advanced FPGAs, DSPs, ASICs, processors and memory. The ISL8273M is a complete step-down regulated power supply that delivers up to 80A output current and operates from industry standard 5V or 12V input power rails. Multi-phase current sharing of up to four ISL8273M power modules enables power supply designers to create a 320A solution with output voltages as low as 0.6V. Housed in a compact 18mm x 23mm module, the ISL8273M delivers the industry’s highest power density and performance for increasingly space-constrained data center equipment and wireless communications infrastructure systems. The ISL8273M digital power module leverages a patented ChargeMode control architecture that delivers best-in-class efficiencies, with up to 94% peak efficiency and better than 90% efficiency on most conversions. It also provides a single clock cycle fast transient response to output current load steps common in FPGAs and DSPs processing power bursts. The ISL8273M’s compensation-free design keeps the device stable regardless of output capacitor changes due to temperature, variation or aging while eliminating the need for an external discrete compensation network. The 80A ISL8273M further distances itself from competitive digital power modules by delivering 2x higher output current. Its proprietary High Density Array (HDA) package offers unmatched electrical and thermal performance through a single-layer conductive package substrate that reduces lead inductance and dissipates heat primarily through the system board. The ISL8273M is built on Intersil’s proven, fourth generation digital controller technology and is pin-for-pin compatible with the 50A ISL8272M. It expands Intersil’s existing 6A - 50A digital power module family, giving customers an easy migration path to higher current rails. These fully encapsulated power modules are compatible with all industry pick and place equipment for full manufacturing automation. “With advanced FPGAs and processors occupying more of the PCB real estate and requiring higher input current levels at lower input voltages, the demands on POL power converters are being pushed to the limit,” said Mark Downing, senior vice president of infrastructure and industrial power products, Intersil. “The 80A ISL8273M gives our customers the power density they need, along with excellent thermal and electrical performance, on-the-fly power supply optimization, and real-time system monitoring and control.” Through a PMBus-compliant interface, the ISL8273M module’s digital control technology provides precise sequencing, full telemetry and system monitoring. The ISL8273M can also start up and operate in pin-strap mode using six external resistors for setting default configurations such as Vout, soft-start, under-voltage, switching frequency and current sharing. This allows designers to power up the modules during the development phase without using PMBus or requiring any programming, says the company.