Vicor Corp. recently developed the Picor PI33XX Cool-Power ZVS buck regulator series that gives board-level designers high efficiency point-of-load dc-dc regulation. Key to the device is a high-performance Zero-Voltage Switching (ZVS) topology that boosts power efficiency up to 98% peak. Products in the PI33XX series are highly integrated with control circuitry, power semiconductors, and support components in a 10 x 14 x 2.56 mm LGA System in Package (SiP). PI33XX buck regulators can convert input supplies ranging from 8 to 36 V to output voltages from 1 to 16 V and output current up to 10 A for power delivery up to 120 W. Power delivery can be further increased by interleaving up to six PI33XX buck regulators using single wire current sharing without the need of any additional components.
The use of a ZVS topology enables high-frequency operation that maximizes efficiency by minimizing the significant switching losses associated with conventional buck regulators that use hard-switching topologies. The high switching frequency of the PI33XX series also reduces the size of the external filtering components, improving power density while enabling fast dynamic response to line and load transients. The PI33XX series sustains high switching frequency all the way up to the rated input voltage without sacrificing efficiency and, with its 20-ns minimum on-time, supports large step down conversions up to 36 Vin.
PI33XX series buck regulators require only an external inductor and minimal ceramic capacitors for input and output filtering to form a complete high performance regulator. No frequency compensation, parametric settings, or incremental external components are required. A wide operating temperature range of -40° to 125° C allows for use in almost any environment.
For distribution power schemes, Picor PI33XX Cool-Power ZVS buck regulators offer an optional I2C extended fault telemetry capability allowing for six distinct types of fault reporting. Additional device-programmable I2C features include margining, enable pin logic polarity, and phase delay. Device programming is via the Cool-Power Development Tool.
The Picor Cool-Power portfolio currently consists of the PI31XX series of isolated converters and now the PI33XX series of ZVS buck regulators. The PI33XX series is the initial offering of a product family of high density, ZVS point-of-load regulators. Future products in the family will include additional ZVS buck regulators with higher voltage and higher current capability, ZVS buck-boost regulators, and ZVS boost regulators.
More information:Vicor Corp., 25 Frontage Rd., Andover, MA 01810. Phone: (978) 470-2900.