ON Semi Expands Computing Controller Portfolio to Provide Power Management for Notebooks
ON Semiconductor has expanded its computing products portfolio with the introduction of three new power controllers specifically designed to meet the efficiency requirements of notebook PCs. The NCP5371, NCP5218, and NCP5215 controllers are claimed to address the notebook power subsystem needs for Vcore, DDR memory, and CPU chipsets respectively. These devices join the recently introduced NCP5387 and NCP5382 dual-edge Vcore control solutions for desktop PCs and servers that ON Semiconductor designed to enable more efficient and more compact power solutions for computing applications.
"During the past 18 months, ON Semiconductor has expanded its computing portfolio and design-wins with 12 new Vcore and system controllers for desktop motherboard manufacturers, the introduction of Vcore and power controllers for notebooks, and 18 new Trench FETs specifically designed for computing applications," said Bill Schromm, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ON Semiconductor’s Computing Products Group. "We now provide a total power solution for a broad range of computing systems."
Featuring a variety of power-saving features, the new controllers are claimed to improve the efficiency of power management subsystems in notebook computers by up to 5%, thereby extending battery life. The memory and chipset controllers are said to operate with fewer capacitors than existing solutions, enabling physically smaller power management subsystems and leaving more circuit board real estate available for other functions.
The NCP5371 is a 2-phase, dual-edge Vcore controller, specifically designed to support notebook mobile processor power delivery requirements. The current mode variable frequency architecture is said to provide ultra fast dynamic response with virtually no overshoot for dynamic loads and dynamic VID changes. Automatic variable frequency operation during light load conditions provides high subsystem efficiency and fast transient response out of light load operation. The device includes gate drivers that are optimized for large Qg low-side MOSFETs, further improving overall subsystem efficiency. The NCP5371 is available in a Pb-free QFN-48 package, and is priced at $3.33 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities.
The NCP5218 is a 2-in-1 power controller, specifically designed as a total solution for notebook DDR memory subsystems. This device combines the efficiency of a PWM controller for the VDDQ supply, with the simplicity of a linear regulator for the VTT supply. The high bandwidth VTT regulator requires only a 20µF ceramic output capacitor, versus the 60µF of capacitance required for existing market solutions, saving board space and cost. A power saving mode for light load conditions improves subsystem efficiency. The inclusion of VDDQ power good voltage monitoring, VDDQ overcurrent, overvoltage, and undervoltage protection, supply undervoltage monitoring, soft�start, and thermal shutdown makes this device a total power solution for high current DDR memory subsystems. The NCP5218 is available in a Pb-free DFN-22 package, and is priced at $1.13 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities.
The NCP5215 is a dual-channel buck controller, specifically designed for notebook chipsets. A programmable power-saving mode delivers high efficiency of greater than 90% over the entire load range. The 180°C interleaved operation reduces input capacitance requirements, while the programmable Adaptive Voltage Position reduces output capacitance requirements, combining to reduce board space for capacitors by 25% versus existing solutions. The NCP5215 is available in a Pb-free QFN-40 package, and is priced at $1.13 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities.
