Maxim Offers Integrated Dual Drivers for Next-Generation CPUs
The MAX8809A/MAX8810A from Maxim Integrated Products (Sunnyvale, CA) are single-chip 2-/3-/4-phase controllers with integrated dual drivers, designed specifically for next-generation Intel and AMD core power requirements.
The MAX8809A operates as a single-chip, 2-phase solution with integrated drivers, making it a stand-alone solution for power requirements up to 65W. It also easily scales to higher power requirements by including a 3rd-phase PWM output on chip; simply add the MAX8552 high-performance driver to support designs up to 90A.
The MAX8810A also integrates a dual driver but adds two additional PWM outputs. Combine the MAX8810A with the MAX8523 high-performance dual driver to achieve a low-cost, compact 2-chip solution for 4-phase designs up to 150A.
A selection pin (SEL) allows the designer to program the controller to support three different processors, including Intel VRD10.1 and next-generation CPUs from both Intel and AMD. Included is support for VID codes, VID signal thresholds, proper startup sequencing, and overvoltage protection (OVP) thresholds. This makes it easy for designers to transport a design to new applications, and reduces the different number of controller ICs that must be stocked.
"The MAX8809A/MAX8810A provide design engineers with a new approach to addressing high-current Intel and AMD core processor requirements," explains Jonathan Horner, Business Manager for the Company's Non-Portable products. "The combination of technology, simplicity, and flexibility will definitely reduce design time, risk, and total solution costs."
The MAX8809A/MAX8810A utilizes peak current-mode control to provide fast transient response and inherent current sharing. Applications can use resistor current sensing, or take advantage of the inductor DC resistance to save cost and improve efficiency. Well-matched current-sense amplifiers ensure that current-sharing mismatch is less than 5% between phases.
Current-sharing accuracy is further enhanced through use of a proprietary Rapid Active Averaging scheme, which eliminates errors due to current-sense component tolerances. Current-sense information is fully temperature compensated, which results in accurate voltage positioning and current-limit operation over the full -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius operating temperature range.
The MAX8809A is available in a lead-free, 5mm x 5mm, 40-pin Thin QFN (TQFN) package, while the MAX8810A is available in a lead-free, 6mm x 6mm, 48-pin TQFN. Pricing for the MAX8809A and MAX8810A starts at $2.40 and $2.50, respectively (1000-up FOB USA).
