Ericsson's Digital Voltage Regulator Offers Unprecedented Levels of Control and Energy Saving

Ericsson Power Modules' 3E series BMR463 is a second-generation, digital point-of-load regulator with unprecedented functionality. It enables systems architects to fully monitor and dynamically control the energy that is delivered to strategic components such as processors, FPGAs, ASICs and others, down to a very low, highly economical level. Following on from the BMR450 and BMR451 regulators, the 20A rated BMR463 is optimized for paralleling up to eight modules. This configuration of eight BMR463s can deliver 160A with each module able to be paralleled and un-paralleled on demand, dynamically tracking and reducing the power consumption as required and optimizing the configuration for a very wide range of load conditions. Additionally, when parallel mode is activated, an interleaving-operation reduces electromagnetic interference and current-peak levels. A built-in module-to-module Group Communication Bus (GCB) ensures that current sharing is precisely controlled, guaranteeing that at any point of operation each BMR463 delivers the exact current required by the payload while keeping efficiency high. With an output power of up to 66W, the versatile BMR463 has a wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 14V, and a wide output voltage range of 0.6V to 3.3V. Input and output voltages can be programmed on demand via the PMBus, or a pin-strap can accommodate any voltage required by the external circuit, reducing the number of products required by board designers, thereby lowering costs and reducing time-to-market. With a high efficiency of 97.1% (5Vin, 3.3V output and half load), the module has a small form factor of 25.65 x 13.8 x 8.2mm (1.01 x 0.543 x 0.323in). Ideal for low board pitch applications, the module's highly integrated package has a very low profile of 8.2 mm (0.323in). Onboard protection includes input under voltage protection by shutdown (UVP), over temperature protection (OTP), and output short-circuit and over voltage protection (OCP). Other features include voltage tracking and voltage margining, remote control and power good, a non-linear response for reduction of decoupling capacitors, and an advanced configurability via Ericsson's 3E graphical user interface, the GUI Silver Edition. By embedding a digital core in conjunction with a highly efficient power-train and a so-called 'U-shape' output stage, the BMR463's construction is highly optimized to minimize power losses. Power dissipation is thereby reduced, resulting in enhanced lifetime and reliability. As a second generation digitally controlled regulator, the BMR463 is advanced in terms of the number of features offered in such a small footprint. It is the result of an active cooperation program between Ericsson's customers and power modules designers to develop a new series of point-of-load modules that will greatly contribute to reducing energy consumption. "According to market analysts, the fastest growing segment for digitally controlled point-of-load devices and equipment is Information Communication and Technology (ICT). This segment includes everything from radio-base stations to data-centers, where distributed power architectures are broadly deployed. This is also where new power architectures such as Dynamic Bus Voltage, developed to reduce power consumption, are being implemented" said Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director of Ericsson Power Modules. "However, Ericsson's BMR463 is suitable for powering any application where optimum flexibility and efficiency are needed. Factors driving the demand for this type of product are the global need to reduce power consumption, the desire to increase flexibility in monitoring and control, and the pressure to reduce time-to-market and costs". Ericsson Power Modules was the first company to launch digitally controlled POL (point-of-load) regulators based on a digital core controller. Through close cooperation with board and systems' designers, the company was the first to release a 21st century power architecture that can be fully integrated into the rest of the digital chain of processors and associated components. www.ericsson.com/powermodules