New Industry Products

Intersil Announces New Dual-Output Buck Controller For Notebook Peripheral Power

September 30, 2007 by Jeff Shepard

Intersil Corp. announced the release of the ISL6228 high-performance dual-output buck controller for notebook peripheral computing applications. Through Intersil’s patented R³ Technology™ this controller provides unmatched transient response, switching efficiency and design flexibility.

The ISL6228 is capable of operating over the industry’s widest input voltage range (3.3 to 25V) and has a highly flexible output voltage range from +0.6 to +5.0V. These broad voltage ranges, combined with dual independent switchers, are claimed to make this controller the ideal choice for notebook peripheral applications, as well as a host of general purpose communications, storage, security and industrial automation applications.

Intersil’s R³ (Robust Ripple Regulator) Technology™ provides the dynamic response to input voltage and output load transients required by today’s faster, more powerful notebook processors. The R3 Technology represents a hybrid of fixed-frequency PWM control and variable-frequency hysteretic control to produce what is described as the industry’s fastest transient response.

The ISL6228 features a self-adjusting PWM that sets to the most efficient switching frequency between 200 and 600kHz based on the requirement of the load transient. This programmable PWM delivers superior switching efficiency and enhanced design flexibility. Efficiency is further maximized by automatic switching between continuous-conduction-mode (CCM) and diode-emulation-mode (DEM) during light loads.

The ISL6228 features enhanced fault protection against undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent and over-temperature. The device also has a DCR inductor and fault ID, all of which are monitored through a multi-function PGOOD pin. With an integrated MOSFET driver and bootstrap diode, the ISL6228 further eliminates the need for external components, lowering BOM and saving board space for designs.

The ISL6228 is available now in a 28-lead TQFN package and is priced at $2.20 per unit in 1,000-unit quantities for bulk packaging and $2.25 per unit for tape-and-reel packaging.