Highly-Integrated 64-kB Digital Power Controller Aims to Reduce Server Downtime

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced a highly-integrated and configurable digital power management controller with 64 kB of program Flash memory for ac-dc and isolated dc-dc power supplies. The UCD3138064 allows designers to implement firmware upgrades “on-the-fly” without shutting off the power supply, reducing server downtime compared to existing solutions.

The UCD3138064 employs a unique memory partitioning architecture that gives users the ability to simultaneously write to and execute from different portions of the on-chip memory and dynamically switch execution between the various firmware images using appropriate algorithms. This capability reduces downtime in servers and telecom infrastructure equipment.

Key features and benefits of the UCD3138064 include: 64-kB program Flash memory can support digital controller sockets in AC/DC power supplies that require greater than 32 kB of memory. Multiple system communication options, such as UART, PMBusâ„¢, I2C and serial peripheral interface (SPI), easily interface with multiple devices on the system, including peer controllers, power metering ASICs and external EEPROM memory.

The device supports all isolated power supply topologies, including single-phase, two-phase interleaved or bridgeless power factor correction; phase-shifted full-bridge; resonant LLC; and hard-switching full-bridge. This gives customers the flexibility to use the UCD3138064 in a variety of power designs, regardless of topology.

In addition to the UCD3138064 control card evaluation module, designers have easy access to several UCD3138-based development tools. This includes full-function, feature-rich evaluation modules such as UCD3138 digital power factor correction pre-regulator, UCD3138 digital resonant LLC converter and UCD3138 hard switching bridge converter evaluation modules, along with associated application firmware source code; development, such as UCD3138OL64EVM-031; programmer’s manuals; hardware interface; and software GUI tools, such as USB Interface Adapter EVM, Digital Power Software and the Code Composer Studio™ development environment.

Samples and production quantities of the UCD3138064 are expected to be available in April. The UCD3138064 is offered in a 64-pin, 9-mm by 9-mm QFN package priced at US$ 4.90. The UCD3138064EVM-166 evaluation module is priced at US$49 and is expected to be available through TI’s eStore in April.