Multiphase controllers power Skylake CPUs, DDR4

Article By : EE Times Asia

The 12V-input, dual-channel devices feature embedded Non-Volatile Memory for storing configuration data.

STMicroelectronics has introduced two new digital multiphase controllers for servers and data centres. The PM6773 and PM6776 step-down controllers use low-voltage, high-current microprocessors, ASICs and field-programmable devices to enable accurate and energy-efficient power delivery, according to the company.

The ICs are designed to power Intel Skylake CPUs and DDR4 memories, extending ST’s products of digital step-down controllers for Intel VR13 platforms, according to STMicroelectronics.

The VR13 Serial Voltage ID (SVID)-compliant ICs are 12V-input, dual-channel, multiphase 3+1 (PM6773) and 6+1 (PM6776) devices. They are PMBus-programmable and feature embedded Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) for storing configuration data. The PMBus communication interface also allows reporting of voltage, current, power, temperature and fault status. Both devices also include a black-box recorder function.

The controllers use ST’s Voltage-Controlled Constant-On-Time, (STVCOT) digital-control-loop technology, which enables fast transient response and low output capacitance, as well as Variable-Frequency Diode Emulations (VFDE) and Dynamic Phase Management (DPM) to ensure high efficiency over all load conditions. Protection against load overcurrent, under- and over-voltage and feedback disconnections is also built-in.

The PM6773 and PM6776 are in production and available now in VFQFPN48 6mm x 6mm and VFQFPN40 5mm x 5mm, with package and pin-out compatible with dual sourcing. Pricing is $3 for orders of 1,000 pieces.