The ZL8801 dual-phase, DC/DC digital PWM controller from Intersil Corp. expands Intersil's fourth generation controller family by enabling a simple dual phase solution for higher current applications ranging from 40 A to 100 A. With the ability to current share across multiple devices, its range can be extended up to 300 amps for high-end FPGAs and ASICs employed in densely populated power supplies in servers, storage equipment and basestations. Used in conjunction with Intersil's easy-to-use PowerNavigator™ graphical user interface (GUI), the ZL8801 simplifies system power conversion and speeds the design process.
The ZL8801 utilizes Intersil's latest advances in digital power technology, leveraging the patented ChargeMode™ control loop architecture to deliver transient response performance that's far superior to today's analog controllers. Inherently stable, the ZL8801's fully digital control loop corrects errors cycle-by-cycle, eliminating the need for compensation. Its high control loop bandwidth reduces the amount of output capacitance needed to meet the latest transient requirements of high-end FPGAs and ASICs, resulting in a smaller board size and lower bill of materials cost. The ZL8801 can be paired with the ISL99140 40 A DrMOS (Integrated Driver and MOSFET) output stage to create a complete voltage regulator solution.
The ZL8801 supports Intersil's proprietary DDC (digital DC) bus for inter-controller communication. This bus allows for system-based sequencing, fault management and current sharing in conjunction with other Intersil digital power ICs, all on a single wire. Configuration is easily managed with the graphical PowerNavigator tool to provide drag and drop sequencing control, which is autonomously managed in system by the ZL8801. Even current sharing is enabled by the DDC bus, allowing up to four ZL8801's to be paralleled providing for high current power system designs.
Modern systems have increased complexity and reliability demands requiring designers to control and monitor every power rail to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime. This has historically been achieved through the use of numerous discrete monitors, sequencers and system controllers to provide added functionality around the POL converters. The ZL8801 integrates all of these functions, so a designer can monitor and control every aspect of the power supply through a PMBus™ interface. Full telemetric data can be read using the PowerNavigator GUI, including input voltage, input current, output voltage, output current, temperature and all fault conditions.