DATASHEET

DATASHEET
Dual PWM Controller For Powering AMD SVI Split-Plane
Processors
ISL6328A
Features
The ISL6328A dual PWM controller delivers high efficiency
and tight regulation from two synchronous buck DC/DC
converters. The ISL6328A supports power control of AMD
processors, which operate from a serial VID interface (SVI). The
dual output ISL6328A features a multiphase controller to
support the Core voltage (VDD) and a single phase controller to
power the Northbridge (VDDNB).
• Processor core voltage via integrated multiphase power
conversion
• Configuration flexibility
- 1 or 2-phase operation with internal drivers
- 3 or 4-phase operation with external PWM drivers
A precision core voltage regulation system is provided by a
one-to-four-phase PWM voltage regulator (VR) controller. The
integration of two power MOSFET drivers adds flexibility in
layout and reduces the number of external components in the
multiphase section. A single phase PWM controller with
integrated driver provides a second precision voltage
regulation system for the Northbridge portion of the processor.
This monolithic, dual controller with an integrated driver
solution provides a cost and space saving power management
solution.
- Phase shedding for improved efficiency at light load
- Diode emulation in PSI mode
- Gate voltage optimization
• Precision core voltage regulation
- Differential remote voltage sensing
- ±0.6% system accuracy over-temperature
• Optimal processor core voltage transient response
- Adaptive phase alignment (APA)
- Active pulse positioning modulation
For applications that benefit from load line programming to
reduce bulk output capacitors, the ISL6328A features
temperature compensated output voltage droop. The multiphase
portion also includes advanced control loop features for
optimal transient response to load application and removal.
One of these features is highly accurate, fully differential,
continuous DCR current sensing for load line programming
and channel current balance. Dual edge modulation is another
unique feature, allowing for quicker initial response to high
di/dt load transients.
• Fully differential, continuous DCR current sensing
- Accurate load line programming
- Precision channel current balancing
- Temperature compensated
The ISL6328A supports Power Savings Mode by dropping the
number of phases when the PSI_L bit is set.
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1
• PSI_L support
• Serial VID interface handles up to 3.4MHz clock rates
• Two level overcurrent protection allows for high current
throttling (IDD_SPIKE)
• Multitiered overvoltage protection
• Selectable switching frequency up to 1MHz
• Simultaneous digital soft-start of both outputs
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
1-888-INTERSIL or 1-888-468-3774 | Copyright Intersil Americas LLC 2012, 2015. All Rights Reserved
Intersil (and design) is a trademark owned by Intersil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
ISL6328A
Table of Contents
Integrated Driver Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pin Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Functional Pin Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Absolute Maximum Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Thermal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Recommended Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Timing Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Multiphase Power Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Interleaving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Active Pulse Positioning Modulated PWM Operation . . . . . . 13
Adaptive Phase Alignment (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PWM Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Continuous Current Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Temperature Compensated Current Sensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Channel-current Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Serial VID Interface (SVI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Pre-PWROK METAL VID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SVI Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Savings Mode: PSI_L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Voltage Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Load-line (Droop) Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Droop Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Output Voltage Offset Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Dynamic VID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Advanced Adaptive Zero Shoot-through Deadtime Control
(Patent Pending) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power-on Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enable Comparator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Phase Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft-start Output Voltage Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft-start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prebiased Soft-start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Fault Monitoring and Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power-good Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overvoltage Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-POR Overvoltage Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Undervoltage Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open Sense Line Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overcurrent Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Individual Channel Overcurrent Limiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
23
General Design Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Stages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal Bootstrap Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gate Drive Voltage Versatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Package Power Dissipation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inductor DCR Current Sensing Component Fine Tuning . . .
Loadline Regulation Resistor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation With Loadline Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation Without Loadline Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . .
Output Filter Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Input Capacitor Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
23
24
24
24
25
26
26
26
27
28
28
Layout Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Routing UGATE, LGATE, and PHASE Traces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Current Sense Component Placement and Trace Routing 30
Thermal Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Package Outline Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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ISL6328A
Integrated Driver Block Diagram
Channels 1 and 2 Gate Drive
PVCC
GVOT
BOOTn
UGATEn
PWM
20kΩ
SOFT-START
AND
FAULT LOGIC
GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
SHOOTTHROUGH
PROTECTION
PHASEn
10kΩ
LGATEn
Northbridge Gate Drive
PVCC
BOOT_NB
UGATE_NB
PWM
20kΩ
SOFT-START
AND
FAULT LOGIC
GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
SHOOTTHROUGH
PROTECTION
PHASE_NB
10kΩ
LGATE_NB
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ISL6328A
Controller Block Diagram
COMP_NB
FB_NB
RGND
VSEN_NB
BOOT_NB
E/A
CURRENT
SENSE
ISEN_NB-
DRPCTRL

NB_REF
ISEN_NB+
UV
LOGIC
OV
LOGIC
LGATE_NB
EN_12V
OFFSET
FB_PSI
CH3_OFF
PSI
OCP
VCC
GVOT
SOFT-START
+
FAULT LOGIC
E/A

+
BOOT1
NB_REF
SVI
SLAVE
BUS
UGATE1
MOSFET
DRIVER
LOAD APPLY
TRANSIENT
ENHANCEMENT
PHASE1
OV
LOGIC
VSEN
APA
EN
AND
RGND
SVC
SVD
ENABLE
LOGIC
POWER-ON
RESET
FB
PWROK
PVCC
LDO
NB
FAULT
LOGIC
COMP
RGND
PHASE_NB
RAMP
DROOP
CONTROL
VDDPWRGD
OFS
UGATE_NB
MOSFET
DRIVER
LGATE1
CLOCK AND
TRIANGLE WAVE
GENERATOR
UV
LOGIC
APA
FS
OC
PWM1
I_TRIP
DUAL
OCP

BOOT2
8
N
PWM2
UGATE2
MOSFET
DRIVER

PHASE2
PWM3
TCOMP1
TCOMP2
ISEN1+
ISEN1ISEN2+
ISEN2ISEN3+
ISEN3-
TEMPERATURE
COMPENSATION
ISEN4-
PH3/PH4
POR
PWM4
I_TC_IN

CH1
CURRENT
SENSE
EN_12V
CHANNEL
DETECT
CH2
CURRENT
SENSE
CHANNEL
CURRENT
BALANCE
I_AVG
CH3
CURRENT
SENSE
CH4
CURRENT
SENSE

ISEN2ISEN3ISEN4-
1
N
I_TC_IN
ISEN3ISEN4+
LGATE2

1
8
PWM3
SIGNAL
LOGIC
PWM4
SIGNAL
LOGIC
PWM3
PWM4
ISEN4GND
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ISL6328A
Typical Application
VCC
+5V
VCC RSVD
TCOMP1
CS1-
ISEN1-
CS1+
ISEN1+
TCOMP2
CS2-
ISEN2-
PWM3
PWM4
CS2+
ISEN2+
CS3-
ISEN3-
PVCC
CS3+
ISEN3+
GVOT
CS4-
ISEN4-
CS4+
ISEN4+
PWM3
PWM4
+12V
ISL6328A
CS_NB-
ISEN_NB-
CS_NB+
ISEN_NB+
+12V
BOOT1
UGATE1
PHASE1
LGATE1
CS1CS1+
BOOT2
DRPCTRL
OFS
LGATE2
OCP
+12V
SVC
SVD
PWROK
VDDPWRGD
+12V
EN
APA
LGATE1
PVCC
VCC
BOOT2
+12V
GND
UGATE2
PHASE2
CS2CS2+
CS4CS4+
PGND
LGATE2
VSEN
RGND
CORE_FB
BOOT_NB
+12V
CORE
CPU
UGATE_NB
PHASE_NB
LGATE_NB
CS_NBCS_NB+
NORTHBRIDGE
VSEN_NB
CORE_FB
FB_PSI
FB
COMP
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CS3CS3+
UGATE2
PHASE2
FS
ENABLE
ISL6614
BOOT1 PWM1
PWM3
PWM2
PWM4
UGATE1
PHASE1
+12V
+12V
5
FB_NB
COMP_NB
GND
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ISL6328A
Pin Configuration
ISEN_NB+
ISEN_NB-
ISEN4+
ISEN4-
ISEN3+
ISEN3-
PVCC
LGATE_NB
BOOT_NB
UGATE_NB
PHASE_NB
PWM3
ISL6328A
(48 LD QFN)
TOP VIEW
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
COMP_NB
1
36
PWM4
FB_NB
2
35
PWROK
VSEN_NB
3
34
VDDPWRGD
DRPCTRL
4
33
PHASE1
SVC
5
32
UGATE1
SVD
6
31
BOOT1
30
LGATE1
GND
27
BOOT2
TCOMP1
11
26
UGATE2
TCOMP2
12
25
EN
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
PHASE2
10
ISEN2-
OCP
ISEN2+
LGATE2
ISEN1-
28
ISEN1+
9
APA
OFS
FS
GVOT
COMP
29
FB
8
FB_PSI
RSVD
VSEN
7
RGND
VCC
Functional Pin Descriptions
PIN NAME
PIN NUMBER
COMP_NB
1
Output of the internal error amplifier for the Northbridge regulator.
FB_NB
2
Inverting input to the internal error amplifier for the Northbridge regulator.
VSEN_NB
3
Noninverting input to the Northbridge regulator precision differential remote-sense amplifier. This pin
should be connected to the remote Northbridge sense pin of the processor, VDDNB_SENSE.
DRPCTRL
4
Droop Control for Core and Northbridge. This pin is used to set up one of four user programmable selections
via a resistor: Core Droop On and Northbridge Droop On; Core Droop Off and Northbridge Droop On, Core
Droop On and Northbridge Droop Off; Core Droop Off and Northbridge Droop Off.
If the resistor is tied to ground, the number of active phases in PSI mode is 1. If the resistor is tied to
VCC, the number of active phases in PSI mode is 2.
SVC
5
Serial VID clock input from the AMD processor.
SVD
6
Serial VID data bi-directional signal to and from the master device on AMD processor.
VCC
7
VCC is the bias supply for the ICs small-signal circuitry. Connect this pin to a +5V supply and decouple
using a quality 0.1µF ceramic capacitor.
RSVD
8
RESERVED. Connect this pin directly to the VCC pin.
OFS
9
The OFS pin provides a means to program a DC current for generating an offset voltage across the resistor
between FB and VSEN. 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 unconnected.
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DESCRIPTION
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ISL6328A
Functional Pin Descriptions (Continued)
PIN NAME
PIN NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
OCP
10
A capacitor from this pin to ground determines the time that the regulator is allowed to service a load
current spike that exceeds the internal OCP trip point.
TCOMP1, TCOMP2
11, 12
RGND
13
Inverting input to the Core and Northbridge regulator precision differential remote-sense amplifiers. This
pin should be connected to the remote ground sense pin of the processor core, VSS_SENSE.
VSEN
14
Non-inverting input to the Core regulator precision differential remote-sense amplifier. This pin should be
connected to the remote Core sense pin of the processor, VDD_SENSE.
FB_PSI
15
In PSI mode this pin is internally shorted to the FB pin to augment the feedback compensation network
for the lower phase count.
FB
16
Inverting input to the internal error amplifier for the Core regulator.
COMP
17
Output of the internal error amplifier for the Core regulator.
FS
18
This is a dual function pin. A resistor, placed from FS to either Ground or VCC sets the switching
frequency of both controllers. Refer to Equation 1 for proper resistor calculation.
These two pins are used to compensate the inductor current sensing for fluctuations due to
temperature.
R T = 10
 10.61 – 1.035 log  f s  
(EQ. 1)
This pin also controls the SVID high and low trip thresholds.
APA
19
Allows for programming of the Auto Phase Alignment threshold. A resistor in parallel with a capacitor
to ground is used to set this threshold.
ISENn+, ISENn-,
ISEN_NB+, ISEN_NB-
20, 21, 22,
23, 43, 44,
45, 46, 47,
48
These pins are used for differentially sensing the corresponding channel output currents. The sensed
currents are used for channel balancing, protection, and core load line regulation.
Connect ISEN- to the node between the RC sense elements surrounding the inductor of the respective
channel. Tie the ISEN+ pin to the other end of the sense capacitor through a resistor, RISEN. The voltage
across the sense capacitor is proportional to the inductor current. The sense current, therefore, is
proportional to the inductor current and scaled by the DCR of the inductor and RISEN.
PHASE1,
PHASE2
33,
24
Connect these pins to the sources of the corresponding upper MOSFETs. These pins are the return path
for the upper MOSFET drives.
GND
-
Bias and reference ground for the IC. The GND connection for the ISL6328A is made with three pins and
through the thermal pad on the bottom of the package.
EN
25
This pin is a threshold-sensitive (approximately 0.85V) system enable input for the controller. Held low, this
pin disables both CORE and NB controller operation. Pulled high, the pin enables both controllers for
operation.
A second function of this pin is to provide driver bias monitor for external drivers. A resistor divider with the
center tap connected to this pin from the drive bias supply prevents enabling the controller before
insufficient bias is provided to external driver. The resistors should be selected such that when the POR-trip
point of the external driver is reached, the voltage at this pin meets the above mentioned threshold level.
UGATE1, UGATE2
32, 26
Connect this pin to the corresponding upper MOSFET gate. This pin provides the PWM-controlled gate
drive for the upper MOSFET and is monitored for shoot-through prevention purposes.
BOOT1, BOOT2
31, 27
This pin provides the bias voltage for the corresponding upper MOSFET drive. Connect this pin to
appropriately-chosen external bootstrap capacitor. The internal bootstrap diode connected to the PVCC
pin provides the necessary bootstrap charge.
LGATE1, LGATE2
30, 28
Connect this pin to the corresponding MOSFET’s gate. This pin provides the PWM-controlled gate drive
for the lower MOSFET. This pin is also monitored by the adaptive shoot-through protection circuitry to
determine when the lower MOSFET has turned off.
GVOT
29
The power supply pin for the multiphase internal MOSFET drivers. In normal operation, this pin is
shorted to the PVCC pin. While in PSI mode, this pin is tied to the output of the internal LDO for Gate
Drive Voltage Optimization. Decouple this pin with a quality 2.2µF ceramic capacitor.
VDDPWRGD
34
During normal operation this pin indicates whether both output voltages are within specified overvoltage
and undervoltage limits. If either output voltage exceeds these limits or a reset event occurs (such as an
overcurrent event), the pin is pulled low. This pin is always low prior to the end of soft-start.
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ISL6328A
Functional Pin Descriptions (Continued)
PIN NAME
PIN NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
PWROK
35
System wide Power Good input signal. If this pin is low, the two SVI bits are decoded to determine the
“metal VID”. When pin is high, the SVI is actively running its protocol.
PWM3, PWM4
37, 36
Pulse-width modulation outputs. Connect these pins to the PWM input pins of an Intersil driver IC if
3- or 4-phase operation is desired. Connect the ISEN- pins of the channels not desired to +5V to disable
them. Channels must be disabled in decremental order.
PHASE_NB
38
Connect this pin to the source of the corresponding upper MOSFET. This pin is the return path for the
upper MOSFET drive. This pin is used to monitor the voltage drop across the upper MOSFET for
overcurrent protection.
UGATE_NB
39
Connect this pin to the corresponding upper MOSFET gate. This pin provides the PWM-controlled gate
drive for the upper MOSFET and is monitored for shoot-through prevention purposes.
BOOT_NB
40
This pin provides the bias voltage for the corresponding upper MOSFET drive. Connect this pin to
appropriately-chosen external bootstrap capacitor. The internal bootstrap diode connected to the PVCC
pin provides the necessary bootstrap charge.
LGATE_NB
41
Connect this pin to the corresponding MOSFET’s gate. This pin provides the PWM-controlled gate drive
for the lower MOSFET. This pin is also monitored by the adaptive shoot-through protection circuitry to
determine when the lower MOSFET has turned off.
PVCC
42
The power supply pin for the internal MOSFET drivers. Connect this pin to +12V. This pin is the input to
the internal LDO for GVOT. Decouple this pin with a quality 1.0µF ceramic capacitor.
Ordering Information
PART NUMBER
(Notes 1, 2, 3)
PART
MARKING
ISL6328ACRZ
6328A CRZ
TEMP. RANGE
(°C)
0 to +70
PACKAGE
(RoHS Compliant)
48 Ld 6x6 QFN
PKG.
DWG. #
L48.6x6B
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-020.
3. For Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL), please see device information page for ISL6328A. For more information on MSL please see techbrief TB363.
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ISL6328A
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Information
Supply Voltage (VCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to +6V
Supply Voltage (PVCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to +15V
Absolute Boot Voltage (VBOOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to GND + 36V
Phase Voltage (VPHASE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to 24V
(PVCC = 12V) GND - 8V (<400ns, 20µJ) to 31V
(<200ns, 20µJ VBOOT-PHASE = 5V)
Upper Gate Voltage (VUGATE). . . . . . . . . . . . VPHASE - 0.3V to VBOOT + 0.3V
VPHASE - 3.5V (<100ns Pulse Width, 2µJ) to VBOOT + 0.3V
Lower Gate Voltage (VLGATE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GND - 0.3V to PVCC + 0.3V
GND - 5V (<100ns Pulse Width, 2µJ) to PVCC+ 0.3V
Input, Output, or I/O Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
ESD Rating
Human Body Model (Tested per JESD22-A114F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000V
Machine Model (Tested per JESD22-A115C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200V
Charge Device Model (Tested per JESD22-C101D) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000V
Latch-up (Tested per JESD78C; Class II, Level A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100mA
Thermal Resistance
JA (°C/W) JC (°C/W)
QFN Package (Notes 4, 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
1
Maximum Junction Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .+150°C
Maximum Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-65°C to +150°C
Pb-Free Reflow Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . see TB493
Recommended Operating Conditions
VCC Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V ±5%
PVCC Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V to 12V ±5%
Ambient Temperature
ISL6328ACRZ (Commercial). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0°C to +70°C
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 TB379.
5. For JC, the “case temp” location is the center of the exposed metal pad on the package underside.
Electrical Specifications
Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature range, 0°C to +70°C.
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
(Note 6)
TYP
MAX
(Note 6)
UNITS
BIAS SUPPLIES
Input Bias Supply Current
IVCC; EN = High
26
35
mA
Gate Drive Bias Current - PVCC Pin
IPVCC; EN = High
4
8
mA
VCC POR (Power-on Reset) Threshold
VCC Rising
4.35
4.7
V
VCC Falling
PVCC POR (Power-on Reset) Threshold
PVCC Rising
PVCC Falling
GVOT POR (Power-on Reset) Threshold
3.6
3.85
4.45
3.6
GVOT Rising
V
4.7
3.95
4.45
V
V
4.7
V
GVOT Falling
3.6
3.95
V
Oscillator Frequency Accuracy, fSW
RT = 100kΩ to Ground
230
250
265
kHz
Oscillator Frequency Accuracy, fSW
RT = 100kΩ to VCC
225
255
287
kHz
Typical Adjustment Range of Switching Frequency
(Note 7)
1.5
MHz
Oscillator Ramp Amplitude, VP-P
(Note 7)
PWM MODULATOR
0.150
1.5
V
CONTROL THRESHOLDS
EN Rising Threshold
0.8
0.87
0.92
V
EN Hysteresis
70
100
190
mV
PWROK Input HIGH Threshold
0.9
1.05
1.2
V
PWROK Input LOW Threshold
0.8
0.95
1.1
V
VDDPWRGD
Open drain, VDDPWRGD = 1.24kΩ to 5V
0.5
V
PWM Channel Disable Threshold
VISEN2-, VISEN3-, VISEN4-
4.4
V
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
Electrical Specifications
Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature range, 0°C to +70°C. (Continued)
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
(Note 6)
TYP
MAX
(Note 6)
UNITS
PIN ADJUSTABLE OFFSET
OFS Source Current Accuracy (Positive Offset)
0.29
0.32
V
OFS Sink Current Accuracy (Negative Offset)
VCC-1.7
VCC-1.56
V
System Accuracy (VDAC > 1.000V)
-0.6
+0.6
%
System Accuracy (0.600V < VDAC < 1.000V)
-1.0
+1.0
%
System Accuracy (VDAC < 0.600V)
-2.0
+2.0
%
REFERENCE AND DAC
GATE VOLTAGE OPTIMIZATION
GVOT Voltage
PVCC = 12V, IGVOT = 50mA
5.75
V
DC Gain
RL = 10k to ground, (Note 7)
96
dB
Gain-bandwidth Product (Note 7)
CL = 100pF, RL = 10k to ground, (Note 7)
20
MHz
Slew Rate (Note 7)
CL = 100pF, Load = ±400µA, (Note 7)
8
V/µs
Maximum Output Voltage
Load = 500µA
4.2
V
Minimum Output Voltage
Load = -500µA
1.4
FB_PSI Impedance
Impedance Between FB and FB_PSI
60
ERROR AMPLIFIER
3.8
1.65
V
Ω
SOFT-START RAMP
Soft-start Slew Rate (SRSS) and VID-on-the-fly Slew
Rate (SRVOF)
2.5
3
3.8
mV/µs
0.35
V
PWM OUTPUTS
PWM Output Voltage LOW
ILOAD = ±500µA
PWM Output Voltage HIGH
ILOAD = ±500µA
4.0
PWM Tri-state Output Voltage
ILOAD = 100µA
1.5
2
2.7
V
Core Tolerance
4 Phases Active, RISENn = 100Ω, ISENn = 80µA
67
75
85
µA
North Bridge Tolerance
RISEN_NB = 100Ω, IISEN_NB = 100µA
67
75
83
µA
Instant Overcurrent Trip Level - IDROOP
115
141
166
µA
Instant Overcurrent Trip Level - ISEN_AVG
131
150
178
µA
V
DROOP CURRENT
CORE OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Delayed Overcurrent Trip Level - ISEN_AVG
(Note 7)
100
µA
Overcurrent Trip Level - Individual Channel
(Note 7)
170
µA
OCP Pin Current
Delayed OCP Level Tripped
20
µA
OCP Pin Voltage Trip
Delayed OCP Level Tripped
1.95
2.05
2.15
V
NORTH BRIDGE OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Overcurrent Trip Level - ISEN_NB
82
141
µA
Overcurrent Trip Level - IDROOP_NB
80
128
µA
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
Electrical Specifications
Boldface limits apply across the operating temperature range, 0°C to +70°C. (Continued)
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
(Note 6)
TYP
MAX
(Note 6)
UNITS
POWER GOOD
Overvoltage Threshold
VSEN Rising
VDAC +
220mV
VDAC +
325mV
V
Undervoltage Threshold
VSEN Falling
VDAC 345mV
VDAC 190mV
mV
Power-good Hysteresis
50
mV
OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
OVP Trip Level
VDAC = 1.1V
OVP Lower Gate Release Threshold
1.75
1.79
1.85
0.35
V
V
SWITCHING TIME (Note 7) [See “Timing Diagram” on page 12]
UGATE Rise Time
tRUGATE; VPVCC = 8V, 3nF Load, 10% to 90%
26
ns
LGATE Rise Time
tRLGATE; VPVCC = 8V, 3nF Load, 10% to 90%
18
ns
UGATE Fall Time
tFUGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 90% to 10%
18
ns
LGATE Fall Time
tFLGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, 90% to 10%
12
ns
UGATE Turn-on Nonoverlap
tPDHUGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, Adaptive
10
ns
LGATE Turn-on Nonoverlap
tPDHLGATE; VPVCC = 12V, 3nF Load, Adaptive
10
ns
Upper Drive Source Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Source Current
2.5
Ω
Upper Drive Sink Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Sink Current
2.0
Ω
Lower Drive Source Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Source Current
1.6
Ω
Lower Drive Sink Resistance
VPVCC = 12V, 15mA Sink Current
1.1
Ω
GATE DRIVE RESISTANCE
SVI INTERFACE
SVC, SVD Input HIGH (VIH)
FS resistor tied to GND
SVC, SVD Input LOW (VIL)
FS resistor tied to GND
SVC, SVD Input HIGH (VIH)
FS resistor tied to VCC
SVC, SVD Input LOW (VIL)
FS resistor tied to VCC
0.55
V
SVD Low Level Output Voltage
510Ω Resistor to 1.8V
0.4
V
±5
µA
SVC, SVD Leakage (Note 7)
0.85
V
0.45
1.05
V
V
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. Limits should be considered typical and are not production tested.
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
Timing Diagram
tPDHUGATE
tRUGATE
tFUGATE
UGATE
LGATE
tFLGATE
tRLGATE
tPDHLGATE
Operation
The ISL6328A utilizes a multiphase architecture to provide a low
cost, space saving power conversion solution for the processor
core voltage. The controller also implements a simple single
phase architecture to provide the Northbridge voltage on the
same chip.
individual channel current. Each PWM pulse is terminated 1/3 of
a cycle after the PWM pulse of the previous phase. The
peak-to-peak current for each phase is about 7A, and the DC
components of the inductor currents combine to feed the load.
IL1 + IL2 + IL3, 7A/DIV
NOTE: All references to VCC refer to the VCC pin or the node that
is tied to the VCC pin. This should not be confused with the bias
voltage as the bias rail can be separated from the VCC node by
an RC filter resistor.
IL3, 7A/DIV
PWM3, 5V/DIV
IL2, 7A/DIV
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 that is both cost-effective and
thermally viable have forced a change to the cost-saving
approach of multiphase. The ISL6328A controller helps simplify
implementation by integrating vital functions and requiring
minimal external components. The “Controller Block Diagram”
on page 4 provides a top level view of the multiphase power
conversion using the ISL6328A 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 three-phase converter has a combined ripple
frequency three times 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 2 and 3). 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 three times the ripple frequency of each
PWM2, 5V/DIV
IL1, 7A/DIV
PWM1, 5V/DIV
1µs/DIV
FIGURE 1. PWM AND INDUCTOR-CURRENT WAVEFORMS FOR 3PHASE CONVERTER
To understand the reduction of ripple current amplitude in the
multiphase circuit, examine Equation 2, which represents an
individual channel peak-to-peak inductor current.
 V IN – V OUT  V OUT
I P-P = ----------------------------------------------------L fS V
(EQ. 2)
IN
In Equation 2, VIN and VOUT are the input and output voltages
respectively, L is the single-channel inductor value, and fS is the
switching frequency.
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 2 to the expression
for the peak-to-peak current after the summation of N
symmetrically phase-shifted inductor currents in Equation 3.
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 IN – N V OUT  V OUT
I C  P-P  = -----------------------------------------------------------L fS V
(EQ. 3)
IN
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
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 1.5V to a 36A 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 three-phase converter.
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT, 10A/DIV
CHANNEL 3
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
CHANNEL 2
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
CHANNEL 1
INPUT CURRENT
10A/DIV
1s/DIV
FIGURE 2. CHANNEL INPUT CURRENTS AND INPUT-CAPACITOR
RMS CURRENT FOR 3-PHASE CONVERTER
Figures 23, 24 and 25 in the section entitled “Input Capacitor
Selection” on page 28 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.
Active Pulse Positioning Modulated PWM
Operation
The ISL6328A uses a proprietary Active Pulse Positioning (APP)
modulation scheme to control the internal PWM signals that
command each channel’s driver to turn their upper and lower
MOSFETs on and off. The time interval in which a PWM signal can
occur is generated by an internal clock, whose cycle time is the
inverse of the switching frequency set by the resistor between the
FS pin and ground. The advantage of Intersil’s proprietary Active
Pulse Positioning (APP) modulator is that the PWM signal has
the ability to turn on at any point during this PWM time interval,
and turn off immediately after the PWM signal has transitioned
high. This is important because it allows the controller to quickly
respond to output voltage drops associated with current load
spikes, while avoiding the ring back affects associated with other
modulation schemes.
The PWM output state is driven by the position of the error
amplifier output signal, VCOMP, minus the current correction
signal relative to the proprietary modulator ramp waveform as
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13
illustrated in Figure 3. At the beginning of each PWM time
interval, this modified VCOMP signal is compared to the internal
modulator waveform. As long as the modified VCOMP voltage is
lower then the modulator waveform voltage, the PWM signal is
commanded low. The internal MOSFET driver detects the low
state of the PWM signal and turns off the upper MOSFET and
turns on the lower synchronous MOSFET. When the modified
VCOMP voltage crosses the modulator ramp, the PWM output
transitions high, turning off the synchronous MOSFET and turning
on the upper MOSFET. The PWM signal will remain high until the
modified VCOMP voltage crosses the modulator ramp again.
When this occurs the PWM signal will transition low again.
During each PWM time interval, the PWM signal can only
transition high once. Once PWM transitions high, it can not
transition high again until the beginning of the next PWM time
interval. This prevents the occurrence of double PWM pulses
occurring during a single period.
To further improve the transient response, ISL6328A also
implements Intersil’s proprietary Adaptive Phase Alignment
(APA) technique, which turns on all phases together under
transient events with large step current. With both APP and APA
control, ISL6328A can achieve excellent transient performance
and reduce the demand on the output capacitors.
Adaptive Phase Alignment (APA)
When a load is applied, the output will fall in direct relation to the
amount of load being applied and the speed at which the load is
being applied. The ISL6328A monitors the output differentially
through the VSEN pin. If the sensed voltage drops quickly by a
user programmable magnitude (VAPATRIP), all of the upper
MOSFETs will immediately be turned on simultaneously. The trip
level is relative, not absolute, and can be programmed through a
resistor and capacitor tied in parallel from the APA pin to ground.
V APATRIP
R APA = ----------------------------1.75A
(EQ. 4)
A 3900pF, X7R capacitor is required to be placed in parallel to
the APA resistor.
PWM Operation
The timing of each core channel is set by the number of active
channels. Channel detection on the ISEN2-, ISEN3- and ISEN4-,
pins selects 1-channel to 4-channel operation for the ISL6328A.
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 (or VCC). The PWM signals
command the MOSFET driver to turn on/off the channel
MOSFETs.
The channel firing order for 4-channel operation, the channel
firing order is 1-2-3-4. For 3-channel operation, the channel firing
order is 1-2-3.
Connecting ISEN4- to VCC selects three channel operation. To set
2-channel operation, both ISEN4- and ISEN3- must be tied to
VCC. Similarly, to set single channel operation, ISEN4-, ISEN3and ISEN2- must be tied to VCC.
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February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
Continuous Current Sampling
I
VIN
In order to realize proper current-balance, the currents in each
channel are sampled continuously every switching cycle. During
this time, the current-sense amplifier uses the ISEN inputs to
reproduce a signal proportional to the inductor current, IL. This
sensed current, ISEN, is simply a scaled version of the inductor
current.
L
L
MOSFET
LGATE(n)
DCR
+
VL(s)
ISL6328A INTERNAL
CIRCUIT
VC(s)
C
R2
ISENn-
+
-
ISENn+
CISEN
IL
+
SWITCHING PERIOD
COUT
VC(s)
RISEN
-
In
VOUT
-
+
INDUCTOR
-
DRIVER
R1
PWM
n
UGATE(n)
ISEN
FIGURE 4. INDUCTOR DCR CURRENT SENSING CONFIGURATION
ISEN
multiplied by the ratio of the resistor divider, K. If a resistor
divider is not being used, the value for K is 1.
R1  R2
L
-C
------------- = -------------------R1 + R2
DCR
TIME
FIGURE 3. CONTINUOUS CURRENT SAMPLING
The ISL6328A supports Inductor DCR current sensing to
continuously sample each channel’s current for channel-current
balance. The internal circuitry shown in Figure 4 represents Channel
n of an n-Channel converter. This circuitry is repeated for each
channel in the converter, but may not be active depending on how
many channels are operating.
Inductor windings have a characteristic distributed resistance or
DCR (Direct Current Resistance). For simplicity, the inductor DCR
is considered as a separate lumped quantity, as shown in
Figure 4. The channel current ILn, flowing through the inductor,
passes through the DCR. Equation 5 shows the S-domain
equivalent voltage, VL, across the inductor.
(EQ. 5)
V L  s  = I L   s  L + DCR 
n
A simple R-C network across the inductor (R1, R2 and C) extracts
the DCR voltage, as shown in Figure 6. The voltage across the
sense capacitor, VC, can be shown to be proportional to the
channel current ILn, shown in Equation 6.
sL
 ------------+ 1
 DCR

V C  s  = --------------------------------------------------------  K  DCR  I L
n
  R1  R2 

 s  ------------------------  C + 1
R1 + R2


(EQ. 6)
Where:
R2
K = --------------------R2 + R1
(EQ. 7)
If the R-C network components are selected such that the RC
time constant matches the inductor L/DCR time constant (see
Equation 8), then VC is equal to the voltage drop across the DCR
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14
(EQ. 8)
The capacitor voltage VC, is then replicated across the effective
internal sense resistor, RISEN. This develops a current through
RISEN which is proportional to the inductor current. This current,
ISEN, is continuously sensed and is then used by the controller for
load-line regulation, channel-current balancing, and overcurrent
detection and limiting. Equation 9 shows that the proportion
between the channel current, IL, and the sensed current, ISEN, is
driven by the value of the effective sense resistance, RISEN, and
the DCR of the inductor.
DCR
I SEN = I L  -----------------R
(EQ. 9)
ISEN
The Northbridge regulator samples the load current in the same
manner as the Core regulator does.
The sampled currents, In, from each active channel are summed
together and divided by the number of active channels. this
current is then gained by 30%. The resulting cycle average
current, IAVG, provides a measure of the total load-current
demand on the converter during each switching cycle. Assuming
that the current in all the active channels is balanced, the
average sensed current can be calculated from Equation 10.
I Load DCR
I AVG = --------------  -----------------N
R ISEN
(EQ. 10)
In the ISL6328A, the average scaled version of the load current,
IAVG, has a 100µA range. At 100µA, the Overcurrent Protection
circuitry is enabled (refer to the “Overvoltage Protection” on
page 21 for detailed information). It is recommended that the
maximum load current correlate to an average sensed current,
IAVG, of 80µA.
FN7986.1
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ISL6328A
A capacitor, CISEN, should be placed between the ISENn+ pin and
ground. The value of the capacitor can be calculated using
Equation 11.
9.5ns
C ISEN = -----------------R ISEN
(EQ. 11)
representation of the load current. The load current is given by
Equation 14.
V TCOMP2 R ISEN
I LOAD = 8  ----------------------------  -----------------R TC
DCR
(EQ. 14)
Where RISEN is the current sense resistor value and DCR is the
DC resistance of the output inductors. It is recommended that a
high impedance buffer be used when monitoring the voltage on
the TCOMP2 pin.
Channel-current Balance
ITC_IN
IITC_OUT
TCOMP1
One important benefit of multiphase operation is the thermal
advantage gained by distributing the dissipated heat over
multiple devices and greater area. By doing this the designer
avoids the complexity of driving parallel MOSFETs and the
expense of using expensive heat sinks and exotic magnetic
materials.
TCOMP2
R1
R2
RNTC
RT(T)
RTC = RT(25°C)
R3
FIGURE 5. AVERAGE CURRENT TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
Temperature Compensated Current Sensing
As the load increases, the conduction losses in the output
inductors will cause the temperature of the inductors to rise. As
the inductor temperature rises, the DCR of the output inductors
will also rise. An increase in the DCR will result in an increase in
the sensed current even if the load current remains constant. To
counteract this error in the sensed current, the ISL6328A
features a temperature compensating circuit that utilizes an NTC
resistor to adjust the average current as inductor temperature
increases. Figure 5 shows the implementation of the ISL6328A
average current temperature compensation. The temperature
dependent resistor, RT(T), is a combination of resistors and an
NTC, which create an approximate linearization of the NTC
resistor (refer to Equation 12). Resistors R1, R2 and R3 should be
adjusted so that Equation 13 is satisfied.
1
R T  T  = R 3 + -------------------------------------------1
1
------------------------------ + ------R 1 + R NTC R 2
(EQ. 12)
DCR  +25  C 
R T  T  = -------------------------------------  R TC
DCR  T 
(EQ. 13)
In order to realize the thermal advantage, it is important that
each channel in a multiphase converter be controlled to carry
about the same amount of current at any load level. To achieve
this, the currents through each channel must be sampled every
switching cycle. The sampled currents, In, from each active
channel are summed together and divided by the number of
active channels. The resulting cycle average current, IAVG,
provides a measure of the total load-current demand on the
converter during each switching cycle. Channel-current balance is
achieved by comparing the sampled current of each channel to
the cycle average current, and making the proper adjustment to
each channel pulse width based on the error. Intersil’s patented
current-balance method is illustrated in Figure 6, with error
correction for Channel 1 represented. In the figure, the cycle
average current, IAVG, is compared with the Channel 1 sample,
I1, to create an error signal IER.
VCOMP
+
MODULATOR
RAMP
WAVEFORM
FILTER
+
PWM1
TO GATE
CONTROL
LOGIC
-
f(s)
I4
IER
IAVG
-
+
1.3
N

I3
I2
I1
NOTE: CHANNELS 2, 3 AND 4 ARE OPTIONAL.
Where RTC = RT (+25°C)
LOAD MONITORING
The TCOMP2 pin can be utilized to monitor the load current. The
voltage across the RTC resistor is a temperature compensated
FIGURE 6. CHANNEL 1 PWM FUNCTION AND CURRENT-BALANCE
ADJUSTMENT
The filtered error signal modifies the pulse width commanded by
VCOMP to correct any unbalance and force IER toward zero. The
same method for error signal correction is applied to each active
channel.
Serial VID Interface (SVI)
The on-board Serial VID interface (SVI) circuitry allows the
processor to directly drive the core voltage and Northbridge
voltage reference level within the ISL6328A. The SVC and SVD
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
states are decoded with direction from the PWROK input as
described in the sections that follow. The ISL6328A uses a digital
to analog converter (DAC) to generate a reference voltage based
on the decoded SVI value. See Figure 7 for a simple SVI interface
timing diagram.
The pre-PWROK metal VID code is decoded and latched on the
rising edge of the enable signal. Once enabled, the ISL6328A
passes the pre-PWROK metal VID code on to internal DAC
circuitry. The internal DAC circuitry begins to ramp both the VDD
and VDDNB planes to the decoded pre-PWROK metal VID output
level. The digital soft-start circuitry actually stair steps the
internal reference to the target gradually over a fixed interval. The
controlled ramp of both output voltage planes reduces in-rush
current during the soft-start interval. At the end of the soft-start
interval, the VDDPWRGD output transitions high indicating both
output planes are within regulation limits.
The upper and lower threshold levels for the SVI inputs are
programmable through the FS pin. The FS resistor can be tied to
either ground or to VCC. This option allows for selection of the
SVID threshold levels.
TABLE 1. SVID THRESHOLDS
FS RESISTOR TIED TO
SVI VIL (V)
SVI VIH (V)
VCC
0.55
1.05
Ground
0.45
0.85
SVI Mode
Once the controller has successfully soft-started and VDDPWRGD
transitions high, the Northbridge SVI interface can assert PWROK
to signal the ISL6328A to prepare for SVI commands. The
controller actively monitors the SVI interface for set VID
commands to move the plane voltages to start-up VID values.
Details of the SVI Bus protocol are provided in the AMD Design
Guide for Voltage Regulator Controllers Accepting Serial VID
Codes specification.
Pre-PWROK METAL VID
At start-up, the controller decodes the SVC and SVD inputs to
determine the Pre-PWROK metal VID setting. Once the POR
circuitry is satisfied, the ISL6328A begins decoding the inputs
per Table 2. Once the EN input exceeds the rising enable
threshold, the ISL6328A saves the pre-PWROK metal VID value
in an on-board holding register and passes this target to the
internal DAC circuitry.
Once the set VID command is received, the ISL6328A decodes
the information to determine which plane and the VID target
required. See Table 3. The internal DAC circuitry steps the
required output plane voltage to the new VID level. During this
time one or both of the planes could be targeted. In the event the
core voltage plane, VDD, is commanded to power off by serial VID
commands, the VDDPWRGD signal remains asserted. The
Northbridge voltage plane must remain active during this time.
TABLE 2. PRE-PWROK METAL VID CODES
SVC
SVD
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
(V)
0
0
1.1
0
1
1.0
1
0
0.9
1
1
0.8
1
2
3
If the PWROK input is de-asserted, then the controller steps both
VDD and VDDNB planes back to the stored pre-PWROK metal VID
level in the holding register from initial soft-start. No attempt is
made to read the SVC and SVD inputs during this time. If PWROK
is reasserted, then the on-board SVI interface waits for a set VID
command.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
VCC
SVC
SVD
ENABLE
PWROK
metal_VID
VDD and VDDNB
V_SVI
metal_VID
V_SVI
VDDPWRGD
FIGURE 7. SVI INTERFACE TIMING DIAGRAM: TYPICAL PRE-PWROK METAL VID START-UP
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16
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
TABLE 3. SERIAL VID CODES
SVID[6:0]
VOLTAGE (V)
SVID[6:0]
VOLTAGE (V)
SVID[6:0]
VOLTAGE (V)
SVID[6:0]
VOLTAGE (V)
000_0000b
1.5500
010_0000b
1.1500
100_0000b
0.7500
110_0000b
0.3500*
000_0001b
1.5375
010_0001b
1.1375
100_0001b
0.7375
110_0001b
0.3375*
000_0010b
1.5250
010_0010b
1.1250
100_0010b
0.7250
110_0010b
0.3250*
000_0011b
1.5125
010_0011b
1.1125
100_0011b
0.7125
110_0011b
0.3125*
000_0100b
1.5000
010_0100b
1.1000
100_0100b
0.7000
110_0100b
0.3000*
000_0101b
1.4875
010_0101b
1.0875
100_0101b
0.6875
110_0101b
0.2875*
000_0110b
1.4750
010_0110b
1.0750
100_0110b
0.6750
110_0110b
0.2750*
000_0111b
1.4625
010_0111b
1.0625
100_0111b
0.6625
110_0111b
0.2625*
000_1000b
1.4500
010_1000b
1.0500
100_1000b
0.6500
110_1000b
0.2500*
000_1001b
1.4375
010_1001b
1.0375
100_1001b
0.6375
110_1001b
0.2375*
000_1010b
1.4250
010_1010b
1.0250
100_1010b
0.6250
110_1010b
0.2250*
000_1011b
1.4125
010_1011b
1.0125
100_1011b
0.6125
110_1011b
0.2125*
000_1100b
1.4000
010_1100b
1.0000
100_1100b
0.6000
110_1100b
0.2000*
000_1101b
1.3875
010_1101b
0.9875
100_1101b
0.5875
110_1101b
0.1875*
000_1110b
1.3750
010_1110b
0.9750
100_1110b
0.5750
110_1110b
0.1750*
000_1111b
1.3625
010_1111b
0.9625
100_1111b
0.5625
110_1111b
0.1625*
001_0000b
1.3500
011_0000b
0.9500
101_0000b
0.5500
111_0000b
0.1500*
001_0001b
1.3375
011_0001b
0.9375
101_0001b
0.5375
111_0001b
0.1375*
001_0010b
1.3250
011_0010b
0.9250
101_0010b
0.5250
111_0010b
0.1250*
001_0011b
1.3125
011_0011b
0.9125
101_0011b
0.5125
111_0011b
0.1125*
001_0100b
1.3000
011_0100b
0.9000
101_0100b
0.5000
111_0100b
0.1000*
001_0101b
1.2875
011_0101b
0.8875
101_0101b
0.4875*
111_0101b
0.0875*
001_0110b
1.2750
011_0110b
0.8750
101_0110b
0.4750*
111_0110b
0.0750*
001_0111b
1.2625
011_0111b
0.8625
101_0111b
0.4625*
111_0111b
0.0625*
001_1000b
1.2500
011_1000b
0.8500
101_1000b
0.4500*
111_1000b
0.0500*
001_1001b
1.2375
011_1001b
0.8375
101_1001b
0.4375*
111_1001b
0.0375*
001_1010b
1.2250
011_1010b
0.8250
101_1010b
0.4250*
111_1010b
0.0250*
001_1011b
1.2125
011_1011b
0.8125
101_1011b
0.4125*
111_1011b
0.0125*
001_1100b
1.2000
011_1100b
0.8000
101_1100b
0.4000*
111_1100b
OFF
001_1101b
1.1875
011_1101b
0.7875
101_1101b
0.3875*
111_1101b
OFF
001_1110b
1.1750
011_1110b
0.7750
101_1110b
0.3750*
111_1110b
OFF
001_1111b
1.1625
011_1111b
0.7625
101_1111b
0.3625*
111_1111b
OFF
NOTE: * Indicates a VID not required for AMD Family 10h processors.
Power Savings Mode: PSI_L
Bit 7 of the Serial VID codes transmitted as part of the 8-bit data
stream over the SVI bus is allocated for the PSI_L. If bit 7 is 0,
then the processor is at an optimal load for the regulator to enter
power savings mode. If bit 7 is 1, then the regulator should not
be in power savings mode.
With the ISL6328A, Power Savings mode is realized through
phase shedding, Gate Voltage Optimization and Diode
Emulation. Once a Serial VID command with Bit 7 set to 0 is
received, the ISL6328A will shed phases in a sequential manner
until then minimum phase count for PSI is reached. The
minimum phase count for PSI can be programmed via the
DRPCTRL pin to be either 1-phase or 2 phases. If the DRPCTRL
resistor is tied to ground, then the minimum phase count in PSI is
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17
1-phase. If the DRPCTRL resistor is tied to VCC then the
minimum phase count in PSI is 2 phases. Channels are shed in
reverse sequential order so that the highest numbered channel
that is active will be shed first. When a phase is shed, that phase
will not go into a tri-state mode until that phase would have had
its PWM go HIGH.
When leaving Power Savings Mode, through the reception of a
Serial VID command with Bit 7 set to 1, the ISL6328A will
sequentially turn on phases starting with lowest numbered
inactive channel. When a phase is being reactivated, it will not
leave a tri-state until the PWM of that phase goes HIGH.
If, while in Power Savings Mode, a Serial VID command is
received that forces a VID level change while maintaining Bit 7 at
0, the ISL6328A will first exit the Power Savings Mode state as
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
described previously. The output voltage will then be stepped up
or down to the appropriate VID level. Finally, the ISL6328A will
then re-enter Power Savings Mode.
While in Power Savings Mode, the ISL6328A implements two
features that effectively enhance the efficiency of the regulator
even more. These features are Diode Emulation and Gate Voltage
Optimization.
upper specification limit, a larger negative spike can be sustained
without crossing the lower limit. By adding a well controlled output
impedance, the output voltage under load can effectively be level
shifted down so that a larger positive spike can be sustained without
crossing the upper specification limit.
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
DROOP
CONTROL
DIODE EMULATION
While in Power Savings Mode, the active phases will behave as if they
are in a standard buck configuration. To accomplish this, the lower
MOSFET is turned on only while there is current flowing to the load. This
behavior emulates the diode in a standard buck. The conduction loss
across the rDS(ON) of the MOSFET, however, is much less than a diode,
resulting in a measurable power savings.
COMP
CC
IAVG
RC
While in Power Savings Mode, the gate drive voltage for the lower
MOSFETs of the active phases is reduced from the nominal 12V
that is utilized in Normal mode to 5.75V. Lowering the gate drive
voltage can have an appreciable effect on the efficiency of the
converter.
In order to utilize 5V gate drive at all times, 5V should be tied to
the PVCC pin and the GVOT pin should be shorted to the PVCC
pin. This configuration will allow for 5V gate drive in all modes of
operation.
Voltage Regulation
The integrating compensation network shown in Figure 8 insures
that the steady-state error in the output voltage is limited only to
the error in the reference voltage and offset errors in the OFS
current source, remote-sense and error amplifiers. Intersil
specifies the guaranteed tolerance of the ISL6328A to include
the combined tolerances of each of these elements.
The output of the error amplifier, VCOMP, is used by the
modulator to generate the PWM signals. The PWM signals
control the timing of the Internal MOSFET drivers and regulate
the converter output so that the voltage at FB is equal to the
voltage at REF. This will regulate the output voltage to be equal to
Equation 15. The internal and external circuitry that controls
voltage regulation is illustrated in Figure 8.
(EQ. 15)
The ISL6328A incorporates differential remote-sense amplification
in the feedback path. The differential sensing removes the voltage
error encountered when measuring the output voltage relative to the
controller ground reference point resulting in a more accurate
means of sensing output voltage.
Load-line (Droop) Regulation
By adding a well controlled output impedance, the output voltage
can effectively be level shifted in a direction which works to
achieve a cost-effective solution can help to reduce the output
voltage spike that results from fast load-current demand
changes.
The magnitude of the spike is dictated by the ESR and ESL of the output
capacitors selected. By positioning the no-load voltage level near the
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18
IOFS
FB
GATE VOLTAGE OPTIMIZATION
V OUT = V REF – V OFS – V DROOP
ISL6328A INTERNAL CIRCUIT
+
RFB
+
-
+
VOUT
-
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
2k
(VDROOP + VOFS)
VSEN
VCOMP

VID
DAC
RGND
FIGURE 8. OUTPUT VOLTAGE AND LOAD-LINE REGULATION WITH
OFFSET ADJUSTMENT
As shown in Figure 8, with droop enabled, the average current of
all active channels, IAVG, flows from FB through a load-line
regulation resistor RFB. The resulting voltage drop across RFB is
proportional to the output current, effectively creating an output
voltage droop with a steady-state value defined as:
V DROOP = I AVG  R FB
(EQ. 16)
The regulated output voltage is reduced by the droop voltage
VDROOP. The output voltage as a function of load current is
shown in Equation 17.
 I OUT DCR

V OUT = V REF – V OFS –  -------------  ------------------  K  R FB
R ISEN
 N

(EQ. 17)
In Equation 17, VREF is the reference voltage, VOFS is the
programmed offset voltage, IOUT is the total output current of the
converter, K is the DC gain of the RC filter across the inductor (K
is defined in Equation 8), N is the number of active channels, and
DCR is the distributed inductor impedance value.
Droop Control
The DRPCTRL (Droop Control) pin is used to enable and/or
disable load line regulation on both the Core and Northbridge
regulators. The pin is also used to set the number of phases in
Power Savings Mode (PSI) mode. A single resistor tied from the
DRPCTRL pin to either GND or VCC will program the ISL6328A to
either enable or disable droop on both Core and Northbridge
simultaneously.
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ISL6328A
TABLE 4. DRPCTRL FUNCTIONALITY
VOUT
RESISTOR VALUE
CORE DROOP
NB DROOP
100k
Disabled
Disabled
50k
Disabled
Enabled
20k
Enabled
Enabled
0
Enabled
Disabled
+
VOFS
-
RFB
VREF
E/A
FB
IOFS
If the DRPCTRL resistor is tied to ground, then the number of
phases in PSI mode is 1. If the DRPCTRL resistor is tied to VCC,
then the minimum number of phases in PSI mode is 2.
Output Voltage Offset Programming
The ISL6328A allows the designer to accurately adjust the offset
voltage by connecting a resistor, ROFS, from the OFS pin to VCC or
GND. When ROFS is connected between OFS and VCC, the voltage
across it is regulated to 1.6V. This causes a proportional current
(IOFS) to flow into the FB pin and out of the OFS pin. If ROFS is
connected to ground, the voltage across it is regulated to 0.3V,
and IOFS flows into the OFS pin and out of the FB pin. The offset
current flowing through the resistor between VDIFF and FB will
generate the desired offset voltage which is equal to the product
(IOFS x RFB). These functions are shown in Figures 9 and 10.
Once the desired output offset voltage has been determined, use
the following formulas to set ROFS:
For Positive Offset (connect ROFS to GND):
0.3  R FB
R OFS = -------------------------V OFFSET
(EQ. 18)
For Negative Offset (connect ROFS to VCC):
1.6  R FB
R OFS = -------------------------V OFFSET
(EQ. 19)
-
OFS
ROFS
ISL6328A
GND
-
1.6V
+
+
0.3V
GND
VCC
FIGURE 10. POSITIVE OFFSET OUTPUT VOLTAGE PROGRAMMING
Dynamic VID
The AMD processor does not step the output voltage commands up or
down to the target voltage, but instead passes only the target voltage to
the ISL6328A through the SVI interface. The ISL6328A manages the
resulting VID-on-the-Fly transition in a controlled manner, supervising a
safe output voltage transition without discontinuity or disruption. The
ISL6328A begins slewing the DAC at 3.0mV/µs until the DAC and
target voltage are equal. Thus, the total time required for a dynamic VID
transition is dependent only on the size of the DAC change.
Advanced Adaptive Zero Shoot-through
Deadtime Control (Patent Pending)
VOFS
+
RFB
The integrated drivers incorporate a unique adaptive deadtime
control technique to minimize deadtime, resulting in high efficiency
from the reduced freewheeling time of the lower MOSFET
body-diode conduction, and to prevent the upper and lower
MOSFETs from conducting simultaneously. This is accomplished by
ensuring either rising gate turns on its MOSFET with minimum and
sufficient delay after the other has turned off.
VREF
E/A
FB
IOFS
VCC
-
ROFS
OFS
-
ISL6328A
1.6V
+
+
0.3V
GND
VCC
FIGURE 9. NEGATIVE OFFSET OUTPUT VOLTAGE PROGRAMMING
During turn-off of the lower MOSFET, the PHASE voltage is
monitored until it reaches a -0.3V/+0.8V (forward/reverse inductor
current). At this time the UGATE is released to rise. An auto-zero
comparator is used to correct the rDS(ON) drop in the phase voltage
preventing false detection of the -0.3V phase level during rDS(ON)
conduction period. In the case of zero current, the UGATE is released
after 35ns delay of the LGATE dropping below 0.5V. When LGATE
first begins to transition low, this quick transition can disturb the
PHASE node and cause a false trip, so there is 20ns of blanking
time once LGATE falls until PHASE is monitored.
Once the PHASE is high, the advanced adaptive shoot-through
circuitry monitors the PHASE and UGATE voltages during a PWM
falling edge and the subsequent UGATE turn-off. If either the
UGATE falls to less than 1.75V above the PHASE or the PHASE
falls to less than +0.8V, the LGATE is released to turn-on.
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
Initialization
Prior to initialization, proper conditions must exist on the EN, VCC,
GVOT, PVCC, ISEN2-, ISEN3- and ISEN4- pins. When the conditions
are met, the controller begins soft-start. Once the output voltage is
within the proper window of operation, the controller asserts
VDDPWRGD.
Power-on Reset
The ISL6328A requires VCC, PVCC and GVOT inputs to exceed
their rising POR thresholds before the ISL6328A has sufficient
bias to guarantee proper operation.
The bias voltage applied to VCC must reach the internal power-on
reset (POR) rising threshold. Once this threshold is reached, the
ISL6328A has enough bias to begin checking the driver POR
inputs, EN, and channel detect portions of the initialization cycle.
Hysteresis between the rising and falling thresholds assure the
ISL6328A will not advertently turn off unless the bias voltage
drops substantially (see “Electrical Specifications” on page 9).
The bias voltage applied to the PVCC pin powers the internal
MOSFET drivers of each output channel. In order for the
ISL6328A to begin operation, the PVCC input must exceed its
POR rising threshold to guarantee proper operation of the
internal drivers. Hysteresis between the rising and falling
thresholds assure that once enabled, the ISL6328A will not
inadvertently turn off unless the PVCC bias voltage drops
substantially (see “Electrical Specifications” on page 9).
Depending on the number of active CORE channels determined
by the Phase Detect block, the external driver POR checking is
supported by the Enable Comparator.
Enable Comparator
The ISL6328A features a dual function enable input (EN) for
enabling the controller and power sequencing between the
controller and external drivers or another voltage rail. The enable
comparator holds the ISL6328A in shutdown until the voltage at
EN rises above 0.86V. The enable comparator has about 110mV
of hysteresis to prevent bounce. It is important that the driver ICs
reach their rising POR level before the ISL6328A becomes
enabled. The schematic in Figure 12 demonstrates sequencing
the ISL6328A with the ISL66xx family of Intersil MOSFET drivers,
which require 12V bias.
When selecting the value of the resistor divider the driver
maximum rising POR threshold should be used for calculating
the proper resistor values. This will prevent improper sequencing
events from creating false trips during soft-start.
If ISEN4- is tied to VCC, the controller will set the channel firing
order and timing for 3-phase operation. If ISEN4- and ISEN3- are
tied to VCC, the controller will set the channel firing order and
timing for a 2-phase operation. The controller will configure itself
as a single phase regulator if ISEN4-, ISEN3- and ISEN2- are tied
to VCC (see “PWM Operation” on page 13 for details).
Soft-start Output Voltage Targets
Once the POR and Phase Detect blocks and enable comparator
are satisfied, the controller will begin the soft-start sequence and
will ramp the CORE and NB output voltages up to the SVI
interface designated target level. Prior to soft-starting both CORE
and NB outputs, the ISL6328A must check the state of the SVI
interface inputs to determine the correct target voltages for both
outputs. When the controller is enabled, the state of the SVD and
SVC inputs are checked and the target output voltages set for
both CORE and NB outputs are set by the DAC (see “Serial VID
Interface (SVI)” on page 15). These targets will only change if the
EN signal is pulled low or after a POR reset of VCC.
Soft-start
The soft-start sequence is composed of three periods, as shown
in Figure 11. At the beginning of soft-start, the DAC immediately
obtains the output voltage target. A 100µs fixed delay time, TDA,
proceeds the output voltage rise. After this delay period the
ISL6328A will begin ramping both CORE and NB output voltages
to the programmed DAC level at a fixed rate of 3.25mV/µs. The
amount of time required to ramp the output voltage to the final
DAC voltage is referred to as TDB, and can be calculated as
shown in Equation 20.
V DAC
TDB = ------------------------–3
3.0  10
(EQ. 20)
After the DAC voltage reaches the final VID setting, PGOOD will
be set to high.
VNB
400mV/DIV
TDA
EN
5V/DIV
TDB
VDDPWRGD
5V/DIV
If the controller is configured for 1- or 2-phase CORE operation,
then the resistor divider can be used for sequencing the
controller with another voltage rail. The resistor divider to EN
should be selected using a similar approach as the previous
driver discussion.
100µs/DIV
FIGURE 11. SOFT-START WAVEFORMS
Phase Detection
The ISEN2-, ISEN3- and ISEN4- pins are monitored prior to
soft-start to determine the number of active CORE channel
phases.
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VCORE
400mV/DIV
20
Prebiased Soft-start
The ISL6328A also has the ability to start up into a pre-charged
output, without causing any unnecessary disturbance. The FB pin
is monitored during soft-start, and should it be higher than the
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
equivalent internal ramping reference voltage, the output drives
hold both MOSFETs off.
Once the internal ramping reference exceeds the FB pin
potential, the output drives are enabled, allowing the output to
ramp from the precharged level to the final level dictated by the
DAC setting. Should the output be precharged to a level
exceeding the DAC setting, the output drives are enabled at the
end of the soft-start period, leading to an abrupt correction in the
output voltage down to the DAC-set level.
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
ABOVE DAC LEVEL
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
BELOW DAC LEVEL
VCORE
400mV/DIV
Overvoltage Protection
The ISL6328A constantly monitors the sensed output voltage on
the VSEN pin to detect if an overvoltage event occurs. When the
output voltage rises above the OVP trip level and exceeds the
PGOOD OV limit actions are taken by the ISL6328A to protect the
microprocessor load.
At the inception of an overvoltage event, both on-board lower
gate pins are commanded low as are the active PWM outputs to
the external drivers, the PGOOD signal is driven low, and the
ISL6328A latches off normal PWM action. This turns on the all of
the lower MOSFETs and pulls the output voltage below a level
that might cause damage to the load. The lower MOSFETs
remain driven ON until VSEN falls below 400mV. The ISL6328A
will continue to protect the load in this fashion as long as the
overvoltage condition recurs. Once an overvoltage condition ends
the ISL6328A latches off, and must be reset by toggling POR,
before a soft-start can be re-initiated.
Pre-POR Overvoltage Protection
EN
5V/DIV
100µs/DIV
FIGURE 12. SOFT-START WAVEFORMS FOR ISL6328A-BASED
MULTIPHASE CONVERTER
Both CORE and NB output support start up into a pre-charged
output.
Prior to PVCC, VCC and GVOT exceeding their POR levels, the
ISL6328A is designed to protect either load from any overvoltage
events that may occur. This is accomplished by means of an
internal 10kΩ resistor tied from PHASE to LGATE, which turns on
the lower MOSFET to control the output voltage until the
overvoltage event ceases or the input power supply cuts off. For
complete protection, the low side MOSFET should have a gate
threshold well below the maximum voltage rating of the
load/microprocessor.
Fault Monitoring and Protection
The ISL6328A actively monitors both CORE and NB output
voltages and currents to detect fault conditions. Fault monitors
trigger protective measures to prevent damage to either load.
One common power-good indicator is provided for linking to
external system monitors. The schematic in Figure 13 outlines
the interaction between the fault monitors and the power-good
signal.
170µA
OCL
+
100µA
INB
I1
REPEAT FOR EACH
CORE CHANNEL
OCP
+
OCP
+
100µA
IAVG
CORE ONLY
NB ONLY
SOFT-START, FAULT
AND CONTROL LOGIC
Power-good Signal
The power-good pin (VDDPWRGD) is an open-drain logic output
that signals whether or not the ISL6328A is regulating both NB
and CORE output voltages within the proper levels, and whether
any fault conditions exist. This pin should be tied to a +5V source
through a resistor.
During shutdown and soft-start, VDDPWRGD pulls low and
releases high after a successful soft-start and both output
voltages are operating between the undervoltage and
overvoltage limits. PGOOD transitions low when an undervoltage,
overvoltage, or overcurrent condition is detected on either output
or when the controller is disabled by a POR reset or EN. In the
event of an overvoltage or overcurrent condition, the controller
latches off and PGOOD will not return high. Pending a POR reset
of the ISL6328A and successful soft-start, the PGOOD will return
high.
NB ONLY
+
OVP
-
1.8V
-
VSEN_NB+
DAC - 300mV
CORE ONLY
1.8V
DAC + 250mV
+
+
OVP
+
-
VSEN
DAC - 300mV
UV
+
VDDPWRGD
OV
UV
ISL6328A INTERNAL CIRCUITRY
FIGURE 13. POWER-GOOD AND PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
In the event that during normal operation if the PVCC, VCC or
GVOT voltage falls back below the POR threshold, the pre-POR
overvoltage protection circuitry reactivates to protect from any
more pre-POR overvoltage events.
Undervoltage Detection
The undervoltage threshold is set at VDAC - 300mV typical. When
the output voltage (VSEN-RGND) is below the undervoltage
threshold, PGOOD gets pulled low. No other action is taken by the
controller. PGOOD will return high if the output voltage rises
above VDAC - 250mV typical.
Open Sense Line Protection
In the case that either of the remote sense lines, VSEN or GND,
become open, the ISL6328A is designed to detect this and shut
down the controller. This event is detected by monitoring small
currents that are fed out the VSEN and RGND pins. In the event of
an open sense line fault, the controller will continue to remain off
until the fault goes away, at which point the controller will
reinitiate a soft-start sequence.
soft-start, as shown in Figure 14. If the fault remains, the
trip-retry cycles will continue until either the fault is cleared or for
a total of seven attempts. If the fault is not cleared on the final
attempt, the controller disables UGATE and LGATE signals for
both Core and Northbridge and latches off requiring a POR of
VCC to reset the ISL6328A.
It is important to note that during soft-start, the overcurrent trip
point is increased by a factor of 1.35. If the fault draws enough
current to trip overcurrent during normal run mode, it may not
draw enough current during the soft-start ramp period to trip
overcurrent while the output is ramping up. If a fault of this type
is affecting the output, then the regulator will complete soft-start
and the trip-retry counter will be reset to zero. Once the regulator
has completed soft-start, the overcurrent trip point will return to
it’s nominal setting and an overcurrent shutdown will be initiated.
This will result in a continuous hiccup mode.
OUTPUT CURRENT, 50A/DIV
Overcurrent Protection
The ISL6328A takes advantage of the proportionality between
the load current and the average current, IAVG, to detect an
overcurrent condition. See “Continuous Current Sampling” on
page 14 and “Channel-current Balance” on page 15 for more
detail on how the average current is measured. Once the average
current exceeds 100µA, a comparator triggers the converter to
begin overcurrent protection procedures.
The overcurrent trip threshold is dictated by the DCR of the
inductors, the number of active channels, the DC gain of the
inductor RC filter and the RISEN resistor. The overcurrent trip
threshold is shown in Equation 21.
V IN – N  V OUT V OUT
N
1
I OCP = 100mA  -------------  ----  R ISEN – ----------------------------------------  ---------------- (EQ. 21)
V IN
2  L  fS
DCR K
Where:
R2
K = --------------------R1 + R2
See “Continuous Current Sampling” on
page 14.
fSW = Switching Frequency
Equation 21 is valid for both the Core regulator and the
Northbridge regulator. This equation includes the DC load current
as well as the total ripple current contributed by all the phases.
For the Northbridge regulator, N is 1.
During soft-start, the overcurrent trip point is boosted by a factor
of 1.35. Instead of comparing the average measured current to
100µA, the average current is compared to 135µA. Immediately
after soft-start is over, the comparison level changes to 100µA.
This is done to allow for start-up into an active load while still
supplying output capacitor in-rush current.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION SHUTDOWN
At the beginning of overcurrent shutdown, the controller sets all
of the UGATE and LGATE signals low, puts PWM3 and PWM4 (if
active) in a high-impedance state, and forces VDDPWRGD low.
This turns off all of the upper and lower MOSFETs. The system
remains in this state for fixed period of 12ms. If the controller is
still enabled at the end of this wait period, it will attempt a
Submit Document Feedback
22
0A
OUTPUT VOLTAGE,
500mV/DIV
0V
3ms/DIV
FIGURE 14. OVERCURRENT BEHAVIOR IN HICCUP MODE
Note that the energy delivered during trip-retry cycling is much
less than during full-load operation, so there is no thermal
hazard.
CORE REGULATOR OVERCURRENT
The ISL6328A features a Dual Overcurrent Protection (OCP)
feature on the Core that allows AMD processors to “throttle” the
load current beyond the normal OCP threshold for brief periods of
time. These current spikes occur when idle processor cores are
enabled. Dual OCP is not enabled until soft-start is complete.
When the Core average sensed current, IAVG, exceeds 100µA,
the Core regulator does not immediately initiate overcurrent
protection shutdown. The ISL6328A will, instead, source an
amount of current out of the OCP pin that is equivalent to the
amount of sensed current that exceeds 100µA. A capacitor tied
between the OCP pin and ground will immediately begin
charging. If the voltage across the capacitor, and thus the voltage
on the OCP pin, exceeds 2V then the ISL6328A will immediately
initiate overcurrent protection shutdown. If IAVG decreases to a
level below 100µA prior to the voltage on the OCP pin exceeding
2V, then the OCP pin is internally pulled to ground and the
voltage on the OCP capacitor is discharged. If, at any time, the
average sensed current exceeds 145µA, the ISL6328A will
immediately initiate overcurrent protection shutdown.
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
It is recommended that the maximum current spike correspond
to an average sensed current level of 120µA. It is also
recommended that if the maximum current spike load was
applied to the Core regulator that overcurrent protection
shutdown initiate after 1ms. This would require a 0.01µF
capacitor be tied to the OCP pin. To calculate the OCP capacitor,
use Equation 22.
20A  t DELAY
C OCP = ---------------------------------------2V
(EQ. 22)
NORTHBRIDGE REGULATOR OVERCURRENT
The Northbridge regulator does not incorporate dual OCP. When
the sensed current of the Northbridge exceeds 100µA,
Overcurrent Protection Shutdown is initiated. The overcurrent
shutdown for the Northbridge regulator will only disable the
MOSFET drivers for the Northbridge. Once 7 retry attempts have
been executed unsuccessfully, the controller will disable UGATE
and LGATE signals for both Core and Northbridge and will latch
off requiring a POR of VCC to reset the ISL6328A.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION IN POWER SAVINGS
MODE
While in Power Savings Mode, the OCP trip point will be lower
than when running in Normal Mode and there is no
accommodation for current throttling. Equation 21, with N = 1,
will yield the OCP trip point for the Core regulator while in Power
Savings mode.
If an overcurrent event should occur while the system is in Power
Savings Mode, the ISL6328A will restart in the Normal state with
the PSI_L bit set to 1.
Individual Channel Overcurrent Limiting
The ISL6328A has the ability to limit the current in each
individual channel of the Core regulator without shutting down
the entire regulator. This is accomplished by continuously
comparing the sensed currents of each channel with a constant
170µA OCL reference current. If a channel’s individual sensed
current exceeds this OCL limit, the UGATE signal of that channel
is immediately forced low, and the LGATE signal is forced high.
This turns off the upper MOSFET(s), turns on the lower
MOSFET(s), and stops the rise of current in that channel, forcing
the current in the channel to decrease. That channel’s UGATE
signal will not be able to return high until the sensed channel
current falls back below the 170µA reference.
General Design Guide
This design guide is intended to provide a high-level explanation of
the steps necessary to create a multiphase power converter. It is
assumed that the reader is familiar with many of the basic skills and
techniques referenced in the following. In addition to this guide,
Intersil provides complete reference designs that include
schematics, bills of materials, and example board layouts for all
common microprocessor applications.
Power Stages
The first step in designing a multiphase converter is to determine
the number of phases. This determination depends heavily on
the cost analysis which in turn depends on system constraints
Submit Document Feedback
23
that differ from one design to the next. Principally, the designer
will be concerned with whether components can be mounted on
both sides of the circuit board, whether through-hole components
are permitted, the total board space available for power-supply
circuitry, and the maximum amount of load current. Generally
speaking, the most economical solutions are those in which each
phase handles between 25A and 30A. All surface-mount designs
will tend toward the lower end of this current range. If
through-hole MOSFETs and inductors can be used, higher
per-phase currents are possible. In cases where board space is
the limiting constraint, current can be pushed as high as 40A per
phase, but these designs require heat sinks and forced air to cool
the MOSFETs, inductors and heat-dissipating surfaces.
MOSFETS
The choice of MOSFETs depends on the current each MOSFET will
be required to conduct, the switching frequency, the capability of
the MOSFETs to dissipate heat, and the availability and nature of
heat sinking and air flow.
LOWER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
The calculation for power loss in the lower MOSFET is simple,
since virtually all of the loss in the lower MOSFET is due to current
conducted through the channel resistance (rDS(ON)). In
Equation 23, IM is the maximum continuous output current, IP-P
is the peak-to-peak inductor current (see Equation 2), and d is the
duty cycle (VOUT/VIN).
I L  P-P 2  1 – d 
 I M 2
P LOW 1 = r DS  ON    -----   1 – d  + ---------------------------------------12
 N
(EQ. 23)
An additional term can be added to the lower MOSFET loss
equation to account for additional loss accrued during the dead
time when inductor current is flowing through the lower MOSFET
body diode. This term is dependent on the diode forward voltage
at IM, VD(ON), the switching frequency, fS, and the length of dead
times, td1 and td2, at the beginning and the end of the lower
MOSFET conduction interval respectively.
 IM I 
 IM I 
P-P-  t
P-P
P LOW 2 = V D  ON   f S   ----- + --------d1 +  ------ – ----------  t d2
2 
2 
N
N
(EQ. 24)
The total maximum power dissipated in each lower MOSFET is
approximated by the summation of PLOW,1 and PLOW,2.
UPPER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
In addition to rDS(ON) losses, a large portion of the upper MOSFET
losses are due to currents conducted across the input voltage
(VIN) during switching. Since a substantially higher portion of the
upper MOSFET losses are dependent on switching frequency, the
power calculation is more complex. Upper MOSFET losses can be
divided into separate components involving the upper MOSFET
switching times, the lower MOSFET body-diode reverse-recovery
charge, Qrr, and the upper MOSFET rDS(ON) conduction loss.
When the upper MOSFET turns off, the lower MOSFET does not
conduct any portion of the inductor current until the voltage at
the phase node falls below ground. Once the lower MOSFET
begins conducting, the current in the upper MOSFET falls to zero
as the current in the lower MOSFET ramps up to assume the full
inductor current. In Equation 25, the required time for this
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
commutation is t1 and the approximated associated power loss
is PUP,1.
1.6
 I M I P-P  t 1 
P UP,1  V IN   ----- + ----------   ----   f S
2   2
N
1.4
(EQ. 25)
At turn on, the upper MOSFET begins to conduct and this
transition occurs over a time t2. In Equation 26, the approximate
power loss is PUP,2.
 I M I P-P
P UP, 2  V IN   ----- – ----------
2 
N
t 
  ----2   f S
 2
(EQ. 26)
A third component involves the lower MOSFET reverse-recovery
charge, Qrr. Since the inductor current has fully commutated to
the upper MOSFET before the lower MOSFET body diode can
recover all of Qrr, it is conducted through the upper MOSFET
across VIN. The power dissipated as a result is PUP,3.
(EQ. 27)
P UP,3 = V IN  Q rr  f S
CBOOT_CAP (µF)
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
QGATE = 100nC
0.4
50nC
0.2
0.0
20nC
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
VBOOT_CAP (V)
FIGURE 15. BOOTSTRAP CAPACITANCE vs BOOT RIPPLE VOLTAGE
Finally, the resistive part of the upper MOSFET is given in
Equation 28 as PUP,4.
2
I P-P2
 I M
P UP,4  r DS  ON    -----  d + ---------12
 N
Gate Drive Voltage Versatility
(EQ. 28)
The total power dissipated by the upper MOSFET at full load can
now be approximated as the summation of the results from
Equations 25, 26, 27 and 28. Since the power equations depend
on MOSFET parameters, choosing the correct MOSFETs can be an
iterative process involving repetitive solutions to the loss
equations for different MOSFETs and different switching
frequencies.
Internal Bootstrap Device
All three integrated drivers feature an internal bootstrap schottky
diode. Simply adding an external capacitor across the BOOT and
PHASE pins completes the bootstrap circuit. The bootstrap
function is also designed to prevent the bootstrap capacitor from
overcharging due to the large negative swing at the PHASE node.
This reduces voltage stress on the boot to phase pins.
The bootstrap capacitor must have a maximum voltage rating
above PVCC + 4V and its capacitance value can be chosen from
Equation 29:
Q GATE
C BOOT_CAP  -------------------------------------V BOOT_CAP
(EQ. 29)
 Q G1  PVCC

Q GATE =  ----------------------------------  N Q1
V


GS1
where QG1 is the amount of gate charge per upper MOSFET at
VGS1 gate-source voltage and NQ1 is the number of control
MOSFETs. The VBOOT_CAP term is defined as the allowable
droop in the rail of the upper gate drive.
The ISL6328A provides the user flexibility in choosing the gate
drive voltage for efficiency optimization. The controller ties the
upper and lower drive rails together. Simply applying a voltage
from 5V up to 12V on PVCC sets both gate drive rail voltages
simultaneously.
Package Power Dissipation
When choosing MOSFETs it is important to consider the amount
of power being dissipated in the integrated drivers located in the
controller. Since there are a total of three drivers in the controller
package, the total power dissipated by all three drivers must be
less than the maximum allowable power dissipation for the QFN
package.
Calculating the power dissipation in the drivers for a desired
application is critical to ensure safe operation. Exceeding the
maximum allowable power dissipation level will push the IC
beyond the maximum recommended operating junction
temperature of +125°C. The maximum allowable IC power
dissipation for the 6x6 QFN package is approximately 3.5W at
room temperature. See “Layout Considerations” on page 29 for
thermal transfer improvement suggestions.
When designing the ISL6328A into an application, it is
recommended that the following calculation is used to ensure
safe operation at the desired frequency for the selected
MOSFETs. The total gate drive power losses, PQg_TOT, due to the
gate charge of MOSFETs and the integrated driver’s internal
circuitry and their corresponding average driver current can be
estimated with Equations 30 and 31, respectively.
P Qg_TOT = P Qg_Q1 + P Qg_Q2 + I Q  VCC
3
P Qg_Q1 = ---  Q G1  PVCC  f SW  N Q1  N PHASE
2
P Qg_Q2 = Q G2  PVCC  f SW  N Q2  N PHASE
(EQ. 30)
3
I DR =  ---  Q G1  N
+ Q G2  N Q2  N PHASE  f SW + I Q
2

Q1
(EQ. 31)
In Equations 30 and 31, PQg_Q1 is the total upper gate drive
power loss and PQg_Q2 is the total lower gate drive power loss;
the gate charge (QG1 and QG2) is defined at the particular gate to
Submit Document Feedback
24
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
LGATE(n)
+
VL(s)
+
G
R1
CDS
RGI1
Q1
S
VC(s)
R2
ISL6328A INTERNAL CIRCUIT
CGS
COUT
C
ISENn+
In
-
PHASE
FIGURE 16. TYPICAL UPPER-GATE DRIVE TURN-ON PATH
ISENn+
+
RG1
VOUT
VC(s)
-
RLO1
DCR
INDUCTOR
CGD
UGATE
n
L
MOSFET
D
RHI1
L
UGATE(n)
DRIVER
BOOT
I
VIN
-
PVCC
Inductor DCR Current Sensing Component
Fine Tuning
-
source drive voltage PVCC in the corresponding MOSFET
datasheet; IQ is the driver total quiescent current with no load at
both drive outputs; NQ1 and NQ2 are the number of upper and
lower MOSFETs per phase, respectively; NPHASE is the number of
active phases. The IQ*VCC product is the quiescent power of the
controller without capacitive load and is typically 75mW at
300kHz.
RISEN
ISEN
FIGURE 18. DCR SENSING CONFIGURATION
PVCC
D
CGD
RHI2
G
LGATE
RLO2
RG2
CDS
RGI2
CGS
Q2
S
1. If the regulator is not utilizing droop, modify the circuit by
placing the frequency set resistor between FS and Ground for
the duration of this procedure.
FIGURE 17. TYPICAL LOWER-GATE DRIVE TURN-ON PATH
The total gate drive power losses are dissipated among the
resistive components along the transition path and in the
bootstrap diode. The portion of the total power dissipated in the
controller itself is the power dissipated in the upper drive path
resistance (PDR_UP), the lower drive path resistance (PDR_UP),
and in the boot strap diode (PBOOT). The rest of the power will be
dissipated by the external gate resistors (RG1 and RG2) and the
internal gate resistors (RGI1 and RGI2) of the MOSFETs.
Figures 16 and 17 show the typical upper and lower gate drives
turn-on transition path. The total power dissipation in the
controller itself, PDR, can be roughly estimated as:
P DR = P DR_UP + P DR_LOW + P BOOT +  I Q  VCC 
P Qg_Q1
P BOOT = --------------------3
R LO1
R HI1

 P Qg_Q1
P DR_UP =  -------------------------------------- + ----------------------------------------  --------------------3
 R HI1 + R EXT1 R LO1 + R EXT1
R LO2
R HI2

 P Qg_Q2
P DR_LOW =  -------------------------------------- + ----------------------------------------  --------------------2
 R HI2 + R EXT2 R LO2 + R EXT2
R GI2
R GI1
R EXT2 = R G2 + ------------R EXT1 = R G1 + ------------N Q2
N Q1
Submit Document Feedback
25
Due to errors in the inductance and/or DCR it may be necessary
to adjust the value of R1 and R2 to match the time constants
correctly. The effects of time constant mismatch can be seen in
the form of droop overshoot or undershoot during the initial load
transient spike, as shown in Figure 19. Follow the steps below to
ensure the R-C and inductor L/DCR time constants are matched
accurately.
2. Capture a transient event with the oscilloscope set to about
L/DCR/2 (sec/div). For example, with L = 1µH and
DCR = 1mΩ, set the oscilloscope to 500µs/div.
3. Record V1 and V2 as shown in Figure 19.
V2
V1
VOUT
ITRAN
(EQ. 32)
I
FIGURE 19. TIME CONSTANT MISMATCH BEHAVIOR
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
4. Select new values, R1,NEW and R2,NEW, for the time constant
resistors based on the original values, R1,OLD and R2,OLD,
using Equations 33 and 34.
V 1
R 1 NEW = R 1 OLD  ---------V
(EQ. 33)
V 1
R 2 NEW = R 2 OLD  ---------V 2
(EQ. 34)
2
5. Replace R1 and R2 with the new values and check to see that
the error is corrected. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Loadline Regulation Resistor
The loadline regulation resistor, labeled RFB in Figure 8 on
page 18, sets the desired loadline required for the application.
Equation 35 can be used to calculate RFB.
V DROOP
MAX
R FB = ----------------------------------------------------------I
 OUT MAX

 --------------------------  DCR
N


--------------------------------------------------  K
R ISEN
(EQ. 35)
To choose the value for RFB in this situation, please refer to
“Compensation Without Loadline Regulation” on page 26.
Compensation With Loadline Regulation
The load-line regulated converter behaves in a similar manner to
a peak current mode controller because the two poles at the
output filter L-C resonant frequency split with the introduction of
current information into the control loop. The final location of
these poles is determined by the system function, the gain of the
current signal, and the value of the compensation components,
RC and CC.
components depend on the relationships of f0 to the L-C pole
frequency and the ESR zero frequency. For each of the following
three, there is a separate set of equations for the compensation
components.
In Equation 36, L is the per-channel filter inductance divided by
the number of active channels; C is the sum total of all output
capacitors; ESR is the equivalent series resistance of the bulk
output filter capacitance; and VP-P is the peak-to-peak sawtooth
signal amplitude as described in the “Electrical Specifications”
on page 9.
Once selected, the compensation values in Equation 36 assure a
stable converter with reasonable transient performance. In most
cases, transient performance can be improved by making
adjustments to RC. Slowly increase the value of RC while
observing the transient performance on an oscilloscope until no
further improvement is noted. Normally, CC will not need
adjustment. Keep the value of CC from Equation 36 unless some
performance issue is noted
The optional capacitor C2, is sometimes needed to bypass noise
away from the PWM comparator (see Figure 20). Keep a position
available for C2, and be prepared to install a high-frequency
capacitor of between 22pF and 150pF in case any leading edge
jitter problem is noted.
Case 1:
2    f 0  V P-P  L  C
R C = R FB  ---------------------------------------------------------0.66  V
IN
0.66  V IN
C C = -----------------------------------------------------2    V P-P  R FB  f 0
C2 (OPTIONAL)
Case 2:
RC
CC
1
--------------------------------  f 0
2 LC
1
1
-------------------------------  f 0  -----------------------------------2    C  ESR
2 LC
V P-P   2    2  f 02  L  C
R C = R FB  -----------------------------------------------------------------0.66  V
COMP
(EQ. 36)
IN
0.66  V IN
C C = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2
 2     f 0  V P-P  R FB  L  C
FB
ISL6328A
RFB
Case 3:
VSEN
FIGURE 20. COMPENSATION CONFIGURATION FOR
LOAD-LINE REGULATED ISL6328A CIRCUIT
Since the system poles and zero are affected by the values of the
components that are meant to compensate them, the solution to
the system equation becomes fairly complicated. Fortunately,
there is a simple approximation that comes very close to an
optimal solution. Treating the system as though it were a voltagemode regulator, by compensating the L-C poles and the ESR zero
of the voltage mode approximation, yields a solution that is
always stable with very close to ideal transient performance.
1
f 0  ------------------------------------2    C  ESR
2    f 0  V P-P  L
R C = R FB  ---------------------------------------------0.66  V IN  ESR
0.66  V IN  ESR  C
C C = -----------------------------------------------------------------2    V P-P  R FB  f 0  L
Compensation Without Loadline Regulation
The non load-line regulated converter is accurately modeled as a
voltage-mode regulator with two poles at the L-C resonant
frequency and a zero at the ESR frequency. A type III controller,
as shown in Figure 21, provides the necessary compensation.
Select a target bandwidth for the compensated system, f0. The
target bandwidth must be large enough to assure adequate
transient performance, but smaller than 1/3 of the per-channel
switching frequency. The values of the compensation
Submit Document Feedback
26
FN7986.1
February 13, 2015
ISL6328A
1
--------------------------------  f 0
2 LC
C2
RC
CC
2    f 0  V P-P  L  C
R C = R FB  ---------------------------------------------------------0.66  V
COMP
Case 1:
FB
C1
IN
0.66  V IN
C C = -----------------------------------------------------2    V P-P  R FB  f 0
ISL6328A
RFB
R1
1
1
--------------------------------  f 0  ------------------------------------2    C  ESR
2 LC
VSEN
Case 2:
FIGURE 21. COMPENSATION CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD-LINE
REGULATION
V P-P   2    2  f 02  L  C
R C = R FB  -----------------------------------------------------------------0.66  V
(EQ. 38)
IN
The first step is to choose the desired bandwidth, f0, of the
compensated system. Choose a frequency high enough to assure
adequate transient performance but not higher than 1/3 of the
switching frequency. The type-III compensator has an extra
high-frequency pole, fHF. This pole can be used for added noise
rejection or to assure adequate attenuation at the error-amplifier
high order pole and zero frequencies. A good general rule is to
choose fHF = 10f0, but it can be higher if desired. Choosing fHF to
be lower than 10f0 can cause problems with too much phase shift
below the system bandwidth.
C  ESR
R 1 = R FB  -------------------------------------------L  C – C  ESR
0.66  V IN
C C = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2
 2     f 0  V P-P  R FB  L  C
1
f 0  ------------------------------------2    C  ESR
Case 3:
2    f 0  V P-P  L
R C = R FB  ---------------------------------------------0.66  V IN  ESR
0.66  V IN  ESR  C
C C = -----------------------------------------------------------------2    V P-P  R FB  f 0  L
Output Filter Design
L  C – C  ESR
C 1 = -------------------------------------------R FB
0.75  V IN
C 2 = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
 2     f 0  f HF   L  C   R FB  V P-P
(EQ. 37)
2
V P-P   2  f 0  f HF  L  C  R FB
 
R C = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0.75  V   2    f HF  L  C – 1 
IN
0.75  V IN   2    f HF  L  C – 1 
C C = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2    2  f 0  f HF   L  C   R FB  V P-P
In the solutions to the compensation equations, there is a single
degree of freedom. For the solutions presented in Equation 38,
RFB is selected arbitrarily. The remaining compensation
components are then selected according to Equation 38.
The output inductors and the output capacitor bank together to
form a low-pass filter responsible for smoothing the pulsating
voltage at the phase nodes. The output filter also must provide
the transient energy until the regulator can respond. Because it
has a low bandwidth compared to the switching frequency, the
output filter limits the system transient response. The output
capacitors must supply or sink load current while the current in
the output inductors increases or decreases to meet the
demand.
In high-speed converters, the output capacitor bank is usually the
most costly (and often the largest) part of the circuit. Output filter
design begins with minimizing the cost of this part of the circuit.
The critical load parameters in choosing the output capacitors are
the maximum size of the load step, I, the load current slew rate,
di/dt, and the maximum allowable output voltage deviation under
transient loading, VMAX. Capacitors are characterized according
to their capacitance, ESR, and ESL (equivalent series inductance).
In Equation 38, L is the per-channel filter inductance divided by
the number of active channels; C is the sum total of all output
capacitors; ESR is the equivalent-series resistance of the bulk
output-filter capacitance; and VP-P is the peak-to-peak sawtooth
signal amplitude as described in “Electrical Specifications” on
page 9.
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FN7986.1
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ISL6328A
di
V  ESL  ----- + ESR  I
dt
(EQ. 39)
The filter capacitor must have sufficiently low ESL and ESR so
that V < VMAX.
Most capacitor solutions rely on a mixture of high frequency
capacitors with relatively low capacitance in combination with bulk
capacitors having high capacitance but limited high-frequency
performance. Minimizing the ESL of the high-frequency capacitors
allows them to support the output voltage as the current increases.
Minimizing the ESR of the bulk capacitors allows them to supply the
increased current with less output voltage deviation.
The ESR of the bulk capacitors also creates the majority of the
output-voltage ripple. As the bulk capacitors sink and source the
inductor AC ripple current (see “Interleaving” on page 12 and
Equation 3 on page 12), a voltage develops across the bulk
capacitor ESR equal to IC(P-P)(ESR). Thus, once the output
capacitors are selected, the maximum allowable ripple voltage,
VP-P(MAX), determines the lower limit on the inductance.
V – N  V

OUT  V OUT
 IN
L  ESR  -------------------------------------------------------------------f S  V IN  V P-P MAX 
(EQ. 40)
Since the capacitors are supplying a decreasing portion of the
load current while the regulator recovers from the transient, the
capacitor voltage becomes slightly depleted. The output
inductors must be capable of assuming the entire load current
before the output voltage decreases more than VMAX. This
places an upper limit on inductance.
Equation 41 gives the upper limit on L for the cases when the
trailing edge of the current transient causes a greater
output-voltage deviation than the leading edge. Equation 42
addresses the leading edge. Normally, the trailing edge dictates
the selection of L because duty cycles are usually less than 50%.
Nevertheless, both inequalities should be evaluated, and L
should be selected based on the lower of the two results. In each
equation, L is the per-channel inductance, C is the total output
capacitance, and N is the number of active channels.
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28
2  N  C  VO
L  ---------------------------------  V MAX –  I  ESR 
 I  2
(EQ. 41)
1.25  N  C-  V


L  ---------------------------MAX –  I  ESR    V IN – V O
 I  2
(EQ. 42)
Switching Frequency
There are a number of variables to consider when choosing the
switching frequency, as there are considerable effects on the
upper MOSFET loss calculation. These effects are outlined in
“MOSFETs” on page 23, and they establish the upper limit for the
switching frequency. The lower limit is established by the
requirement for fast transient response and small output-voltage
ripple as outlined in “Output Filter Design” on page 27. Choose
the lowest switching frequency that allows the regulator to meet
the transient-response requirements.
Switching frequency is determined by the selection of the
frequency-setting resistor, RT. Figure 22 and Equation 43 are provided
to assist in selecting the correct value for RT.
R T = 10
10.61 –  1.035  log  f S   
(EQ. 43)
1k
RT (k)
At the beginning of the load transient, the output capacitors
supply all of the transient current. The output voltage will initially
deviate by an amount approximated by the voltage drop across
the ESL. As the load current increases, the voltage drop across
the ESR increases linearly until the load current reaches its final
value. The capacitors selected must have sufficiently low ESL and
ESR so that the total output-voltage deviation is less than the
allowable maximum. Neglecting the contribution of inductor
current and regulator response, the output voltage initially
deviates by an amount:
100
10
10k
100k
1M
10M
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (Hz)
FIGURE 22. RT vs SWITCHING FREQUENCY
Input Capacitor Selection
The input capacitors are responsible for sourcing the AC
component of the input current flowing into the upper MOSFETs.
Their RMS current capacity must be sufficient to handle the AC
component of the current drawn by the upper MOSFETs, which is
related to duty cycle and the number of active phases.
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IL(P-P) = 0
IL(P-P) = 0.25 IO
0.3
IL(P-P) = 0.5 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.75 IO
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS/IO)
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS/IO)
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
DUTY CYCLE (VO/VIN)
The voltage rating of the capacitors should also be at least 1.25x
greater than the maximum input voltage. Figures 24 and 25 provide
the same input RMS current information for three-phase and
2-phase designs respectively. Use the same approach for selecting
the bulk capacitor type and number.
INPUT-CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS/IO)
IL(P-P) = 0
IL(P-P) = 0.5 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.75 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.5 IO
IL(P-P) = 0.75 IO
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
Layout Considerations
MOSFETs switch very fast and efficiently. The speed with which
the current transitions from one device to another causes voltage
spikes across the interconnecting impedances and parasitic
circuit elements. These voltage spikes can degrade efficiency,
radiate noise into the circuit and lead to device overvoltage
stress. Careful component selection, layout, and placement
minimizes these voltage spikes. Consider, as an example, the
turnoff transition of the upper PWM MOSFET. Prior to turnoff, the
upper MOSFET was carrying channel current. During the turnoff,
current stops flowing in the upper MOSFET and is picked up by
the lower MOSFET. Any inductance in the switched current path
generates a large voltage spike during the switching interval.
Careful component selection, tight layout of the critical
components, and short, wide circuit traces minimize the
magnitude of voltage spikes.
There are two sets of critical components in a DC/DC converter
using a ISL6328A controller. The power components are the
most critical because they switch large amounts of energy. Next,
are small signal components that connect to sensitive nodes or
supply critical bypassing current and signal coupling.
0.2
0.1
0
IL(P-P) = 0
FIGURE 25. NORMALIZED INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS
CURRENT FOR 2-PHASE CONVERTER
For a four-phase design, use Figure 23 to determine the
input-capacitor RMS current requirement set by the duty cycle,
maximum sustained output current (IO), and the ratio of the
peak-to-peak inductor current (IL(P-P)) to IO. Select a bulk
capacitor with a ripple current rating which will minimize the
total number of input capacitors required to support the RMS
current calculated.
IL(P-P) = 0.25 IO
0.1
DUTY CYCLE (VIN/VO)
FIGURE 23. NORMALIZED INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS CURRENT vs
DUTY CYCLE FOR 4-PHASE CONVERTER
0.3
0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
DUTY CYCLE (VIN/VO)
FIGURE 24. NORMALIZED INPUT-CAPACITOR RMS CURRENT FOR
3-PHASE CONVERTER
Low capacitance, high-frequency ceramic capacitors are needed in
addition to the input bulk capacitors to suppress leading and
falling edge voltage spikes. The spikes result from the high current
slew rate produced by the upper MOSFET turn on and off. Select
low ESL ceramic capacitors and place one as close as possible to
each upper MOSFET drain to minimize board parasitics and
maximize suppression.
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The power components should be placed first, which include the
MOSFETs, input and output capacitors, and the inductors. It is
important to have a symmetrical layout for each power train,
preferably with the controller located equidistant from each.
Symmetrical layout allows heat to be dissipated equally across all
power trains. Equidistant placement of the controller to the CORE
and NB power trains it controls through the integrated drivers
helps keep the gate drive traces equally short, resulting in equal
trace impedances and similar drive capability of all sets of
MOSFETs.
When placing the MOSFETs try to keep the source of the upper
FETs and the drain of the lower FETs as close as thermally possible.
Input high-frequency capacitors, CHF, should be placed close to the
drain of the upper FETs and the source of the lower FETs. Input
bulk capacitors, CBULK, case size typically limits following the
same rule as the high-frequency input capacitors. Place the input
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ISL6328A
bulk capacitors as close to the drain of the upper FETs as possible
and minimize the distance to the source of the lower FETs.
Locate the output inductors and output capacitors between the
MOSFETs and the load. The high-frequency output decoupling
capacitors (ceramic) should be placed as close as practicable to the
decoupling target, making use of the shortest connection paths to
any internal planes, such as vias to GND next or on the capacitor
solder pad.
current (0.02” to 0.05”). Going between layers with vias should
also be avoided, but if so, use two vias for interconnection when
possible.
Extra care should be given to the LGATE traces in particular since
keeping their impedance and inductance low helps to significantly
reduce the possibility of shoot-through. It is also important to route
each channels UGATE and PHASE traces in as close proximity as
possible to reduce their inductances.
The critical small components include the bypass capacitors
(CFILTER) for VCC and PVCC, and many of the components
surrounding the controller including the feedback network and
current sense components. Locate the VCC/PVCC bypass
capacitors as close to the ISL6328A as possible. It is especially
important to locate the components associated with the
feedback circuit close to their respective controller pins, since
they belong to a high-impedance circuit loop, sensitive to EMI
pick-up.
Current Sense Component
Placement and Trace Routing
A multi-layer printed circuit board is recommended. Figure 26
shows the connections of the critical components for the converter.
Note that capacitors CIN and COUT could each represent numerous
physical capacitors. Dedicate one solid layer, usually the one
underneath the component side of the board, for a ground plane
and make all critical component ground connections with vias to
this layer. Dedicate another solid layer as a power plane and break
this plane into smaller islands of common voltage levels. Keep the
metal runs from the PHASE terminal to output inductors short. The
power plane should support the input power and output power
nodes. Use copper filled polygons on the top and bottom circuit
layers for the phase nodes. Use the remaining printed circuit layers
for small signal wiring.
The sense traces that connect the R-C sense components to each
side of the output inductors should be routed on the bottom of
the board, away from the noisy switching components located on
the top of the board. These traces should be routed side by side,
and they should be very thin traces. It’s important to route these
traces as far away from any other noisy traces or planes as
possible. These traces should pick up as little noise as possible.
These traces should also originate from the geometric center of
the inductor pin pads and that location should be the single point
of contact the trace makes with its respective net.
Routing UGATE, LGATE, and PHASE Traces
Great attention should be paid to routing the UGATE, LGATE, and
PHASE traces since they drive the power train MOSFETs using
short, high current pulses. It is important to size them as large
and as short as possible to reduce their overall impedance and
inductance. They should be sized to carry at least one ampere of
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One of the most critical aspects of the ISL6328A regulator layout
is the placement of the inductor DCR current sense components
and traces. The R-C current sense components must be placed
as close to their respective ISEN+ and ISEN- pins on the
ISL6328A as possible.
Thermal Management
For maximum thermal performance in high current, high
switching frequency applications, connecting the thermal GND
pad of the ISL6328A to the ground plane with multiple vias is
recommended. This heat spreading allows the part to achieve
its full thermal potential. It is also recommended that the
controller be placed in a direct path of airflow if possible to help
thermally manage the part.
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ISL6328A
VCC
+5V
VCC RSVD
CS1-
ISEN1-
CS1+
ISEN1+
TCOMP2
CS2-
ISEN2-
CS2+
ISEN2+
PWM3
PWM4
TCOMP1
CS3-
ISEN3-
PVCC
CS3+
ISEN3+
GVOT
CS4-
ISEN4-
PWM3
PWM4
+12V
ISL6328A
CS4+
+12V
BOOT1
ISEN4+
RNTC*
CS_NB-
ISEN_NB-
CS_NB+
ISEN_NB+
UGATE1
PHASE1
LGATE1
DRPCTRL
CS1CS1+
BOOT2
OFS
CS3CS3+
+12V
FS
SVC
SVD
PWROK
VDDPWRGD
APA
LGATE2
+12V
CS2CS2+
CS4CS4+
PGND
LGATE2
KELVIN
SENSE
LINES
Core
+12V
CPU
UGATE_NB
PHASE_NB
LGATE_NB
VCC
GND
VSEN
RGND
BOOT_NB
EN
PVCC
UGATE2
PHASE2
CORE_FB
ENABLE
LGATE1
BOOT2
UGATE2
PHASE2
OCP
+12V
ISL6614
BOOT1 PWM1
PWM3
PWM2
PWM4
UGATE1
PHASE1
+12V
+12V
North
Bridge
CS_NBCS_NB+
KELVIN
SENSE
LINE
VSEN_NB
CORE_FB
FB_PSI
FB
COMP
RED COMPONENTS:
LOCATE CLOSE TO IC TO
MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH
FB_NB
COMP_NB
BLUE COMPONENTS:
LOCATE NEAR LOAD
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
GND
MAGENTA COMPONENTS:
LOCATE CLOSE TO SWITCHING TRANSISTORS
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
KEY
HEAVY TRACE ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
ISLAND ON POWER PLANE LAYER
ISLAND ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
KELVIN TYPE TRACE/SENSE LINE
(Keep these traces away from any switching nodes)
VIA CONNECTION TO GROUND PLANE
*LOCATE NTC RESISTOR CLOSE TO PHASE1 INDUCTOR
FIGURE 26. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD POWER PLANES AND ISLANDS
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FN7986.1
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ISL6328A
Revision History
The revision history provided is for informational purposes only and is believed to be accurate, but not warranted. Please go to web to make sure you
have the latest Rev.
DATE
REVISION
CHANGE
February 13, 2015
FN7986.1
Updated datasheet to meet Intersil Standards.
Removed ISL6328AIRZ part from Ordering Information on page 8.
Made correction to Part Marking in Ordering Information on page 8 by removing ISL from the marking.
Removed ISL6328AIRZ from “Recommended Operating Conditions” on page 9.
Removed from “NORTH BRIDGE OVERCURRENT PROTECTION” on page 10 the Overcurrent Trip Level - IDROOP_NB
Row listed for ISL6328AIRZ.
April 6, 2012
FN7986.0
Initial Release.
About Intersil
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For the most updated datasheet, application notes, related documentation and related parts, please see the respective product
information page found at www.intersil.com.
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Intersil products are sold by description only. Intersil Corporation reserves the right to make changes in circuit design, software and/or specifications at any time
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accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Intersil or its subsidiaries for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third
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FN7986.1
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ISL6328A
Package Outline Drawing
L48.6x6B
48 LEAD QUAD FLAT NO-LEAD PLASTIC PACKAGE
Rev 0, 9/09
4X 4.4
6.00
44X 0.40
A
B
6
PIN 1
INDEX AREA
6
PIN #1 INDEX AREA
48
37
1
6.00
36
4 .40 ± 0.15
25
12
0.15
(4X)
13
24
0.10 M C A B
0.05 M C
TOP VIEW
48X 0.45 ± 0.10
4 48X 0.20
BOTTOM VIEW
SEE DETAIL "X"
0.10 C
BASE PLANE
MAX 1.00
(
SEATING PLANE
0.08 C
( 44 X 0 . 40 )
( 5. 75 TYP )
C
SIDE VIEW
4. 40 )
C
0 . 2 REF
5
( 48X 0 . 20 )
( 48X 0 . 65 )
0 . 00 MIN.
0 . 05 MAX.
DETAIL "X"
TYPICAL RECOMMENDED LAND PATTERN
NOTES:
1. Dimensions are in millimeters.
Dimensions in ( ) for Reference Only.
2. Dimensioning and tolerancing conform to AMSE Y14.5m-1994.
3. Unless otherwise specified, tolerance : Decimal ± 0.05
4. Dimension applies to the metallized terminal and is measured
between 0.15mm and 0.30mm from the terminal tip.
5. Tiebar shown (if present) is a non-functional feature.
6. The configuration of the pin #1 identifier is optional, but must be
located within the zone indicated. The pin #1 indentifier may be
either a mold or mark feature.
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FN7986.1
February 13, 2015