Fairchild Semiconductor Intros VRM10 Chipset

Fairchild Semiconductor International (South Portland, ME) announced a VRM/VRD10-compliant power solution for high-performance microprocessors, the FAN53168 multi-phase, dc/dc, pulse-width modulated controller, and the FAN53418 synchronous MOSFET driver, which work together to form an accurate, efficient, multi-phase, synchronous buck converter that meets VRM/VRD10 power specifications, including tight "loadline" requirements while reducing system costs and part count. The FAN53168 and FAN53418 are offered as 100% pin-compatible second sources to the ADP3168 and ADP3418, respectively. The chipset is currently available in volume production.

To meet the tight VRM/VRD10 loadline, the FAN53168 uses temperature-compensated, inductor current sensing, providing tight accuracy at the lowest system cost. Most competing products use MOSFET RDS(on), or sense resistors to measure current and set the loadline. The FAN53168's architecture combines a stable, high-speed control loop with active-voltage positioning (droop) to meet CPU load transient requirements while minimizing the number of output capacitors and their associated costs. Additionally, the FAN53168/ FAN53418 chipset allows the regulator to scale to two, three, or four phases and can provide over 120A output to accommodate future VRM10.x CPUs. For additional safety and reliability, the controller features "on-the-fly" voltage identification support, under-voltage, over-voltage crowbar, and short-circuit protection, along with a power-good output flag.

The FAN53168 is available in a 28-lead TSSOP package and is priced at $1.60 for 1,000 pieces. The FAN53418 is available in an eight-lead SOIC package and is priced at $0.70 for 1,000 pieces. Both devices are rated for operation from 0°C to +85°C. Available now, delivery is in eight weeks ARO.