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STMicroelectronics’ new PM6773 and PM6776 step-down controllers meet demands for more accurate and energy-efficient power delivery in servers and data centers using the latest low-voltage, high-current microprocessors, ASICs, and field-programmable devices.
The new ICs are designed to power Intel Skylake CPUs and DDR4 memories, extending ST’s family of digital step-down controllers for Intel VR13 platforms.
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. In addition, both devices include a valuable black-box recorder function.
The controllers use ST’s high-performance 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.
Engineers can accelerate the design of the VR13 voltage regulator for Skylake using the new PM677x devices with ST’s advanced software tools – available to all selected customers – to program and monitor all key parameters, including control-loop response, load-line, and switching frequency.