Ericsson Announces Digitally Controlled Voltage Regulator
Ericsson Power Modules announced its BMR450 which, according to the company, compared to traditional voltage regulators based on analogue control, uses a highly integrated digital PWM controller. This is said to make it possible to increase current density while decreasing footprint, and to reduce component count by 50%. Further, thanks to embedded dynamic and adaptive controls, it is possible to reduce power consumption by adjusting critical parameters to match load conditions, resulting in higher efficiency throughout the whole range of operation.
The BMR450 is a digitally controlled, non-isolated voltage regulator rated at 20A. It has a high current density of 7.38A/cm³ (120A/in³:). For a similar in/out performance, an analogue voltage regulator would offer a much-reduced figure of 2.37A/cm³ (43A/in³). Indeed, a higher current density and lower footprint are two important factors for designers when considering board space to accommodate other vital components of their core application. Smaller voltage regulators are easier to locate close to FPGAs, DSPs and other processors, reducing power losses and parasitic inductance issues.
The product is aimed at (but not limited to) the new generation of information and communication technology equipment where systems’ architects are optimizing board designs for optimized control and reduced power consumption. The most important application areas are wireless and fixed networks – optical network equipment – data server and data storage but also in a broad range of industrial applications from medical to process control, and even in automotive applications.
Factors driving the demand for this type of product are energy saving and system flexibility, and the possibility to optimize energy management in order to reduce global energy consumption. Also, improving ways of monitoring load conditions and parameters through the power supply without having to add complex circuitries.
Ericsson states that the BMR450 offers an unprecedented level of monitoring functions (read-back data) through the open standard interface, PMBus. For designers and system architects, having access through PMBus to strategic information such as load current, load status, temperature, voltage deviations, and many other parameters make it possible to monitor down to core functions level, without adding external components or circuitry.
The BMR450 features a wide input voltage range from 4.5 to 14V making it easier to operate under most of the common intermediate bus voltages i.e. 5, 8, and 12V. The output voltage range is adjustable from 0.7 – 5V, with an output current of 20A providing up to 100W of power. Offering high efficiency – typically 96.8% at half load, 5Vin, 3.3Vout – the BMR450 has a very small package size of 25.65 x 12.9 x 8.2mm (1.01 x 0.51 x 0.323in).
An evaluation kit is available to help designers evaluate the modules. It comprises evaluation board, operating manual, a CD containing a graphic user interface (GUI), and cables.
