Point-of-load modules promise ultra-fast transient response rates

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) recently announced a family of non-isolated, plug-in power modules with a new technology that promises ultra-fast transient response rates and dramatically reduces customers' need for output capacitors. Featuring a tight 1.5 percent output voltage regulation, the new point-of-load (POL) modules offer increased performance in a smaller footprint for designers of 3G wireless infrastructure, networking and communication systems that use advanced DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs and microprocessors.

"Today's high-end communication system designers continue to develop systems with complex power requirements that must support more functionality, yet meet lower processing core voltage levels," said Steve Anderson, director of TI's plug-in power business. "TI consistently meets this design challenge with new generations of state-of-the-art, plug-in power modules that leverage our analog manufacturing and power system expertise and understanding of future digital signal processing power requirements," Anderson added.

Extending the company's line of PTH devices, the new T2 series of POL will support step-down DC/DC conversion from a wide 4.5V to 14V input with adjustable output voltages down to 0.7V at output currents up to 50A. The power modules offer several advanced features to reduce the overall power solution footprint by as much as 50 percent compared to the company's previous generation devices.

The T2 power modules feature the new TurboTrans technology, which allows a power supply designer to dynamically "tune" the modules using a single external resistor to meet a specific transient load requirement. According to the press release, the end-result is faster transient response with 40 percent less output voltage deviation and a five to eight times reduction in output capacitance. In addition, system stability is enhanced when using ultra-low equivalent series resistance polymer tantalum or ceramic capacitors.

Other features
In addition to TurboTrans technology, the T2 modules incorporate the SmartSync function that allows the designer to synchronize the switching frequencies of multiple T2 devices to maximize power efficiency and minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). SmartSync also allows the T2 modules to synchronize at different phase angles using external circuits to help balance source loading and minimize input capacitance. The synchronized modules also make EMI filtering easier by eliminating beat frequencies.

Additional features of the T2 modules include TI's proprietary Auto-Track sequencing technology, which allows multiple modules to power up and down in sequence without external circuitry. The Auto-Track sequencing feature permits non-isolated power modules to track each other or any external control voltage. Meeting 260°C re-flow requirements, the T2 series also provides advanced pre-bias startup capabilities.

The T2 power modules are already available in sample quantities. TI is currently accepting orders for volume production, with pricing per module beginning at $7.90 in quantities of 1,000.