Analog Devices Introduces New Digital Power Architecture
Analog Devices, Inc. is introducing a digital power controller developed specifically for power design engineers designing ac-to-dc and isolated dc-to-dc power supplies used in high-reliability server, storage, and communications infrastructure equipment. ADI’s ADP1043 digital PWM (pulse-width modulation) power control and management device provides designers with a highly integrated circuit architecture and the flexibility to configure system power-supply parameters in a matter of minutes using an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface).
It is stated that power design engineers with no prior programming experience can use the GUI to monitor and quickly adjust power functions such as frequency, timing, voltage settings and protection limits. In end-system implementations, the ADP1043 helps system integrators optimize power supply energy efficiency, while reducing design cycle time and enabling intelligent power management systems.
The ADP1043 uses an application-specific, on-chip digital control engine that works in concert with the GUI and an industry-standard I²C interface. The new power control and management device incorporates a highly integrated circuit design that significantly reduces component count compared to competing analog and digital power controllers.
"Analog Devices defined the GUI and the architecture of the ADP1043 to help today’s power design engineers develop intelligent, adaptable power management solutions that accurately report parametric information in real time, without requiring the designer to program in C++ or other languages," said Peter Henry, Vice President and General Manager, Power Management Products, Analog Devices. "With the ADP1043, ADI addresses the requirements of high-reliability power supply systems, where digital power introduces significant control and monitoring benefits to provide a competitive advantage in server, storage, and communications infrastructure applications."
The single-chip ADP1043 integrates on-chip technology for isolated power conversion, housekeeping, and monitoring that enables the practical implementation of more energy efficient power supply designs. The ADP1043 controller’s features include 7-output PWM; on-board memory for program and data storage; the choice of traditional analog or open-standard digital current share schemes for parallel power supply operation; MOSFET "OR-ing" control for redundant power supply operation, and differential voltage sensing and trimming – all of which can be programmed and adjusted via the I²C interface.
The ADP1043 will be available for general sampling in May 2008 and will be available in production quantities in August 2008. The ADP1043 is priced at $4.50 per unit in 1000-piece quantities and comes in a 32-pin LFCSP (5 x 5mm) package.
