Two-Phase DC-DC Power Blocks Deliver Dual Outputs In BGAs

March 15, 2004

Synchronous buck applications can take advantage of a pair of two-phase dc-dc power blocks that provide a choice of single or dual outputs. International Rectifier's iPowir iP2101 and iP2102 blocks come in a single BGA package that measures just 9.25...

Roger Allan

The iP2101 features an input of 3.14 to 5.5 V dc and an output of 0.8 to 2.5 V for a 3.3-V input, or 0.8 to 3.3 V for a 5-V input. The iP2102 has an input of 5.5 to 13.2 V and an output of 0.8 to 5 V for a 12-V input, or 0.8 to 3.3 V for a 6-V input. Both feature an interleaved input and can be operated in a single-ended mode (30-A output) or a dual mode (15-A output). They also operate from 200 to 400 kHz.

The iPowir devices provide overvoltage and overtemperature protection. Independent soft-start capability for each output enables various power-seeking and power-tracking options. In addition, a single control pin on each device enables an overcurrent hiccup or overcurrent latch function. The hiccup function is good for high-reliability systems that require immediate output-load voltage recovery once the short circuit is removed, maximizing system up-time and preventing overall system power from being recycled manually.

"Today's new generations of power-hungry ICs are forcing the use of more complex power-conversion devices than ever before. These products, the newest additions to the iPowir product family, offer the simplest path to the highest power density," says Gene Sheridan, International Rectifier's vice president for the Computing and Business Unit.

Available now, the iP1201 and iP1202 cost $10.05 each in 1000-unit lots.

International Rectifier Corp.www.irf.com (310) 252-7726

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.