DC/DC Converters support up to 930 A/µs load transients.

Press Release Summary:




Non-isolated, point-of-load, Series VRM10 meets core power requirements of high-end processors. Converters offer dynamic voltage programming and continuous current outputs up to 85 A. They use 4-phase buck conversion topology with interleaving to achieve switching frequency of 2.2 MHz, yielding conversion efficiencies up to 86% when delivering 85 A at 1.4 V. Complying with Intel's VRM10.0 and 10.1 specifications, units operate from 12 Vdc input and generate 0.8375-1.6 Vdc.



Original Press Release:



Plug-In VRM10.0/10.1-Compliant Point-Of-Load DC/DC Converters Provide Highly Flexible Power Management Solution For High-End Processors



Advanced conversion topology supports up to 930A/µs load transients
Ultra low profile module has installed height of just 1.24in (31.5mm)

Framingham, MA, 26 August, 2004 - - Artesyn Technologies (Nasdaq:ATSN) has launched a new series of non-isolated point-of-load DC/DC converters designed specifically to meet the demanding core power requirements of latest-generation processors and fast switching logic. The new VRM10 series converters offer dynamic voltage programming, exceptionally fast transient response capabilities that extend to 930A/µs, and continuous current outputs as high as 85A. The series includes application-optimized models for powering Intel® Xeon(TM) processors - typically used in rack-mounting enterprise products such as servers and routers - as well as Intel® desktop product family processors, such as the Pentium® 4.

VRM10 series converters use an advanced four phase buck conversion topology with interleaving to achieve a very high equivalent switching frequency of 2.2MHz: this yields conversion efficiencies of up to 86% when delivering 85A at 1.4V, combined with very fast transient response capabilities. The topology also helps minimize component count, resulting in lower build costs and an exceptionally compact form factor. Measuring only 3.19 x 0.77in (81 x 19.5mm), VRM10 converter modules plug vertically into a standard motherboard connector and have a very low installed height of just 1.24in (31.5mm). The modules' very small footprint means that they offer a particularly flexible, plug-in, alternative to embedded voltage regulators on densely populated motherboards. Furthermore, their minimal height means that they are ideal for use in 1U high equipment, supporting the industry trend towards slimmer rack-mount systems.

Complying with Intel's VRM10.0 and 10.1 specifications, Artesyn's VRM10 series converters operate from a nominal 12VDC input and can generate any voltage in the range 0.8375 to 1.6VDC. The output voltage is programmable in 12.5mV steps, defined by standard 6-bit VID (voltage identification) codes. The converters' dynamic programming capability enables processors to automatically scale operating frequency and supply voltage to suit the prevailing temperature, thus maximizing performance and reliability.

Artesyn's VRM10 POL converters use a technique known as droop compensation to automatically increase their DC output impedance - lowering their output voltage - as load current increases. Droop compensation significantly reduces the voltage overshoot normally caused by large step-changes in current, contributing to significantly faster transient response performance and improved processor reliability.

The VRM10 series comprises two models with different output currents and load regulation characteristics, enabling designers to choose the most appropriate for their particular application. The output load line impedance, or droop compensation value, of each model precisely matches the recommended impedance of the power distribution network for a specific family of processors, optimizing the balance between transient response and regulation. Both models are designed to provide tight regulation in systems that can demand large step-changes in load current, at rates as high as 930A/µs.

The VRM10-80-12-P has a maximum continuous current rating of 80A, a load line impedance of 1.24mohms (maintaining load regulation to 1.24mV/A), and is principally intended for powering Pentium® 4 processors. The higher-power VRM10-85-12-U can deliver up to 85A continuously, has a load line impedance of 1.25mohms - maintaining load regulation to 1.25mV/A - and is optimized for use with for high-end server type processors such as the Xeon(TM).

VRM10 series processor power POL converters have an ambient operating range of 0 to +60˚C, with derating, and are primarily intended for environments that use forced-air cooling. For VID values of 1.4V or less and ambient temperatures of 45˚C or less, the VRM10-80-12-P can continuously deliver its full 80A output current with 400LFM of airflow, and the VRM10-85-12-U can continuously deliver its full 85A output current with 600LFM of airflow. Both converters feature remote sense and remote on/off capabilities, have no minimum load requirement, and are comprehensively protected against fault conditions. They are of a highly integrated design and employ an open-frame, single board construction to minimize cost and weight, and simplify thermal management.

Artesyn's VRM10 series processor power POL converters are available for immediate delivery. In quantities of 1000, unit prices are US$35.25 for the VRM10-80-12-P, and US$36.35 for the higher performance VRM10-85-12-U. Standard lead-time for both models is stock to 8-12 weeks. To obtain further information about Artesyn's new VRM10 POL converters, please visit: http://artesyn.com/powergroup/new_vrm_launch.htm

Marketing Communications
Ms. Pat Lopez
Artesyn Artesyn Technologies
1331 California Circle
Milpitas, CA 95035
USA
Tel: +1 408 518 6450
Fax: +1 408 518 6401
pat.lopez@artesyn.com

Director of Product Marketing
Michael Stefani
Artesyn Technologies
125 Newbury Street, Suite 100
Framingham, MA 01701
USA
Tel: +1 508 424 2774
Fax: +1 508 424 2790
mike.stefani@artesyn.com

About Artesyn Technologies, Inc.
Artesyn Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, FL., is a world leader in designing and manufacturing power conversion solutions for industry-leading OEMs in communications and IT infrastructure markets and is one of the foremost providers of controllers and WAN/protocol software for worldwide telecom and datacom systems and real-time communication applications. The Company has a global sales reach with design and manufacturing facilities in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Artesyn is a public company whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol ATSN. For more information about Artesyn Technologies and its products, please visit the company's web site at artesyn.com.

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