Date
03/26/2015
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Ericsson's two-phase 90A 3E digital point-of-load (POL) DC/DC power modules
Ericsson has launched a new two-phase 90A 3E digital point-of-load (POL) DC/DC power module that offers compensation-free performance and the ability to easily connect modules in parallel to provide up to 360A to advanced network-processors that require high performance in power delivery and high levels of software control to improve flexibility. These advanced capabilities make the BMR465 ready for future Software-Defined Power Architecture (SDPA) systems, which power system architects foresee as the way forward to achieving highly efficient and energy-optimized network architectures by 2020.
The BMR465 POL converter can be operated as a standalone unit delivering 90A, as well as being part of a larger power system when processor boards require higher current. Built on a two-phase topology, four BMR465 modules can be connected in parallel together to deliver up to 360A. The BMR465 modules can become part of a multi-module and multiphase (up to eight-phase) power system that enables phase spreading, a reduction of peak current and also the amount of capacitors required by end systems.
The BMR465 is fully compliant with PMBus commands and has been integrated into the Ericsson Power Designer software, which makes it easy for systems architects to simulate and configure complete multi-module and multiphase systems prior to implementation and thereby gain valuable time-to-market
Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director of Ericsson Power Modules, says: “The Software-Defined Power Architecture is being seen in the industry as the best way forward to optimize energy utilization in data networks and make them more energy efficient. The optimization of energy down to a granular level was at the origin of Ericsson’s digital power research, which was started in 2004. Now building upon a number of industry firsts in digital power, the BMR465 is the manifestation of our determination to support our customers today with technologies destined for the future. In addition, the BMR465 also complies with the new ‘teraAMP’ standard from the Architects of Modern Power (AMP) group of companies, which guarantees customers multiple sources of interoperable products.”
Designed to deliver cutting-edge performance, the BMR465 integrates ‘compensation-free’ modulation techniques, which automatically provide stability, accurate line and load regulation and good transient performance for a wide range of operating conditions. The non-linear charge mode control guarantees the control loop is always stable and the load step response within a single switching cycle conferring unprecedented stability while minimizing minimum filtering capacitors, saving both board space and cost.
Operating from a 7.5V to 14V input, the BMR465 can operate over a large range of intermediate bus voltages from 8V to 14V, thereby complying with the Dynamic Bus Voltage scheme implemented in SDPA and reducing power dissipation and saving energy. The factory default output voltage is set to 1.2V, but can be adjusted from 0.6V to 1.8V either via a pin-strap resistor or PMBus commands. As part of SDPA, Adaptive Voltage Scaling (AVS) can also be performed via the PMBus, adjusting the BMR465 output voltage to the optimized core voltage as required by the processor.
Designed to power business-critical applications and high-density networking equipment, the BMR465 powertrain guarantees the highest efficiency and reliability and is built from the latest generation of power semiconductors. This enables the module to deliver an efficiency of 94.3% at half load at 12V input and 1.8V output, together with an MTBF of 14.95 million hours (based on Telcordia SR-332 Issue 2, Method 1.)
The BMR465 is available in two mechanical configurations with respective laydown and System-in-Package (SIP) dimensions of 50.8 x 19.05 x 10.0mm (2.0 x 0.75 x 0.39in) and 50.8 x 9.51 x 19.05 (2.0 x 0.37 x 0.75in). Both configurations share the same functional inputs and outputs, thereby simplifying board design when combining different packaging to accommodate different cooling methods. Shipped today in a through-hole mount version, a surface-mount version of the BMR465 will also be available in the near future.
The BMR465 also features monotonic and soft-start power-up, input-under-voltage shutdown, over-temperature protection, output short-circuit and over-voltage protection, and Power Good and differential sense pins.
About Architects of Modern Power
The AMP Group is a consortium of leading power companies collaborating to create a de-facto industry standard for distributed power architecture designs by jointly defining and developing a roadmap of advanced power solutions. It comprises CUI Inc, Ericsson Power Modules and Murata Power Solutions. The consortium aims to define the future of power by providing a complete ecosystem for distributed power designs, offering the best technological solution as well as reducing supply chain risk.
