ADI's high-power µModule regulators reduce data center cooling requirements

     Analog Devices expands its line of Power by Linear µModule regulators with the LTM4700 step-down DC/DC power regulator, which combines the highest power in its class with high energy efficiency to reduce cooling requirements for data center infrastructure. Available in dual-channel 50A or single-channel 100A configurations, the new PµModule uses innovative packaging technology that allows for minimal impact on system size and cooling costs as server density increases and data center throughput and computing power increases.

     The LTM4700 µModule's highly integrated and built-in component-level package design incorporates on-chip memory, data conversion circuits, and digital interfaces in about half the size of competing devices. Applications include cloud computing, high-speed computing and optical networking systems, communications infrastructure, PCIe boards, and medical, industrial, and test and measurement devices.

     "Efficient cooling is a key issue affecting data centers around the world," said Chris Mann, vice president of Power products at Analog Devices. The growing demand for high-throughput, cloud-based services is putting pressure on the current data center infrastructure, requiring a new approach to heat dissipation. The LTM4700 effectively addresses this issue, enabling data center operators to increase the density and performance of their servers."

     Using innovative thermal packaging technology, the LTM4700 operates at 73°C, compared to 90°C for modular solutions offered by competitors. At ambient temperatures of up to 70°C and with 200 LFM airflow, the LTM4700 delivers 100A full-load current at transitions from 12VIN to 0.8VOUT. Peak conversion efficiency at 12VIN to 0.8VOUT conversion operations is 90%. In addition, the µModule architecture enables system designers to combine up to eight devices that deliver up to 800A of load current to meet the higher power demands of data center processors, including FPGas, ASics, Gpus, and microcontrollers.

     The LTM4700 operates in the input range of 4.5V to 16V, and its output voltage is digitally controlled in the range of 0.5V to 1.8V. The integrated A/D converter, D/A converter, and EEPROM enable users to digitally monitor, record, and control power parameters using a single I²C PMBus interface. The switching frequency is synchronized to an external clock with a frequency range of 200kHz to 1MHz for applications that are sensitive to noise. The LTM4700 also has self-protection and load protection against failure conditions such as over and under voltage, over current and over temperature.

     Analog Devices' µModule regulators address industry challenges related to limited power design industry expertise, reduced PCB area, thermal design constraints, and increased time-to-market pressures. ADI's µModule regulators are complete component-level packaged power management solutions with integrated DC/DC controllers, power transistors, input and output capacitors, compensation components, and inductors built into a compact surface-mount BGA or LGA package. µModule power supply products support buck, buck - boost, battery chargers, isolated converters, and LED drivers.