Date: 23/09/2011

DC/DC controller from Intersil with fast transient response for powering core CPUs

Intersil Corporation has added ISL95835 and ISL95837 to its portfolio of multi-phase DC/DC controllers. Both controllers provide a low cost solution for CPU and GPU core power while delivering best-in-class transient response and efficiency and each complies with Intel's IMVP-7/VR12 specification for smart voltage regulation to reduce power dissipation in the second-generation lntel Core-i5/i7 processors, says Intersil.

According to Intersil, both the ISL95835 and ISL95837 are the industry's smallest solutions available and offer combined functionality and reduced pin count, saving valuable board space and reducing the BOM and optimized for lower power, thin and light applications.

Intersil explains that the controllers are based on its Robust Ripple Regulator (R3) technology, a hybrid of fixed-frequency PWM control and variable-frequency hysteretic control that delivers the fastest transient response than typical modulators and automatically adapts switching frequency to optimize light load efficiency.

Key features and Specifications as per Intersil include:
The ISL95835 includes two internal MOSFET drivers for a 3+1 solution and can be configured as a 3-, 2- or 1-phase VR
The ISL95837 can be considered as an ISL95835 dedicated for a 1+1 application with an output of 1-phase VR, maximizing flexibility
Both devices operate in diode (or sleep) mode when a CPU enters light load modes for added efficiency and battery life
Accept input voltages from 4.5V to 25V and deliver output voltages from 0.25V to 1.5V

Pricing and Availability:
Both the ISL95835 and ISL95837 are currently available in 40-pin 5mm x 5mm QFN packages. Pricing for the ISL9535 is $3.28 for 1,000-unit quantities; pricing for the ISL95837 is $3.08 for 1,000-unit quantities.

For more information visit: www.intersil.com