6A Digital PoL DC-DC Converter with InTune Automatic Compensation

Description

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The MAX15303 is a full-featured, flexible, efficient, 6A digital point-of-load (PoL) controller with integrated switching MOSFETs. It contains advanced power-management and telemetry features. Unlike PID-based digital power regulators, the device uses Maxim’s patented InTune^™ automatically compensated, state-space control algorithm. The InTune control law is valid for both the small- and large-signal response and accounts for duty-cycle saturation effects. These capabilities result in fast loop transient response and reduce the number of output capacitors compared to competing digital controllers.

To help maximize system efficiency and reduce overall parts count, the device uses Maxim’s BabyBuck regulator. The BabyBuck eliminates the need for an external bias supply. The BabyBuck can be configured in two different modes to maximize system flexibility.

The device is designed to minimize the end customer’s design time. Automatic compensation eliminates the need for external compensation circuitry and allows changes to the output inductor and capacitor, without the need to manually redesign the compensation circuitry. An on-board PMBus^™-compliant serial bus interface enables communication with a supervisory controller for monitoring and fault management. A full suite of power-management features eliminates the need for complicated and expensive sequencing and monitoring ICs. Basic DC-DC conversion operation can be set up through pin strapping and does not require user-configuration firmware. This allows for rapid development of the power-supply subsystem before board-level systems engineering is completed. Maxim provides support hardware and software for configuring the device.

The MAX15303 is available in a 40-pin, 6mm × 6mm TQFN package with an exposed pad and operates over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

Key Features

• InTune Automatic Compensation Simplifies and Speeds Design
  • Ensures Stability While Optimizing Transient Performance
  • State-Space Compensation Results in Fast Transient Response with Reduced Output Capacitance
• Out-of-the-Box Operation Enables Fast Prototyping
  • Supports Pin-Strappable Configuration: Output Voltage, SMBus Address, Switching Frequency, Current Limit
• Easy to Use PMBus Interface for Configuration, Control, and Monitoring
  • Flexible Sequencing and Fault Management
  • Supports Voltage Positioning
  • Configurable Soft-Start and Soft-Stop Time
  • 300kHz to 1000kHz Fixed-Frequency Operation
• Integration Yields Small Solution Size
  • Integrated High- and Low-Side MOSFETs
  • Efficient On-Chip BabyBuck Regulator for Self-Bias Output
  • Startup into a Prebiased Output
• Performance Optimized for Communication and Computing Systems
  • Differential Remote Voltage Sensing Enables ±1.25% V_OUT Accuracy over Temperature (-40°C to +85°C)
  • 4.5V to 14V Wide Input Range
  • Output Voltage Range from 0.5V to 5.25V
  • External Synchronization

Applications/Uses

• Base-Station Equipment
• Power Modules
• Routers/Switches
• Servers
• Storage Systems