POL regulator enables easy paralleling

The regulator enables systems architects to monitor and dynamically control the energy that is delivered to processors, FPGAs, ASICs and other components, ensuring minimum energy consumption under all operating conditions.

Up to seven modules can be paralleled, offering a maximum output current of 280A.

The regulator's easy-paralleling mode even makes it possible to combine its 20A counterpart, the BMR463.

The devices are suitable for a wide range of applications, including radio base stations, industrial automation, process control, transportation and large data centres.

Ericsson's graphic user interface for the PMBus makes power system configuration fast and simple.

The BMR464 is a small regulator measuring 30.85 x 20.0 x 8.2mm, so it can be used in compact systems with 15mm board pitch.

The regulator accepts input voltages from 4.5 to 14V and has an output voltage range of 0.6 to 3.3V with typical efficiency of 97.2 per cent at 5V in, 3.3V out and 50 per cent load.

A synchronisation feature allows several regulators to be locked to a common switching frequency in order to eliminate beat frequencies that can be reflected back to the input.

This reduces EMI filtering complexity and the number of external components needed.

Phase spreading reduces input capacitance requirements, and hence losses, because the peak current drawn from the input supply is spread over the whole switching cycle.

A current sharing rail can be configured that enables 100 per cent utilisation of the output of each device and, during periods of light loading, it's possible to disable one or more phases to eliminate the current drain and switching losses associated with those phases.

This process is handled automatically using a PMBus command.

The BMR464 is designed to provide comprehensive circuit protection.

Signalling is provided for remote control, power good, current sharing, voltage tracking, voltage margining and remote sense.

Voltage setting is done via pin strapping or the PMBus.