- New 25A regulator offers very high power density of 28.44W/cm3 (465W/in3) and 25 percent more output current in the same footprint as second-generation 20A module
- Dynamic Loop Compensation improves stability and shortens time-to-market
- Paralleling of seven modules with phase spreading delivers 175A, while ripple-and-noise is reduced to the lowest possible level
The new Ericsson 3E series BMR463-25A is a third-generation digital point-of-load (POL) regulator that features Dynamic Loop Compensation (DLC) and delivers a 25 percent increase in output current over the second-generation BMR463-20A, yet comes in a fully compatible footprint. The product features a full set of PMBus commands enabling systems architects to fully monitor and dynamically control the energy delivered to strategic components, such as processors, FPGAs, ASICs and others, down to a very low and highly economical level.
Embedding the latest technology in terms of Dynamic Loop Compensation, the BMR463-25A runs the DLC algorithm as default each time the output is enabled. However, three more settings are also available via the PMBus for systems architects to choose the most appropriate method for their application with the DLC algorithm run every second or every minute or simply disabled. In addition to standard methods, designers can also use the Loop Compensation Tool featured in the latest Ericsson Power Designer software to set their own loop compensation profile to match specific application requirements. In addition, developed with high efficiency in mind, the BMR463-25A powertrain is composed of the latest MOSFET technology to deliver up to 95.2 percent efficiency at 3.3V output and up to 89.4% at 1.0V when the output load is at 50 percent.
Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director, Ericsson Power Modules, says: “The second generation of Ericsson 3E POL regulators were introduced in February 2011 and rapidly became the reference digital point-of-load devices and gained impressive market adoption. The third generation results from very close cooperation with systems architects that require additional flexibility and simplicity, while also retaining the ability to control parameters to match specific applications. Following the recently released 12×12 12A BMR461, the BMR463-25A now offers Dynamic Loop Compensation to volume markets that are demanding this type of product.”
With an input voltage range of 4.5V to 14.0V, the BMR463-25A complies with most intermediate bus voltages (5V to 12V) that are used in the industry and provides an adjustable output voltage from 0.6V to 3.3V with the factory default set at 1.2V. Output voltage can be adjusted through simple PMBus commands or via a 1% tolerance pin-strap resistor offering 28 different levels of output voltages.
When higher power or a ‘star-point current distribution’ is required, the BMR463-25A can be paralleled with up to seven devices delivering a total current of 175A. When in parallel, the modules can be synchronized with the use of phase-spreading reducing noise and peak current. Phase-spreading can be simply simulated and programmed via the tools embedded in the Ericsson Power Designer software tool.
Designed for low-board-pitch applications, surface-mount and through-hole versions are packaged with fully compatible dimensions and footprint of 25.65 x 13.8 x 8.2mm (1.01 x 0.543 x 0.323in) to the second-generation BMR463-20A. The 8.2mm height of the product makes it suitable for low-profile board applications that require all components to be below 10mm making room for heat transfer materials in the case of cold-wall cooling.
Available in three versions, through-hole (BMR4630008), surface-mount (BMR4631008) and single-in-line (BMR4632008), the BMR463-25A addresses a large range of applications in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, but also suits the industrial segment, which is rapidly migrating from traditional analog point-of-load to digital control technologies. Offering more power in the same packaging as the second-generation BMR463-20A, the new POL module perfectly matches applications where headroom is required for power derating.
The BMR463-25A also features current sharing, voltage tracking and margining, non-linear response for reducing of decoupling capacitors, input under-voltage shutdown, over-temperature protection, output short-circuit and over-voltage protection, remote control and power-good, and a full PMBus set of commands for monitoring and control.
The price of the BMR463-25A starts at $13.80 in OEM quantities.
* Enhanced Performance, Energy Management, and End-user Value are the key benefits delivered by Ericsson’s range of 3E digitally controlled DC/DC converters.
