Dual-phase IC saves cost, board space

International Rectifier is offering the IR3527 XPhase dual-phase IC with independent power savings function for energy-efficient multi-phase server applications.

The IR3527 IC drives and monitors two phases of a multi-phase synchronous buck converter to significantly reduce overall system cost as well as the size of the complete solution. The IR3527 implements an independent power savings function (PSI) for each power stage and sequential phase timing for use in single output multi-phase converters. When the power saving mode is enabled, the power stage disables its output, eliminating switching losses while the correct converter operation is maintained by the single power stage or in conjunction with other converter power stages. Moreover, the IR3527's current sense amplifiers remain active when in power savings mode to support adaptive voltage positioning.

"The IR3527 combined with IR's latest generation XPhase control ICs such as the IR3502B, which can interface with any number of IR3527 phase ICs provides a full featured, flexible and cost effective way to implement energy-efficient multi-phase power solutions that optimise board space," said George Schuellein, marketing director, IR's multi-phase products, enterprise power business unit.

The new Gen3 XPhase device features converter output voltage up to 5.1V, loss-less inductor current sensing, feed-forward voltage mode control and integrated bootstrap synchronous PFET. In addition, the IR3527 provides self-calibration of PWM ramp, current share amplifier and single-wire bidirectional average current sharing as well as a debugging function to isolate the phase from the converter.

The device is available in a small thermally enhanced 24L 4mm x 4mm MLPQ package and is RoHS-compliant.

Pricing for the IR3527TRPBF begins at Rs.72.92 ($1.50) each in 10,000-unit quantities. Production orders are available immediately. Prices are subject to change.

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