Surface-Mountable 40A Multi-Phase Power Module Claimed As Industry First

Employing the latest multi-phase switching technology, the PT8100 and PT8120T are claimed as the industry’s first surface-mountable, high-current, multi-phase power converters. They are designed to provide low-voltage, high-current power solutions for the latest generation of high-end computing applications, such as workstations, servers and other large systems that employ multiple microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs or FPGAs. The multi-phase technology employed in these converters splits the device power path into two discrete, but linked phase-shifted regulation paths, effectively doubling the switching frequency. This reduces input/output ripple and increases transient response when compared to single-phase converters, the company says. Operating at more than 90% conversion efficiency, the PT8100 and PT8120 are available with output voltages that are 5-bit programmable from 3.5V down to 0.8V, with versions available that are compatible with VRM specifications 8.4, 8.5 and 9.0. The PT8100 will operate from either a 3.3V or 5V input bus and provide 40A, while the PT8120 will operate from a 12V input bus and provide 30A. The devices are packaged in the company’s 31-pin Excalibur case, which reportedly provides excellent thermal management and eliminates the need for an external heatsink. The Excalibur copper case can also be soldered to the host pc board, providing increased shock and vibration resistance and a reduction in EMI. The PT8100 and PT8120 are available in surface-mount and vertical or horizontal through-hole styles (3.5" x 1.5" x 0.5"). Pricing is $47.75 each/1,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924, ext. 4500.