Comparing A/D power management techniques

Engineers at CHiL Semiconductor have developed new devices that integrate innovative digital technology into mixed-signal multiphase synchronous buck controllers to manage core voltage and load requirements in VR11.x processors, GPUs, and memory modules. One way these new controllers improve power efficiency is by using an architecture comprised of up to eight interleaved synchronous buck phases. These new devices can be used to optimize power consumption without altering external components by allowing designers to digitally configure the switching frequency of up to eight phases and storing those parameters in nonvolatile memory. In addition, by spreading the power across a larger number of phases, designers can use smaller inductors, saving precious board space, and gain faster transient response. Designers can now use this built-in intelligence to tune the voltage, current and clocks in each circuit to either optimize performance or maximize power efficiency.