DATASHEET. Features ISL6336D. VR11.1, 6-Phase PWM Controller with Phase Dropping, Droop Disabled and Load Current Monitoring Features

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1 DATASHEET ISL6336D VR11.1, 6-Phase PWM Controller with Phase Dropping, Droop Disabled and Load Current Monitoring Features FN8320 Rev 0.00 The ISL6336D controls voltage regulators by driving up to 6 interleaved synchronous-rectified buck channels in parallel. This multiphase architecture results in multiplying channel ripple frequency and reducing input and output ripple currents. Lower ripple results in fewer components, lower cost, reduced power dissipation, and smaller implementation area. The ISL6336D utilizes Intersil s proprietary Active Pulse Positioning (APP), Adaptive Phase Alignment (APA) modulation scheme, active phase adding and dropping to achieve and maintain the extremely fast transient response with fewer output capacitors and high efficiency from light to full load. The ISL6336D is designed to be completely compliant with Intel VR11.1 specifications with exception of droop disabled. It accurately reports the load current via the IMON pin to the microprocessor, which sends an active low PSI# signal to the controller at low power mode. The controller then enters 1- or 2-phase operation option to reduce magnetic core and switching losses, yielding high efficiency at light load. After the PSI# signal is deasserted, the dropped phase(s) are added back to sustain heavy load transient response and efficiency. The ISL6336D senses the output current continuously by utilizing patented techniques to measure the voltage across the dedicated current sense resistor or the DCR of the output inductor. Current sensing circuits also provide the needed signals for channel-current balancing, average overcurrent protection and individual phase current limiting. An NTC thermistor s temperature is sensed via the TM pin and internally digitized for thermal monitoring and for integrated thermal compensation of the current sense elements. A unity gain, differential amplifier is provided for remote voltage sensing and completely eliminates any potential difference between remote and local grounds. This improves regulation and protection accuracy. The threshold-sensitive enable input is available to accurately coordinate the start-up of the ISL6336D with any other voltage rail. Dynamic VID technology allows seamless on-the-fly VID changes. The offset pin allows accurate voltage offset settings that are independent of VID setting. Features Intel VR11.1 compliant with droop disabled Proprietary active pulse positioning (APP) and adaptive phase alignment (APA) modulation scheme Proprietary active phase adding and dropping for high light load efficiency Precision multiphase core voltage regulation - Differential remote voltage sensing - 0.5% closed-loop system accuracy over load, line and temperature - Bidirectional, adjustable reference-voltage offset Precision resistor or DCR differential current sensing - Accurate channel-current balancing - Accurate load current monitoring via IMON pin Microprocessor voltage identification input - Dynamic VID technology for VR11.1 requirement - 8-bit VID, VR11 compatible Average overcurrent protection and channel current limit Precision overcurrent protection on IMON pin Thermal monitoring and overvoltage protection Integrated programmable temperature compensation Integrated open sense line protection 1- to 6-phase operation, coupled inductor compatibility Adjustable switching frequency up to 1MHz per phase Package option - QFN compliant to JEDEC PUB95 MO-220 QFN - quad flat no leads - product outline Pb-free (RoHS compliant) FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 1 of 30

2 Table of Contents Ordering Information Pin Configuration Pin Descriptions Absolute Maximum Ratings Thermal Information Operating Conditions Electrical Specifications Multiphase Power Conversion Interleaving PWM Modulation Scheme PWM and PSI# Operation Switching Frequency Current Sensing Channel-Current Balance Voltage Regulation Output-Voltage Offset Programming Dynamic VID Operation Initialization Enable and Disable Soft-Start Current Sense Output Fault Monitoring and Protection VR_RDY Signal Undervoltage Detection Overvoltage Protection Overcurrent Protection Thermal Monitoring (VR_HOT/VR_FAN) Temperature Compensation Integrated Temperature Compensation Design Procedure External Temperature Compensation Power Stages Current Sensing Resistor Compensation Switching Frequency Selection Input Capacitor Selection Layout Considerations Component Placement Voltage-Regulator (VR) Design Materials Revision History About Intersil Package Outline Drawing FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 2 of 30

3 Ordering Information PART NUMBER (Notes 1, 2, 3) PART MARKING TEMP. RANGE ( C) PACKAGE (Pb-Free) PKG. DWG. # ISL6336DIRZ ISL6336D IRZ -40 to Ld 7x7 QFN L48.7x7 NOTES: 1. Add -T* suffix for tape and reel. Please refer to TB347 for details on reel specifications. 2. These Intersil Pb-free plastic packaged products employ special Pb-free material sets, molding compounds/die attach materials, and 100% matte tin plate plus anneal (e3 termination finish, which is RoHS compliant and compatible with both SnPb and Pb-free soldering operations). Intersil Pb-free products are MSL classified at Pb-free peak reflow temperatures that meet or exceed the Pb-free requirements of IPC/JEDEC J STD For Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL), please see device information page for ISL6336D. For more information on MSL please see TB363. TABLE 1. ISL6336x/4x FAMILY SUMMARY INTERSIL PN NUMBER OF PHASES DIODE EMULATION DROOP H_CPURST_N INPUT TARGETED APPLICATIONS ISL Yes Yes No VR11.x CPU ISL6336A 6 No Yes No VR11.x CPU ISL6336B 6 Yes Yes Yes VR11.x CPU ISL6336D 6 No No No General Purpose, Memory ISL Yes Yes No VR11.x CPU ISL6334A 4 No Yes No VR11.x CPU ISL6334B 4 Yes Yes Yes VR11.x CPU ISL6334C 4 No No Yes VR11.x CPU ISL6334D 4 No No No General Purpose, Memory FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 3 of 30

4 Pin Configuration ISL6336D (48 LD QFN) TOP VIEW VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 PSI# OFS IMON DAC TM VR_HOT VR_FAN VR_RDY REF APA COMP FB VDIFF OVP RGND VSEN TCOMP VCC ISEN5+ ISEN5- PWM5 SS FS EN_VTT EN_PWR ISEN6+ ISEN6- PWM GND PWM3 ISEN3- ISEN3+ ISEN1+ ISEN1- PWM1 PWM4 ISEN4- ISEN4+ ISEN2+ ISEN2- PWM2 Pin Descriptions PIN # PIN NAME DESCRIPTION 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 VID7, VID6, VID5, VID4, VID3, VID2, VID1, VID0 These are the inputs to the internal DAC that generate the reference voltage for output regulation. All VID pins have no internal pull-up current sources until after TD3. Connect these pins either to open-drain outputs with external pull-up resistors or to active pull-up outputs, as high as VCC plus 0.3V. 9 PSI# A low input signal indicates the low power mode operation of the processor. The controller drops the number of active phases to single or 2-phase operation, according to the logic on Table 2 on page 14. The PSI# pin, SS, and FS pins are used to program the controller in operation of noncoupled, 2-Phase coupled, or (n-x)-phase coupled inductors when PSI# is asserted (active low). Different cases yield different PWM output behavior on both dropped phase(s) and remaining phase(s) as PSI# is asserted and deasserted. A high input signal pulls the controller back to normal operation. 10 OFS The OFS pin can be used to program a DC offset current, which will generate a DC offset voltage between the REF and DAC pins. The offset current is generated via an external resistor and precision internal voltage references. The polarity of the offset is selected by connecting the resistor to GND or VCC. For no offset, the OFS pin should be left unterminated. 11 IMON IMON is the output pin of sensed, thermally compensated (if internal thermal compensation is used) average current. The voltage at IMON pin is proportional to the load current and the resistor value, and internally clamped to 1.11V plus the remote ground potential difference. If the clamped voltage (1.11V) is triggered, it will initiate the overcurrent shutdown. By choosing the proper value for the resistor at IMON pin, the overcurrent trip level can be set to be lower than the fixed internal overcurrent threshold. During the dynamic VID, the OCP function of this pin is disabled to avoid false triggering. Tie it to GND if not used. 12, 13 DAC, REF The DAC pin is the output of the precision internal DAC reference. The REF pin is the positive input of the Error Amplifier. In typical applications, a 1kΩ, 1% resistor is used between DAC and REF to generate a precision offset voltage. This voltage is proportional to the offset current determined by the offset resistor from OFS to ground or VCC. A capacitor is used between REF and ground to smooth the voltage transition during Dynamic VID operations. 14 APA The APA pin is used to adjust the Adaptive Phase Alignment trip level. A 50µA current source flows into this pin. A resistor connected from this pin to COMP sets the voltage trip level. A small decoupling capacitor should be placed in parallel with the resistor for high frequency decoupling. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 4 of 30

5 Pin Descriptions (Continued) PIN # PIN NAME DESCRIPTION 16, 15 FB, COMP Inverting input and output of the error amplifier respectively. FB can be connected to VDIFF through a resistor. COMP is tied back to FB through an external R-C network to compensate the regulator. 17, 19, 18 VDIFF, VSEN, RGND VSEN and RGND form the precision differential remote-sense amplifier. This amplifier converts the differential voltage of the remote output to a single-ended voltage referenced to local ground. VDIFF is the amplifier s output and the input to the regulation and protection circuitry. Connect VSEN and RGND to the sense pins of the remote load. 20 TCOMP Temperature compensation scaling input. The voltage sensed on the TM pin is utilized as the temperature input to adjust IMON and the overcurrent protection limit to effectively compensate for the temperature coefficient of the current sense element. To implement the integrated temperature compensation, a resistor divider circuit is needed with one resistor being connected from TCOMP to VCC of the controller and another resistor being connected from TCOMP to GND. Changing the ratio of the resistor values will set the gain of the integrated thermal compensation. When integrated temperature compensation function is not used, connect TCOMP to GND. 21 VCC Supplies the power necessary to operate the chip. The controller starts to operate when the voltage on this pin exceeds the rising POR threshold and shuts down when the voltage on this pin drops below the falling POR threshold. Connect this pin directly to a supply. 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39 24, 25, 30, 31, 36, 37 ISEN5+, ISEN5-, ISEN2-, ISEN2+, ISEN4+, ISEN4-, ISEN1-, ISEN1+, ISEN3+, ISEN3-, ISEN6-, ISEN6+ PWM5, PWM2, PWM4, PWM1, PWM3, PWM6 The ISEN+ and ISEN- pins are current sense inputs to individual differential amplifiers. The sensed current is used for channel current balancing and overcurrent protection. Inactive channels should have their respective current sense inputs left open (for example, open ISEN6+ and ISEN6- for 5-phase operation). For DCR sensing, connect each ISEN- pin to the node between the RC sense elements. Tie the ISEN+ pin to the other end of the sense capacitor through a resistor, R ISEN. The voltage across the sense capacitor is proportional to the inductor current. Therefore, the sense current is proportional to the inductor current and scaled by the DCR of the inductor and R ISEN. To match the time delay of the internal circuit, a capacitor is needed between each ISEN+ pin and GND, as described in Current Sensing on page 14. Pulse width modulation outputs. Connect these pins to the PWM input pins of the Intersil driver IC. The number of active channels is determined by the state of PWM2, PWM3, PWM4, PWM5 and PWM6. Tie PWM2 to VCC to configure for 1-phase operation. Tie PWM3 to VCC to configure for 2-phase operation. Tie PWM4 to VCC to configure for 3-phase operation. Tie PWM5 to VCC to configure for 4-phase operation. Tie PWM6 to VCC to configure for 5-phase operation. In addition, tie PSI# to GND to configure for single phase operation as well. 40 EN_PWR This pin is a threshold-sensitive enable input for the controller. Connecting the 12V supply to EN_PWR through an appropriate resistor divider provides a means to synchronize power-up of the controller and the MOSFET driver ICs. When EN_PWR is driven above 0.875V, the ISL6336D is active depending on status of the EN_VTT, the internal POR, and pending fault states. Driving EN_PWR below 0.745V will clear all fault states and prime the ISL6336D to soft-start when reenabled. 41 EN_VTT This pin is another threshold-sensitive enable input for the controller. It s typically connected to VTT output of VTT voltage regulator in the computer mother board. When EN_VTT is driven above 0.875V, the ISL6336D is active depending on status of the EN_PWR, the internal POR, and pending fault states. Driving EN_VTT below 0.745V will clear all fault states and prime the ISL6336D to soft-start when reenabled. 42 FS Use this pin to set up the desired switching frequency. A resistor placed from FS to ground/vcc will set the switching frequency. The relationship between the value of the resistor and the switching frequency will be approximated by Equation 3. This pin is also used with SS and PSI# pins for phase dropping decoding (see Table 2 on page 14). 43 SS Use this pin to set up the desired start-up oscillator frequency. A resistor placed from SS to ground/vcc will set up the soft-start ramp rate. The relationship between the value of the resistor and the soft-start ramp-up time will be approximated by Equations 14 and 15. This pin is also used with FS and PSI# pins for phase dropping decoding (see Table 2 on page 14). 44 OVP The overvoltage protection output indication pin. This pin can be pulled to VCC and is latched when an overvoltage condition is detected. When the OVP indication is not used, keep this pin open. 45 VR_RDY VR_RDY indicates that soft-start has completed and the output voltage is within the regulated range around the VID setting. It is an open-drain logic output. When OCP or OVP occurs, VR_RDY will be pulled to low. It will also be pulled low if the output voltage is below the undervoltage threshold. 46 VR_FAN VR_FAN is an output pin with open-drain logic output. It will be pulled low if the measured VR temperature is less than a certain level, and open when the measured VR temperature reaches a certain level. An external pull-up resistor is needed. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 5 of 30

6 Pin Descriptions (Continued) PIN # PIN NAME DESCRIPTION 47 VR_HOT VR_HOT is used as an indication of high VR temperature. It is an open-drain logic output. It will be pulled low if the measured VR temperature is less than a certain level, and open when the measured VR temperature reaches a certain level. An external pull-up resistor is needed. 48 TM TM is an input pin for the VR temperature measurement. Connect this pin through an NTC thermistor to GND and a resistor to VCC of the controller. The voltage at this pin is reverse proportional to the VR temperature. The ISL6336D monitors the VR temperature based on the voltage at the TM pin and outputs VR_HOT and VR_FAN signals. GND Bias and reference ground for the IC. The bottom metal base of ISL6336D is the GND. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 6 of 30

7 ISL6336D Block Diagram VDIFF VR_RDY OVP PSI# APA VCC RGND VSEN x1 S OVP DRIVE Q R POWER-ON RESET (POR) 0.875V 0.875V EN_VTT OVP EN_PWR +175mV SOFT-START AND FAULT LOGIC CLOCK, RAMP GENERATOR, APA CONTROL TRI-STATE FS SS APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM1 OFS OFFSET APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM2 REF DAC APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM3 VID7 VID6 APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM4 VID5 VID4 VID3 DYNAMIC VID DAC APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM5 VID2 VID1 E/A APP AND APA MODULATOR PWM6 VID0 COMP FB IMON 1.11V OC2 OC1 I_TRIP 1 N CHANNEL CURRENT BALANCE AND CURRENT LIMIT Σ CHANNEL DETECT TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION CHANNEL CURRENT SENSE ISEN1+ ISEN1- ISEN2+ ISEN2- ISEN3+ ISEN3-1.11V I_TOT ISEN4+ ISEN4- ISEN5+ THERMAL MONITORING TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION GAIN ISEN5- ISEN6+ ISEN6- GND TM VR_FAN VR_HOT TCOMP FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 7 of 30

8 Typical Application: 5-Phase VR with PSI# and No Droop ISL6596 VIN VCC EN PWM GND BOOT UGATE PHASE LGATE ISL6596 VIN VCC BOOT UGATE FB COMP APA REF EN PHASE VTT VR_RDY VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 PSI# OVP VR_FAN VR_HOT VDIFF VSEN RGND EN_VTT IMON TM ISL6336D TCOMP OFS DAC VCC GND ISEN5+ PWM3 ISEN3+ PWM1 ISEN1- ISEN1+ PWM4 ISEN4- ISEN4+ PWM2 ISEN2- ISEN2+ PWM5 ISEN5- ISEN3- PWM6 ISEN6- ISEN6+ EN_PWR FS SS PWM LGATE GND ISL6596 VIN VCC BOOT UGATE EN PHASE PWM LGATE GND ISL6596 VIN VCC BOOT UGATE EN PHASE PWM LGATE GND ISL6596 VIN VCC BOOT UGATE µp LOAD R OFS R T R SS VIN EN PWM GND PHASE LGATE NTC FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 8 of 30

9 Typical Application - 4-Phase Couple Inductor VR with 2-Phase PSI# and No Droop ISL6596 VIN VCC EN PWM GND BOOT UGATE PHASE LGATE ISL6596 VIN VCC EN BOOT UGATE PHASE FB VDIFF COMP APA REF DAC PWM GND LGATE VTT VSEN RGND EN_VTT VCC GND VR_RDY VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 PSI# OVP IMON ISL6336D PWM1 ISEN1- ISEN1+ PWM3 ISEN3- ISEN3+ PWM2 ISEN2- ISEN2+ PWM4 ISEN4- ISEN4+ ISL6596 VCC BOOT UGATE EN PHASE PWM LGATE GND ISL6596 VIN VIN µp LOAD VR_FAN VR_HOT TM PWM5 ISEN5+ ISEN5- PWM6 ISEN6- ISEN6+ EN_PWR VCC EN PWM GND BOOT UGATE PHASE LGATE TCOMP OFS FS SS R OFS R T R SS VIN NTC FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 9 of 30

10 Absolute Maximum Ratings Supply Voltage, VCC V All Pins GND -0.3V to V CC + 0.3V Operating Conditions Supply Voltage, VCC ±5% Ambient Temperature ISL6336DIRZ C to +85 C ESD Rating Human Body Model (Tested per JESD22-A114E) kV Charged Device Model (Tested per JESD22-C101F kV Machine Model (Tested per JESD22-A115-A) V Latch-up (Tested per JESD-78B; Class 2, Level A) mA at +85 C Thermal Information Thermal Resistance (Typical) JA ( C/W) JC ( C/W) 48 Ld 7x7 QFN Package (Notes 4, 5) Maximum Junction Temperature C Maximum Storage Temperature Range C to +150 C Pb-Free Reflow Profile see TB493 CAUTION: Do not operate at or near the maximum ratings listed for extended periods of time. Exposure to such conditions may adversely impact product reliability and result in failures not covered by warranty. NOTES: 4. JA is measured in free air with the component mounted on a high effective thermal conductivity test board with direct attach features. See Tech Brief TB For JC, the case temp location is the center of the exposed metal pad on the package underside. Electrical Specifications Operating Conditions: V CC = 5V, Unless Otherwise Specified. Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature ranges, -40 C to +85 C. PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN (Note 6) TYP MAX (Note 6) UNITS VCC SUPPLY CURRENT Nominal Supply VCC = 5VDC; EN_PWR = 5VDC; R T = 100kΩ ISEN1 = ISEN2 = ISEN3 = ISEN4 = 80µA ma Shutdown Supply VCC = 5VDC; EN_PWR = 0VDC; R T = 100kΩ ma POWER-ON RESET AND ENABLE VCC Rising POR Threshold V VCC Falling POR Threshold V EN_PWR Rising Threshold V EN_PWR Falling Threshold V EN_VTT Rising Threshold V EN_VTT Falling Threshold V REFERENCE VOLTAGE AND DAC System Accuracy of ISL6336DIRZ (VID = 1V to 1.6V, T J = -40 C to +85 C) System Accuracy of ISL6336DIRZ (VID = 0.8V to 1V, T J = -40 C to +85 C) System Accuracy of ISL6336DIRZ (VID = 0.5V to 0.8V, T J = -40 C to +85 C) (Note 7, Closed-Loop) %VID (Note 7, Closed-Loop) -6-6 mv (Note 7, Closed-Loop) -7-7 mv VID Pull-up After t D µa VID Input Low Level V VID Input High Level V Max DAC Source Current ma Max DAC Sink Current µa Max REF Source/Sink Current (Note 8) µa FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 10 of 30

11 Electrical Specifications Operating Conditions: V CC = 5V, Unless Otherwise Specified. Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature ranges, -40 C to +85 C. (Continued) PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN (Note 6) TYP MAX (Note 6) UNITS PIN-ADJUSTABLE OFFSET Voltage at OFS Pin Offset resistor connected to ground mv OSCILLATORS Voltage below VCC, offset resistor connected to VCC V Accuracy of Switching Frequency Setting R T = 100kΩ khz Adjustment Range of Switching Frequency (Note 8) MHz Soft-start Ramp Rate R SS = 100kΩ (Notes 8, 9, 10) mv/µs Adjustment Range of Soft-Start Ramp Rate (Note 8) mv/µs PWM GENERATOR Sawtooth Amplitude (Note 8) V ERROR AMPLIFIER Open-Loop Gain R L = 10kΩ to ground (Note 8) db Open-Loop Bandwidth (Note 8) MHz Slew Rate (Note 8) V/µs Maximum Output Voltage V Output High Voltage at 2mA V Output Low Voltage at 2mA V REMOTE-SENSE AMPLIFIER (Note 8) Bandwidth MHz Output High Current VSEN - RGND = 2.5V µa Output High Current VSEN - RGND = µa PWM OUTPUT Sink Impedance PWM = Low with 1mA Load Ω Source Impedance PWM = High, Forced to 3.7V Ω PSI# INPUT Low Signal Threshold V High Signal Threshold V CURRENT SENSE AND OVERCURRENT PROTECTION Sensed Current Tolerance Overcurrent Trip Level for Average Current At Normal CCM PWM Mode (PSI# = 1) Overcurrent Trip Level for Average Current at PSI# Mode (PSI# = 0) ISEN1 = ISEN2 = ISEN3 = ISEN4 = 40µA; CS Offset and Mirror Error Included, R ISENx = 200Ω ISEN1 = ISEN2 = ISEN3 = ISEN4 = 80µA; CS Offset and Mirror Error Included, R ISENx = 200Ω µa µa CS Offset and Mirror Error Included, R ISENx = 200Ω µa N = 6, Drop to 1-Phase µa Peak Current Limit for Individual Channel µa IMON Clamped and OCP Trip Level V FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 11 of 30

12 Electrical Specifications Operating Conditions: V CC = 5V, Unless Otherwise Specified. Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature ranges, -40 C to +85 C. (Continued) PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN (Note 6) TYP MAX (Note 6) UNITS THERMAL MONITORING AND FAN CONTROL TM Input Voltage for VR_FAN Trip %VCC TM Input Voltage for VR_FAN Reset %VCC TM Input Voltage for VR_HOT Trip %VCC TM Input Voltage for VR_HOT Reset %VCC Leakage Current of VR_FAN With external pull-up resistor connected to VCC µa VR_FAN Low Voltage With 1.24k resistor pull-up to VCC, I VR_FAN = 4mA V Leakage Current of VR_HOT With external pull-up resistor connected to VCC µa VR_HOT Low Voltage With 1.24k resistor pull-up to VCC, I VR_HOT = 4mA V VR READY AND PROTECTION MONITORS Leakage Current of VR_RDY With pull-up resistor externally connected to VCC µa VR_RDY Low Voltage I VR_RDY = 4mA V Undervoltage Threshold VDIFF Falling %VID VR_RDY Reset Voltage VDIFF Rising %VID Overvoltage Protection Threshold Before valid VID V After valid VID, the voltage above VID mv Overvoltage Protection Reset Hysteresis mv NOTES: 6. Parameters with MIN and/or MAX limits are 100% tested at +25 C, unless otherwise specified. Temperature limits established by characterization and are not production tested. 7. These parts are designed and adjusted for accuracy with all errors in the voltage loop included. 8. Limits should be considered typical and are not production tested. 9. During soft-start, VDAC rises from 0V to 1.1V first and then ramp to VID voltage after receiving valid VID. 10. Soft-start ramp rate is determined by the adjustable soft-start oscillator frequency at the speed of 6.25mV per cycle. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 12 of 30

13 Operation Multiphase Power Conversion Microprocessor load current profiles have changed to the point that the advantages of multiphase power conversion are impossible to ignore. The technical challenges associated with producing a single-phase converter (which are both cost-effective and thermally viable), have forced a change to the cost-saving approach of multiphase. The ISL6336D controller helps reduce the complexity of implementation by integrating vital functions and requiring minimal output components. The block diagrams on pages 7, 8, and 9 provide top level views of multiphase power conversion using the ISL6336D controller. Interleaving The switching of each channel in a multiphase converter is timed to be symmetrically out-of-phase with each of the other channels. In a 3-phase converter, each channel switches 1/3 cycle after the previous channel and 1/3 cycle before the following channel. As a result, the 3-phase converter has a combined ripple frequency 3x greater than the ripple frequency of any one phase. In addition, the peak-to-peak amplitude of the combined inductor currents is reduced in proportion to the number of phases (Equations 1 and 2). Increased ripple frequency and lower ripple amplitude mean that the designer can use less per-channel inductance and lower total output capacitance for any performance specification. Figure 1 illustrates the multiplicative effect on output ripple frequency. The three channel currents (IL1, IL2, and IL3) combine to form the AC ripple current and the DC load current. The ripple component has 3x the ripple frequency of each individual channel current. Each PWM pulse is terminated 1/3 of a cycle after the PWM pulse of the previous phase. The DC components of the inductor currents combine to feed the load. IL1 + IL2 + IL3, 7A/DIV IL3, 7A/DIV IL1, 7A/DIV PWM1, 5V/DIV IL2, 7A/DIV PWM2, 5V/DIV PWM3, 5V/DIV 1µs/DIV FIGURE 1. PWM AND INDUCTOR-CURRENT WAVEFORMS FOR 3-PHASE CONVERTER To understand the reduction of ripple current amplitude in the multiphase circuit, examine Equation 1, which represents an individual channel s peak-to-peak inductor current. V I IN V OUT V OUT PP = (EQ. 1) Lf SW V IN In Equation 1, V IN and V OUT are the input and output voltages respectively, L is the single-channel inductor value, and f SW is the switching frequency. INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT, 10A/DIV CHANNEL 2 INPUT CURRENT 10A/DIV CHANNEL 3 INPUT CURRENT 10A/DIV CHANNEL 1 INPUT CURRENT 10A/DIV 1µs/DIV FIGURE 2. CHANNEL INPUT CURRENTS AND INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS CURRENT FOR 3-PHASE CONVERTER The output capacitors conduct the ripple component of the inductor current. In the case of multiphase converters, the capacitor current is the sum of the ripple currents from each of the individual channels. Compare Equation 1 to the expression for the peak-to-peak current after the summation of N symmetrically phase-shifted inductor currents in Equation 2. Peak-to-peak ripple current decreases by an amount proportional to the number of channels. Output voltage ripple is a function of capacitance, capacitor equivalent series resistance (ESR), and inductor ripple current. Reducing the inductor ripple current allows the designer to use fewer or less costly output capacitors. V I IN NV OUT V OUT C, PP = (EQ. 2) Lf SW V IN Another benefit of interleaving is to reduce input ripple current. Input capacitance is determined in part by the maximum input ripple current. Multiphase topologies can improve overall system cost and size by lowering input ripple current and allowing the designer to reduce the cost of input capacitance. The example in Figure 2 illustrates input currents from a 3-phase converter combining to reduce the total input ripple current. The converter depicted in Figure 2 delivers 36A to a 1.5V load from a 12V input. The RMS input capacitor current is 5.9A. Compare this to a single-phase converter also stepping down 12V to 1.5V at 36A. The single-phase converter has 11.9ARMS input capacitor current. The single-phase converter must use an input capacitor bank with twice the RMS current capacity as the equivalent 3-phase converter. Figures 23, 24 and 25 in the section entitled Input Capacitor Selection on page 27 can be used to determine the input capacitor RMS current based on load current, duty cycle, and the number of channels. They are provided as aids in determining the optimal input capacitor solution. Figure 26 shows the single phase input-capacitor RMS current for comparison. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 13 of 30

14 PWM Modulation Scheme The ISL6336D adopts Intersil's proprietary Active Pulse Positioning (APP) modulation scheme to improve transient performance. APP control is a unique dual-edge PWM modulation scheme with both PWM leading and trailing edges being independently moved to give the best response to transient loads. The PWM frequency, however, is constant and set by the external resistor between the FS pin and GND. To further improve the transient response, the ISL6336D also implements Intersil's proprietary Adaptive Phase Alignment (APA) technique. APA, with sufficiently large load step currents, can turn on all phases together. With both APP and APA control, ISL6336D can achieve excellent transient performance and reduce demand on the output capacitors. Under steady state conditions, the operation of the ISL6336D PWM modulators appear to be that of a conventional trailing edge modulator. Conventional analysis and design methods can therefore be used for steady state and small signal operation. PWM and PSI# Operation The timing of each channel is set by the number of active channels. The default channel setting for the ISL6336D is four. The switching cycle is defined as the time between PWM pulse termination signals of each channel. The cycle time of the pulse signal is the inverse of the switching frequency set by the resistor between the FS pin and ground. The PWM signals command the MOSFET driver to turn on/off the channel MOSFETs. For the default 6-channel operation, the channel firing order is The PWM2 pulse happens 1/6 of a cycle after PWM1, the PWM3 pulse happens 1/6 of a cycle after PWM2, etc. In PSI# low power mode, the remaining active phase(s) is 1 and/or 4. For 5-channel operation (PWM6 = 5V), the channel firing order is In PSI# low power mode, the remaining active phase(s) is 1 and/or 3. For 4-channel operation (PWM5 = 5V), the channel firing order is In PSI# low power mode, the remaining active phase(s) is 1 and/or 3. Connecting PWM4 to VCC selects three channel operation and the pulse times are spaced in 1/3 cycle increments. In PSI# low power mode, the remaining active phase(s) is 1 and/or 2. If PWM3 is connected to VCC, two channel operation is selected and the PWM2 pulse happens 1/2 of a cycle after PWM1 pulse. In PSI# low power mode, the remaining active phase(s) is 1 and/or 2. If PWM2 is connected to VCC, only Channel 1 operation is selected. When PSI# is asserted low, indicating the low power mode operation of the processor, the controller drops the number of active phases according to the logic on Table 2 for high light-load efficiency performance. SS and FS pins are used to program the controller in operation of noncoupled, 2-phase coupled, or (n-x)-phase coupled inductors. Different cases yield different PWM output behaviors on both dropped phase(s) and remaining phase(s) as PSI# is asserted and deasserted. A high PSI# input signal pulls the controller back to normal CCM PWM operation to sustain an immediate heavy transient load and high efficiency. Note that n-x means n-x phase coupled and x-phase(s) are uncoupled. While the controller is operational (VCC above POR, EN_VTT and EN_PWR are both high, valid VID inputs), it can pull the PWM pins to ~40% of VCC (~2V for 5V VCC bias) during various stages, such as soft-start delay, phase shedding operation, or fault conditions (OC or OV events). The matching driver's internal PWM resistor divider can further raise the PWM potential, but not lower it below the level set by the controller IC. Therefore, the controller's PWM outputs are directly compatible with Intersil drivers that require 5V PWM signal amplitudes. Drivers requiring 3.3V PWM signal amplitudes are generally incompatible. Switching Frequency Switching frequency is determined by the selection of the frequency-setting resistor, R T, which is connected from FS pin to GND or VCC. Equation 3 and Figure 3 are provided to assist in selecting the correct resistor value. where f SW is the switching frequency of each phase. Current Sensing TABLE 2. PSI# OPERATION DECODING PSI# FS SS Non CI or (n-1) CI Drops to 1-phase Non CI or (n-2) CI Drops to 2-phase phase CI Drops to 1-phase phase CI Drops to 2-phase Normal CCM PWM Mode 1 x x 2.5X10 10 R T = f SW FREQUENCY-SETTING RESISTOR VALUE (R T ) k 200k 300k 400k 500k 600k 700k 800k 900k 1M SWITCHING FREQUENCY (Hz) FIGURE 3. SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs RT (EQ. 3) The ISL6336D senses current continuously for fast response. The ISL6336D supports inductor DCR sensing, or resistive sensing techniques. The associated channel current sense amplifier uses the ISEN inputs to reproduce a signal proportional to the inductor current, I L. The sense current, I SEN, is proportional to the inductor current. The sensed current is used for current balance and overcurrent protection. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 14 of 30

15 The internal circuitry, shown in Figures 4 and 5, represents one channel of an N-channel converter. This circuitry is repeated for each channel in the converter, but may not be active depending on the status of the PWM2, PWM3 and PWM4 pins, as described in PWM and PSI# Operation on page 14. The input bias current of the current sensing amplifier is typically 60nA; less than 5kΩ input impedance is preferred to minimized the offset error. INDUCTOR DCR SENSING An inductor s winding is characteristic of a distributed resistance, as measured by the DCR (Direct Current Resistance) parameter. Consider the inductor DCR as a separate lumped quantity, as shown in Figure 4. The channel current I L, flowing through the inductor, will also pass through the DCR. Equation 4 shows the S-domain equivalent voltage across the inductor V L. V L s = I L s L+ DCR (EQ. 4) A simple R-C network across the inductor extracts the DCR voltage, as shown in Figure 4. ISL6596 PWM(n) V IN L DCR INDUCTOR + R I s L V L + - V C (s) C - V OUT C OUT Therefore, the current out of ISEN+ pin, I SEN, is proportional to the inductor current. Because of the internal filter at ISEN- pin, one capacitor, C T, is needed to match the time delay between the ISEN- and ISEN+ signals. Select the proper C T to keep the time constant of R ISEN and C T (R ISEN x C T ) close to 27ns. Equation 6 shows that the ratio of the channel current to the sensed current, I SEN, is driven by the value of the sense resistor and the DCR of the inductor. DCR I SEN = I L (EQ. 6) R ISEN The inductor DCR value will increase as the temperature increases. Therefore, the sensed current will increase as the temperature of the current sense element increases. In order to compensate the temperature effect on the sensed current signal, a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) resistor can be selected for the sense resistor R ISEN, or the integrated temperature compensation function of ISL6336D should be utilized. The integrated temperature compensation function is described in External Temperature Compensation on page 24. RESISTIVE SENSING For accurate current sense, a dedicated current-sense resistor R SENSE in series with each output inductor can serve as the current sense element (see Figure 5). This technique is more accurate, but reduces overall converter efficiency due to the additional power loss on the current sense element R SENSE. I L ISL6336D INTERNAL CIRCUIT L R SEN ESL V OUT I n R ISEN(n) ISL6336D INTERNAL CIRCUIT R R SENSE V R V C (s) C OUT CURRENT SENSE + I DCR SEN = I L R ISEN - ISENn+ FIGURE 4. DCR SENSING CONFIGURATION The voltage on the capacitor V C, can be shown to be proportional to the channel current I L (see Equation 5). V C s L s DCR DCR I L = s RC+ 1 If the R-C network components are selected such that the RC time constant (= R*C) matches the inductor time constant (= L/DCR), the voltage across the capacitor V C is equal to the voltage drop across the DCR, i.e., proportional to the channel current. With the internal low-offset current amplifier, the capacitor voltage V C is replicated across the sense resistor R ISEN. C T (EQ. 5) I SEN = I n CURRENT SENSE R SEN I L R ISEN + - ISENn- ISENn- ISENn+ FIGURE 5. SENSE RESISTOR IN SERIES WITH INDUCTORS R ISEN(n) A current sensing resistor has a distributed parasitic inductance, known as ESL (equivalent series inductance, typically less than 1nH) parameter. Consider the ESL as a separate lumped quantity, as shown in Figure 5. The channel current I L, flowing through the inductor, will also pass through the ESL. Equation 7 shows the s-domain equivalent voltage across the resistor V R. V R s = I L s ESL + R SEN (EQ. 7) A simple R-C network across the current sense resistor extracts the R SEN voltage, as shown in Figure 5. C C T FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 15 of 30

16 The voltage on the capacitor V C, can be shown to be proportional to the channel current I L. See Equation 8. V C s ESL s R R I SEN L = SEN s RC+ 1 (EQ. 8) If the R-C network components are selected such that the RC time constant matches the ESL-RSEN time constant (R*C = ESL/R SEN ), the voltage across the capacitor V C is equal to the voltage drop across the R SEN, i.e., proportional to the channel current. As an example, a typical 1mΩ sense resistor can use R = 348 and C = 820pF for the matching. Figures 6 and 7 show the sensed waveforms without and with matching RC when using resistive sense. Because of the internal filter at the ISENn- pin, one capacitor, C T, is needed to match the time delay between the ISENn- and ISENn+ signals. Select the proper C T to keep the time constant of R ISEN and C T (R ISEN x C T ) close to 27ns. on current sensing will not provide a fast OCP response and hurt system reliability. LOAD V IMON FIGURE 8. DESIRED LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE WAVEFORMS LOAD V IMON FIGURE 9. LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE WHEN R-C TIME CONSTANT IS TOO SMALL LOAD FIGURE 6. VOLTAGE ACROSS R WITHOUT RC V IMON FIGURE 7. VOLTAGE ACROSS C WITH MATCHING RC Equation 9 shows that the ratio of the channel current to the sensed current, I SEN, is driven by the value of the sense resistor and the R ISEN. R SEN I SEN = I L (EQ. 9) R ISEN L/DCR OR ESL/R SEN MATCHING Assuming the compensator design is correct, Figure 8 shows the expected load transient response waveforms if L/DCR or ESL/R SEN is matching the R-C time constant. When the load current has a square change, the IMON voltage (VIMON) without a decoupling capacitor also has a square response. However, there is always some PCB contact impedance of current sensing components between the two current sensing points; it hardly accounts into the L/DCR or ESL/R SEN matching calculation. Fine tuning the matching is necessarily done in the board level to improve overall transient performance and system reliability. If the R-C timing constant is too large or too small, V C (s) will not accurately represent real-time I OUT (s) and will worsen fault response at the transient event. Figure 9 shows the IMON transient voltage response when the R-C timing constant is too small. V IMON will sag excessively upon load insertion and may create a system failure or early overcurrent trip. Figure 10 shows the transient response when the R-C timing constant is too large. V IMON is sluggish in reaching its final value. The excessive delay FIGURE 10. LOAD TRANSIENT RESPONSE WHEN R-C TIME CONSTANT IS TOO LARGE Channel-Current Balance The sensed current I n from each active channel is summed together and divided by the number of active channels. The resulting average current I AVG provides a measure of the total load current. Channel current balance is achieved by comparing the sensed current of each channel to the average current to make an appropriate adjustment to the PWM duty cycle of each channel with Intersil s patented current-balance method. Channel current balance is essential in achieving the thermal advantage of multiphase operation. With good current balance, the power loss is equally dissipated over multiple devices and a greater area. Voltage Regulation The compensation network shown in Figure 11 assures that the steady-state error in the output voltage is limited only to the error in the reference voltage (output of the DAC) and offset errors in the OFS current source, remote-sense and error amplifiers. Intersil specifies the guaranteed tolerance of the ISL6336D to include the combined tolerances of each of these elements. The output of the error amplifier, V COMP, is compared to sawtooth waveforms to generate the PWM signals. The PWM signals control the timing of the Intersil MOSFET drivers and regulate the converter output to the specified reference voltage. The internal and external circuitry, which control voltage regulation, are illustrated in Figure 11. FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 16 of 30

17 EXTERNAL CIRCUIT R C C C COMP DAC ISL6336D INTERNAL CIRCUIT TABLE 3. VR11 VID 8-BIT (Continued) VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 VOLTAGE R REF C REF REF FB - V COMP ERROR AMPLIFIER R FB VDIFF V OUT + V OUT - VSEN RGND FIGURE 11. OUTPUT VOLTAGE REGULATION LOOP The ISL6336D incorporates an internal differential remote sense amplifier in the feedback path. The amplifier removes the voltage error encountered when measuring the output voltage relative to the local controller ground reference point, resulting in a more accurate means of sensing output voltage. Connect the microprocessor sense pins to the noninverting input, VSEN, and inverting input, RGND, of the remote-sense amplifier. The remote-sense output, V DIFF, is connected to the inverting input of the error amplifier through an external resistor. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) generates a reference voltage based on the state of logic signals at pins VID7 through VID0. The DAC decodes the eight 6-bit logic signal (VID) into one of the discrete voltages shown in Table 3. All VID pins have no internal pull-up current sources before t D3. After t D3, each VID input offers a minimum 30µA pull-up to an internal 2.5V source for use with opendrain outputs. The pull-up current diminishes to zero above the logic threshold to protect voltage-sensitive output devices. External pullup resistors can augment the pull-up current sources in case leakage into the driving device is greater than 30µA. TABLE 3. VR11 VID 8-BIT VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 VOLTAGE OFF OFF DIFFERENTIAL REMOTE-SENSE AMPLIFIER FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 17 of 30

18 TABLE 3. VR11 VID 8-BIT (Continued) VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 VOLTAGE TABLE 3. VR11 VID 8-BIT (Continued) VID7 VID6 VID5 VID4 VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0 VOLTAGE FN8320 Rev 0.00 Page 18 of 30