ADP3163

The ADP3163 is a highly efficient multiphase synchronous buck switching regulator controller optimized for converting a 5 V or 12 V main supply into the core supply voltage required by high performance Intel processors. The ADP3163 uses an internal 5-bit DAC to read a voltage identification (VID) code directly from the processor, which is used to set the output voltage between 1.1 V and 1.85 V. The ADP3163 uses a current mode PWM architecture to drive the logic-level outputs at a programmable switching frequency that can be optimized for VRM size and efficiency. The phase relationship of the output signals can be programmed to provide 2- or 3-phase operation, allowing for the construction of up to three complementary buck switching stages. These stages share the dc output current to reduce overall output voltage ripple. An active current balancing function ensures that all phases carry equal portions of the total load current, even under large transient loads, to minimize the size of the inductors.

The ADP3163 also uses a unique supplemental regulation technique called active voltage positioning (ADOPT) to enhance load transient performance. Active voltage positioning results in a dc/dc converter that meets the stringent output voltage specifications for high performance processors, with the minimum
number of output capacitors and smallest footprint. Unlike voltage-mode and standard current-mode architectures, active voltage positioning adjusts the output voltage as a function of the load current so that it is always optimally positioned for a system transient. The ADP3163 also provides accurate and reliable short circuit protection, adjustable current limiting, and an enhanced Power Good output that can detect open outputs in any phase for single or multi-VRM systems. The ADP3163 is specified over the commercial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C and is available in a 20-lead TSSOP package.