Two ICs Form Efficient Switching Regulator

Two new ICs have been developed that meet VRD/VRM 10 power specifications and that work together to form an efficient multi-phase synchronous buck switching regulator. The ADP3168 and ADP3418 chips have been optimized for converting a 12V main supply into the highly accurate core supply voltage required by Intel’s next-generation processors. The ADP3168 reads the VID code directly from the processor and sets the output voltage between 0.8375V and 1.6V. The Flex-mode PWM architecture provides a highly stable, high-speed control loop that drives the logic level outputs at up to 1 MHz per phase. The phase relationship of the output signals can be programmed to provide 2-, 3-, or 4-phase operation. Additional features include accurate and reliable short-circuit protection, adjustable current limiting, and a delayed Power Good output that accommodates on-the-fly output voltage changes. The ADP3168 and ADP3418 are specified for use over the commercial temperature range of 0°C to +85°C and are available in 28-lead TSSOP and SO-8 packages, respectively. The ADP3168 is priced at $1.42 each/1,000 and the ADP3418 costs $0.60. ANALOG DEVICES INC., Wilmington, MA. (800) 262-5643.