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Data Sheet
ISL8101
July 28, 2008
Two-Phase Multiphase Buck PWM
Controller with Integrated MOSFET Drivers
The ISL8101 two-phase PWM control IC provides a
precision voltage regulation system for advanced loads up to
60A to 80A. Multiphase power conversion is a marked
departure from single phase converter configurations
employed to satisfy the increasing current demands of
modern microprocessors and other electronic circuits. By
distributing the power and load current, implementation of
multiphase converters utilize smaller and lower cost
transistors with fewer input and output capacitors. These
reductions accrue from the higher effective conversion
frequency with higher frequency ripple current due to the
phase interleaving process of this topology.
FN9223.1
Features
• Integrated Two-Phase Power Conversion
• 5V to 12V Input Voltage Conversion
• Precision Channel Current Sharing
- Loss-Less Current Sampling - Uses rDS(ON)
• Precision Output Voltage Regulation
- 1% System Accuracy Over-Temperature (Commercial)
• Microprocessor Voltage Identification Inputs
- Up to a 6-Bit DAC
- Selectable between Intel’s VRM9, VRM10, or AMD’s
Hammer DAC codes
• Fast Transient Recovery Time
Outstanding features of this controller IC include programmable
VID codes compatible with Intel VRM9, VRM10, as well as
AMD’s Hammer microprocessors, along with a system
regulation accuracy of 1%. The ISL8101, though, does not
intrinsically allow for load-line regulation (no droop).
• Overcurrent Protection
Important features of this controller IC include a set of
sophisticated overvoltage and overcurrent protection.
Overvoltage results in the converter turning the lower
MOSFETs ON to clamp the rising output voltage and protect
the microprocessor. Like other Intersil multiphase
controllers, the ISL8101 uses cost and space-saving
rDS(ON) sensing for channel current balance and
overcurrent protection. Channel current balancing is
automatic and accurate with the integrated current-balance
control system. Overcurrent protection can be tailored to any
application with no need for additional parts. These features
provide intelligent protection for modern power systems.
• Improved, Multi-tiered Overvoltage Protection
• Pre-Biased Output Start-Up Operation
• Sources and Sinks Output Current
- Bus Termination Applications
• QFN Package:
- Compliant to JEDEC PUB95 MO-220
QFN - Quad Flat No Leads - Package Outline
- Near Chip Scale Package Footprint, Which Improves
PCB Efficiency and has aThinner Profile
• Pb-free (RoHS compliant)
Pinout
ISL8101
(24 LD QFN)
TOP VIEW
-40 to +85 24 Ld 4x4 QFN L24.4x4B
(Pb-Free)
ISL8101EVAL1 Evaluation Platform
*Add “-T” suffix for tape and reel. Please refer to TB347 for details on reel
specifications.
NOTE: 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.
1
VID3
VID4
ENLL
BOOT1
UGATE1
23
22
21
20
19
VID1
1
18 PHASE1
VID0
2
17 LGATE1
DACSEL/VID5
3
VRM10
4
COMP
5
14 PGND
FB
6
13 PHASE2
16 PVCC
25
GND
15 LGATE2
7
8
9
10
11
12
UGATE2
81 01IRZ
24 Ld 4x4 QFN L24.4x4B
(Pb-Free)
24
BOOT2
ISL8101IRZ*
(Note)
0 to +70
PKG.
DWG. #
SSEND
81 01CRZ
PACKAGE
OFS
ISL8101CRZ*
(Note)
TEMP.
(°C)
VCC
PART
MARKING
ISEN
PART
NUMBER
(Note)
VID2
Ordering Information
CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
1-888-INTERSIL or 1-888-468-3774 | Intersil (and design) is a trademark of Intersil Americas LLC.
Copyright Intersil Americas LLC. 2006, 2008. All Rights Reserved
All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Block Diagram
SSEND
ENLL
VCC
PVCC
BOOT1
OVP WHILE
DISABLED
1.65V/1.95V +
UGATE1
2
POWER-ON
OVP
200mV
RESET (POR)
OSCILLATOR
GATE
CONTROL
+
PHASE1
-
COMP
LGATE1
VID0
VID1
VID3
PWM1
SOFT-START
AND
FAULT LOGIC
TTL D/A
CONVERTER
(VID DAC)
CONTROL
LOGIC
EA
VID4
DACSEL/VID5
BOOT2
+
VRM10
-
PGND

OC
PWM2

UGATE2
FB
GATE
CONTROL
PHASE2
CURRENT
CORRECTION
OFFSET
SOURCE
LGATE2

GND
2
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
OFS
ISEN
ISL8101
VID2
ISL8101
Simplified Power System Diagram
+5VIN
Q1
CHANNEL1
Q2
5-6
VID
DAC
VOUT
Q3
CHANNEL2
Q4
ISL8101
Typical Application
+12VIN
LIN
+5VIN
CHFIN1
CBIN1
CF2
CF1
VCC
PVCC
BOOT1
DACSEL/VID12
VID4
CBOOT1
UGATE1
Q1
VID3
VID2
LOUT1
PHASE1
VID1
VID0
Q2
VRM10
RISEN
LGATE1
ISEN
BOOT2
R’OFS
CBOOT2
ISL8101
ENLL
CHFIN2
OFS
UGATE2
ROFS
C2
VOUT
SSEND
CBIN2
CHFOUT
CBOUT
Q3
PHASE2
COMP
LOUT2
C1
LGATE2
R2
Q4
PGND
FB
GND
R1
3
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Information
Supply Voltage, VCC, PVCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -0.3V to +6.25V
Absolute Boot Voltage, VBOOT . . . . . . PGND - 0.3V to PGND + 27V
Phase Voltage, VPHASE . . . . . . . . . . VBOOT - 7V to VBOOT + 0.3V
Upper Gate Voltage, VUGATE . . . . VPHASE - 0.3V to VBOOT + 0.3V
Lower Gate Voltage, VLGATE. . . . . . . . . PGND - 0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
Input, Output, or I/O Voltage . . . . . . . . . . GND - 0.3V to VCC + 0.3V
Thermal Resistance
JA (°C/W)
JC (°C/W)
QFN Package (Notes 1, 2). . . . . . . . . .
45
7.5
Maximum Junction Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +150°C
Maximum Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . .-65°C to +150°C
Pb-Free Reflow Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .see link below
http://www.intersil.com/pbfree/Pb-FreeReflow.asp
Recommended Operating Conditions
Supply Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5V 5%
Ambient Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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:
1. 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.
2. For JC, the “case temp” location is the center of the exposed metal pad on the package underside.
Electrical Specifications
Test Conditions: VCC = 5V, TJ = 0°C to +85°C, Unless Otherwise Specified. 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.
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
-
4
6
mA
BIAS SUPPLY AND INTERNAL OSCILLATOR
Input Bias Supply Current
IVCC; ENLL = high
VCC POR (Power-On Reset) Threshold
VCC Rising
4.2
4.4
4.6
V
VCC Falling
3.7
3.9
4.1
V
PVCC Rising
-
4.3
-
V
PVCC Falling
-
3.3
-
V
TJ = +25°C to +85°C
189
222
255
kHz
TJ = -40°C
166
205
241
kHz
-
1.33
-
V
-
67
-
%
ENLL Rising Threshold
-
0.645
-
V
ENLL Falling Threshold
-
0.567
-
mV
-1
-
1
%
-1.5
-
1.5
%
-
-
0.4
V
PVCC POR (Power-On Reset) Threshold
Switching Frequency (per channel)
Oscillator Ramp Amplitude (Note 3)
VP-P
Maximum Duty Cycle
CONTROL THRESHOLDS
REFERENCE AND DAC
System Accuracy
TJ = -40°C to +85°C
DAC Input Low Voltage
DAC Input High Voltage
0.8
-
-
V
VIDx = 0V
-
45
-
µA
DC Gain (Note 3)
RL = 10k to ground
-
96
-
dB
Gain-Bandwidth Product (Note 3)
CL = 100pF, RL = 10k to ground
-
20
-
MHz
Slew Rate (Note 3)
CL = 100pF, Load = 400µA
-
8
-
V/µs
Maximum Output Voltage
Load = 1mA
3.90
4.20
-
V
Minimum Output Voltage
Load = -1mA
-
0.80
0.90
V
DAC Input Pull-Up Current
ERROR AMPLIFIER
4
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Electrical Specifications
Test Conditions: VCC = 5V, TJ = 0°C to +85°C, Unless Otherwise Specified. 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. (Continued)
PARAMETER
TEST CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
72
95
115
µA
VRM9.0 configuration
1.90
1.95
2.00
V
Hammer and VRM10.0 configurations
1.60
1.65
1.70
V
-
VID
+200mV
-
V
-
100
-
mV
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Overcurrent Trip Level
PROTECTION
Overvoltage Threshold while IC Disabled
Overvoltage Threshold
FB Rising
Overvoltage Hysteresis
SWITCHING TIME
UGATE Rise Time (Note3)
tRUGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
8
-
ns
LGATE Rise Time (Note3)
tRLGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
8
-
ns
UGATE Fall Time (Note 3)
tFUGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
8
-
ns
LGATE Fall Time (Note 3)
tFLGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
4
-
ns
UGATE Turn-On Non-overlap (Note 3)
tPDHUGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
8
-
ns
LGATE Turn-On Non-overlap (Note 3)
tPDHLGATE; VVCC = 5V, 3nF Load
-
8
-
ns
Upper Drive Source Resistance
100mA Source Current
-
1.0
2.5

Upper Drive Sink Resistance
100mA Sink Current
-
1.0
2.5

Lower Drive Source Resistance
100mA Source Current
-
1.0
2.5

Lower Drive Sink Resistance
100mA Sink Current
-
0.4
1.0

OUTPUT
NOTE:
3. Limits should be considered typical and are not production tested.
Timing Diagram
tPDHUGATE
tRUGATE
tFUGATE
UGATE
LGATE
tFLGATE
tRLGATE
tPDHLGATE
Functional Pin Description
VCC (Pin 8)
Bias supply for the IC’s small-signal circuitry. Connect this
pin to a 5V supply and locally decouple using a quality 0.1µF
ceramic capacitor. This pin is monitored for Power-On Reset
(POR) purpose.
5
PVCC (Pin 16)
Power supply pin for the MOSFET drives. Connect this pin to
a 5V supply and locally decouple using a quality 1µF
ceramic capacitor. This pin is monitored for POR purpose.
GND and PGND (Pins 25 and 14)
Connect these pins to the circuit ground using the shortest
possible paths. All internal small-signal circuitry is
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
referenced to the GND pin. LGATE drive is referenced to the
PGND pin.
VID0-4 (Pins 2, 1, 24-22)
Voltage identification inputs from microprocessor. These pins
respond to TTL logic thresholds. The ISL8101 decodes the
VID inputs to establish the output voltage; see VID Tables
beginning on page 9 for correspondence between DAC codes
and output voltage settings. These pins are internally pulled
high, to approximately 1.2V, by 40µA (typically) internal
current sources; the internal pull-up current decrease to 0 as
the VID voltage approaches the internal pull-up voltage. All
VID pins are compatible with external pull-up voltages not
exceeding the IC’s bias voltage.
where:
rDS(ON)MAX = lower MOSFET’s highest drain-source ON
resistance (; include temperature effects)
IOUT = channel maximum output current (A)
See “Channel Balance Current Loop” on page 7 for more
information.
UGATE1, 2 (Pins 19, 12)
Connect these pins to the upper MOSFETs’ gates. These
pins are used to control the upper MOSFETs and are
monitored for shoot-through prevention purposes. Maximum
individual channel duty cycle is limited to 66%.
BOOT1, 2 (Pins 20, 11)
DACSEL/VID5 (Pin 3)
If VRM10 pin is grounded, DACSEL/VID5 represents the 6th
voltage identification input from the VRM10-compliant
microprocessor, otherwise known as VID5. If VRM10 pin is
open or pulled high, DACSEL/VID5 selects the compliance
standard for the internal DAC: pulled to ground it encodes the
DAC with AMD Hammer VID codes, while left open or pulled
high, it encodes the DAC with Intel VRM9.0 codes.
VRM10 (Pin 4)
This pin selects VRM10.0 DAC compliance when grounded.
Left open, it allows selection of either VRM9.0 or Hammer
DAC compliance via DACSEL pin.
ENLL (Pin 21)
This pin is a precision-threshold (approximately 0.6V) enable
pin. Held low, this pin disables controller operation. Pulled
high, the pin enables the controller for operation.
FB and COMP (Pins 6, 5)
The internal error amplifier’s inverting input and output
respectively. These pins are connected to the external
network used to compensate the regulator’s feedback loop.
An internal current source injects the offset (OFS) current
sampled into the FB pin. Pulling COMP to ground through an
impedance lower than 15 disables the controller (same
effect as ENLL pulled low).
ISEN (Pin 7)
This pin is used to close the current-balance loop and set the
overcurrent protection threshold. A resistor connected
between this pin and VCC has a voltage drop forced across it
equal to that sampled across the lower MOSFET’s rDS(ON)
during approximately the middle of its conduction interval.
The resulting current through this resistor is used for channel
current balancing and overcurrent protection. The voltage
across the RISEN resistor is time multiplexed between the
two channels.
To select the proper RISEN resistor, use Equation 1.
r DS  ON MAX  I OUT
R ISEN = ------------------------------------------------------95A
These pins provide the bias voltage for the upper MOSFETs’
drives. Connect these pins to appropriately-chosen external
bootstrap capacitors. Internal bootstrap diodes connected to
the PVCC pins provide the necessary bootstrap charge.
PHASE1, 2 (Pins 18, 13)
Connect these pins to the sources of the upper MOSFETs.
These pins are the return path for the upper MOSFETs’
drives.
LGATE1, 2 (Pins 17, 15)
These pins are used to control the lower MOSFETs and are
monitored for shoot-through prevention purposes. Connect
these pins to the lower MOSFETs’ gates.
OFS (Pin 9)
This pin is used to create an adjustable output voltage offset.
For no offset, leave this pin open. For negative offset, connect
a R’OFS resistor from this pin to VCC and size it according to
Equation 2.
1500
R OFS = R 1  -------------------------V
(EQ. 2)
OFFSET
where:
VOFFSET = desired output voltage offset magnitude (mV)
For positive output voltage offset, connect a ROFS resistor
from this pin to GND, sizing it according to Equation 3.
500
R OFS = R 1  -------------------------V
(EQ. 3)
OFFSET
For more information, refer to “Output Voltage Setting” on
page 9 .
SSEND (Pin 10)
This pin is an end of soft-start (SS) indicator; open drain
output device stays ON during soft-start, and goes open when
soft-start ends.
(EQ. 1)
6
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Operation
CHANNEL BALANCE CURRENT LOOP
The ISL8101 employs simple voltage-mode control. Figure 1
shows a simplified diagram of the voltage regulation and
current balance loops. Voltage feedback is used to precisely
regulate the output voltage, while current feedback tightly
controls the individual channel currents, IL1 and IL2, and
trips the OC protection, if so necessary.
The current balance control loop works in a similar fashion to
the voltage control loop, but with current control information
applied individually to each channel’s PWM circuit. The
information used for this control is the voltage that is
developed across the rDS(ON) of each lower MOSFET, while
they are conducting. A single resistor converts and scales
the voltage across the MOSFETs to a current that is applied
to the Current Sensing circuit within the ISL8101. Output
from these sensing circuits is applied to the current
averaging circuit. Each PWM channel receives the
difference current signal from the summing circuit that
compares the average sensed current to the individual
channel current. When a power channel’s current is greater
than the average current, the signal applied via the summing
Correction circuit to the Comparator, reduces the output
pulse width of the Comparator to compensate for the
detected “above average” current in that channel.
VOLTAGE LOOP
Feedback from the output voltage is applied via resistor R1
to the inverting input of the Error Amplifier. This signal can
drive the Error Amplifier output either high or low, depending
upon the output voltage. Low output voltage makes the
amplifier output move towards a higher output voltage level.
Amplifier output voltage is applied to the positive inputs of
the PWM Circuit comparators via the channel current
correction summing networks. Out-of-phase sawtooth
signals are applied to the two PWM comparators inverting
inputs. Increasing Error Amplifier voltage results in increased
Comparator output duty cycle. This increased duty cycle
signal is passed through the output drivers with no phase
reversal to drive the external upper MOSFETs. Increased
duty cycle or ON time for the upper MOSFET transistors
results in increased output voltage to compensate for the low
output voltage sensed.
DAC
AND
REFERENCE
MULTIPHASE POWER CONVERSION
Multiphase power conversion provides a cost-effective
power solution when load currents are no longer easily
supported by single-phase converters. Although its greater
complexity presents additional technical challenges, the
multiphase approach offers cost-saving advantages with
improved response time, superior ripple cancellation, and
thermal distribution.
VIN
OSCILLATOR
UGATE1
COMP
PWM
CIRCUIT

HALF-BRIDGE
DRIVE
LGATE1
R2
C2
PWM
CIRCUIT

L1
HALF-BRIDGE
DRIVE
ERROR
AMP
FB
VOUT
PHASE1
R1
VIN
CURRENT
SENSE

L2
COUT
UGATE2
AVERAGE

CURRENT
SENSE
LGATE2
PHASE2
ISEN
ISL8101
VCC
RISEN
FIGURE 1. SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE ISL8101 VOLTAGE AND CURRENT FEEDBACK
7
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
INTERLEAVING
The switching of each channel in a ISL8101-based converter
is timed to be symmetrically out of phase with the other
channel. As a result, the two-phase converter has a
combined ripple frequency twice the frequency of one of its
phases. In addition, the peak-to-peak amplitude of the
combined inductor currents is proportionately reduced.
Increased ripple frequency and lower ripple amplitude
generally translate to lower per-channel inductance and
lower total output capacitance for a given set of performance
specifications.
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 (should output
ripple be an important design parameter).
CIN CURRENT
Q1 D-S CURRENT
IL1 + IL2
Q3 D-S CURRENT
IL2
PWM2
IL1
FIGURE 3. INPUT CAPACITOR CURRENT AND INDIVIDUAL
CHANNEL CURRENTS IN A 2-PHASE
CONVERTER
PWM1
FIGURE 2. PWM AND INDUCTOR-CURRENT WAVEFORMS
FOR 2-PHASE CONVERTER
Figure 2 illustrates the additive effect on output ripple
frequency. The two channel currents (IL1 and IL2), combine
to form the AC ripple current and the DC load current. The
ripple component has two times the ripple frequency of each
individual channel current.
To understand the reduction of ripple current amplitude in the
multiphase circuit, examine Equation 4 representing an
individual channel’s peak-to-peak inductor current.
 V IN – V OUT   V OUT
I L P-P = --------------------------------------------------------L  fS  V
(EQ. 4)
IN
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 (see Equation 5).
 V IN – N  V OUT   V OUT
I P-P = -------------------------------------------------------------------L  fS  V
(EQ. 5)
IN
Peak-to-peak ripple current, IP-P, decreases by an amount
proportional to the number of channels. Output-voltage
8
Another benefit of interleaving is the reduction of input ripple
current. Input capacitance is determined in a large 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 3 illustrates input
currents from a two-phase converter combining to reduce
the total input ripple current.
Figure 12, part of the section entitled “Input Capacitor
Selection” on page 19, can be used to determine the
input-capacitor RMS current based on load current and duty
cycle. The figure is provided as an aid in determining the
optimal input capacitor solution.
PWM OPERATION
One switching cycle for the ISL8101 is defined as the time
between consecutive PWM pulse terminations (turn-off of
the upper MOSFET on a channel). Each cycle begins when
a switching clock signal commands the upper MOSFET to
go off. The other channel’s upper MOSFET conduction is
terminated 1/2 of a cycle later.
Once a channel’s upper MOSFET is turned off, the lower
MOSFET remains on for a minimum of 1/3 cycle. This forced
off time is required to assure an accurate current sample.
Following the 1/3-cycle forced off time, the controller enables
the upper MOSFET output. Once enabled, the upper
MOSFET output transitions high when the sawtooth signal
crosses the adjusted error-amplifier output signal, as
illustrated in the ISL8101’s block diagram. Just prior to the
upper drive turning the MOSFET on, the lower MOSFET
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
drive turns the freewheeling element off. The upper
MOSFET is kept on until the clock signals the beginning of
the next switching cycle and the PWM pulse is terminated.
CURRENT SENSING
OUTPUT CURRENT
ISL8101 senses current by sampling the voltage across the
lower MOSFET during its conduction interval. MOSFET
rDS(ON) sensing is a no-added-cost method to sense current
for channel current balance and overcurrent protection.
The PHASE pins are used as inputs for each channel.
Internal circuitry samples the lower MOSFETs’ rDS(ON)
voltage, once each cycle, during their conduction periods
and time multiplexes the sampled voltages across the ISEN
resistor. The current that is thus developed through the ISEN
resistor is duplicated and used for channel current balancing
and overcurrent detection.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
FIGURE 4. OVERCURRENT BEHAVIOR IN HICCUP MODE
CHANNEL-CURRENT BALANCE
Another 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 multiple parallel
MOSFETs and the expense of using expensive heat sinks
and exotic magnetic materials.
In order to fully realize the thermal advantage, it is important
that each channel in a multiphase converter be controlled to
deliver about the same current at any load level. Intersil
multiphase controllers ensure current balance by comparing
each channel’s current to the average current delivered by
all channels and making appropriate adjustments to each
channel’s pulse width based on the error. The error signal
modifies the pulse width to correct any unbalance and force
the error toward zero.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
The individual channel currents, as sensed via the PHASE
pins and scaled via the ISEN resistor, are continuously
monitored and compared with an internal 95µA reference
current. If both channels’ currents exceed, at any time, the
reference current, the overcurrent comparator triggers an
overcurrent event. Similarly, an OC event is also triggered if
either channel’s current exceeds the 95µA reference for 7
consecutive switching cycles.
As a result of an OC event, output drives on both channels
turn off both upper and lower MOSFETs. The system then
waits in this state for a period of 4096 switching clock cycles.
The wait period is followed by a soft-start attempt. If the
soft-start attempt is successful, operation continues as
normal. Should the soft-start attempt fail, the ISL8101
repeats the 2048-cycle wait period and follows with another
soft-start attempt. This hiccup mode of operation continues
indefinitely (as depicted in Figure 4) for as long as the
controller is enabled or until the overcurrent condition is
removed.
9
OUTPUT VOLTAGE SETTING
The ISL8101 uses a digital to analog converter (DAC) to
generate a reference voltage based on the logic signals at the
VID pins. The DAC decodes the 5 or 6-bit logic signals into
one of the discrete voltages shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3. Each
VID pin is pulled up to an internal 1.2V voltage by weak
current sources (about 45µA current, decreasing to 0 as the
voltage at the VID pins varies from 0 to the internal 1.2V pullup voltage). External pull-up resistors or active-high output
stages can augment the pull-up current sources, up to a
voltage of 5V.
The ISL8101 accommodates three different DAC ranges:
Intel VRM9.0, AMD Hammer, or Intel VRM10.0. See
“Functional Pin Description” on page 5 for proper
connections for desired DAC range compatibility.
.
TABLE 1. AMD HAMMER VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
1
1
1
1
1
Off
1
1
1
1
0
0.800
1
1
1
0
1
0.825
1
1
1
0
0
0.850
1
1
0
1
1
0.875
1
1
0
1
0
0.900
1
1
0
0
1
0.925
1
1
0
0
0
0.950
1
0
1
1
1
0.975
1
0
1
1
0
1.000
1
0
1
0
1
1.025
1
0
1
0
0
1.050
1
0
0
1
1
1.075
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
TABLE 1. AMD HAMMER VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
(Continued)
TABLE 2. VRM9 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
(Continued)
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
1
0
0
1
0
1.100
0
1
1
1
1
1.475
1
0
0
0
1
1.125
0
1
1
1
0
1.500
1
0
0
0
0
1.150
0
1
1
0
1
1.525
0
1
1
1
1
1.175
0
1
1
0
0
1.550
0
1
1
1
0
1.200
0
1
0
1
1
1.575
0
1
1
0
1
1.225
0
1
0
1
0
1.600
0
1
1
0
0
1.250
0
1
0
0
1
1.625
0
1
0
1
1
1.275
0
1
0
0
0
1.650
0
1
0
1
0
1.300
0
0
1
1
1
1.675
0
1
0
0
1
1.325
0
0
1
1
0
1.700
0
1
0
0
0
1.350
0
0
1
0
1
1.725
0
0
1
1
1
1.375
0
0
1
0
0
1.750
0
0
1
1
0
1.400
0
0
0
1
1
1.775
0
0
1
0
1
1.425
0
0
0
1
0
1.800
0
0
1
0
0
1.450
0
0
0
0
1
1.825
0
0
0
1
1
1.475
0
0
0
0
0
1.850
0
0
0
1
0
1.500
0
0
0
0
1
1.525
0
0
0
0
0
1.550
TABLE 2. VRM9 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
TABLE 3. VRM10 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VID5
VDAC
1
1
1
1
1
1
Off
1
1
1
1
1
0
Off
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VDAC
0
1
0
1
0
0
0.8375
1
1
1
1
1
Off
0
1
0
0\
1
1
0.8500
1
1
1
1
0
1.100
0
1
0
0
1
0
0.8625
0
1
0
0
0
1
0.8750
0
1
0
0
0
0
0.8875
0
0
1
1
1
1
0.9000
1
1
1
0
1
1.125
1
1
1
0
0
1.150
1
1
0
1
1
1.175
0
0
1
1
1
0
0.9125
1
1
0
1
0
1.200
0
0
1
1
0
1
0.9250
1
1
0
0
1
1.225
0
0
1
1
0
0
0.9375
1
1
0
0
0
1.250
0
0
1
0
1
1
0.9500
1
0
1
1
1
1.275
0
0
1
0
1
0
0.9625
0
0
1
0
0
1
0.9750
0
0
1
0
0
0
0.9875
0
0
0
1
1
1
1.0000
0
0
0
1
1
0
1.0125
1
0
1
1
0
1.300
1
0
1
0
1
1.325
1
0
1
0
0
1.350
1
0
0
1
1
1.375
0
0
0
1
0
1
1.0250
1
0
0
1
0
1.400
0
0
0
1
0
0
1.0375
1
0
0
0
1
1.425
0
0
0
0
1
1
1.0500
1
0
0
0
0
1.450
0
0
0
0
1
0
1.0625
0
0
0
0
0
1
1.0750
10
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
TABLE 3. VRM10 VOLTAGE IDENTIFICATION CODES
(Continued)
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
VID5
VDAC
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0875
1
1
1
1
0
1
1.1000
1
1
1
1
0
0
1.1125
1
1
1
0
1
1
1.1250
1
1
1
0
1
0
1.1375
1
1
1
0
0
1
1.1500
1
1
1
0
0
0
1.1625
1
1
0
1
1
1
1.1750
1
1
0
1
1
0
1.1875
1
1
0
1
0
1
1.2000
1
1
0
1
0
0
1.2125
1
1
0
0
1
1
1.2250
1
1
0
0
1
0
1.2375
1
1
0
0
0
1
1.2500
1
1
0
0
0
0
1.2625
1
0
1
1
1
1
1.2750
1
0
1
1
1
0
1.2875
1
0
1
1
0
1
1.300
1
0
1
1
0
0
1.3125
1
0
1
0
1
1
1.3250
1
0
1
0
1
0
1.3375
1
0
1
0
0
1
1.3500
1
0
1
0
0
0
1.3625
1
0
0
1
1
1
1.3750
1
0
0
1
1
0
1.3875
1
0
0
1
0
1
1.4000
1
0
0
1
0
0
1.4125
1
0
0
0
1
1
1.4250
1
0
0
0
1
0
1.4375
1
0
0
0
0
1
1.4500
1
0
0
0
0
0
1.4625
0
1
1
1
1
1
1.4750
0
1
1
1
1
0
1.4875
0
1
1
1
0
1
1.5000
0
1
1
1
0
0
1.5125
0
1
1
0
1
1
1.5250
0
1
1
0
1
0
1.5375
0
1
1
0
0
1
1.5500
0
1
1
0
0
0
1.5625
0
1
0
1
1
1
1.5750
0
1
0
1
1
0
1.5875
0
1
0
1
0
1
1.6000
DYNAMIC VID (VID-ON-THE-FLY)
The ISL8101 is capable of executing on-the-fly output
voltage changes. The way the ISL8101 reacts to a change in
the VID code is dependent on the VID configuration. In
VRM9 or AMD Hammer settings, the ISL8101 checks for a
change in the VID code four times each switching cycle. The
VID code is the bit pattern present at pins VID4-VID0. If a
new code is established and it stays the same for 12
switching cycles, the ISL8101 begins changing the reference
by making one step change every four switching cycles until
it reaches the new VID code. Figure 5 depicts such a
transition, from 1.5V to 1.7V
01110
00110
VVID
VID CHANGE OCCURS HERE
VREF (100mV/DIV)
1.5V
VOUT (100mV/DIV)
1.5V
FIGURE 5. TYPICAL DYNAMIC-VID OPERATION, VRM9 DAC
SETTING
In VRM10 setting, the ISL8101 checks for a change in the VID
code six times each switching cycle. If a new code is
established and it stays the same for 3 consecutive readings,
the ISL8101 recognizes the change and increments the
reference. Specific to VRM10, the processor controls the VID
transitions and is responsible for incrementing or
decrementing one VID step at a time. In VRM10 setting, the
ISL8101 will immediately change the reference to the new
requested value as soon as the request is validated; in cases
where the reference step is too large, the sudden change can
trigger overcurrent or overvoltage events.
In non-VRM10 settings, due to the way the ISL8101
recognizes VID code changes, up to one full switching
period may pass before a VID change registers. Thus, the
total time required for a VID change, tDVID, is dependent on
the switching frequency (fS), the size of the change (VID),
and the time required to register the VID change. The
approximate time required for a ISL8101-based converter in
VRM9 configuration running at typical fS (222kHz) to
perform a 1.5V-to-1.7V reference voltage change is about
196µs, as calculated using Equation 6. (this example is also
illustrated in Figure 5).

1  4 V VID
t DVID  -----  --------------------- + 13
f S  0.025

11
(EQ. 6)
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
The ISL8101 benefits from a multi-tiered approach to
overvoltage protection.
A pre-POR mechanism is at work while the chip does not
have sufficient bias voltage to initiate an active response to
an OV situation. Thus, while VCC is below its POR level, the
lower drives are three-stated and internal 5k (typically)
resistors are connected from PHASE to their respective
LGATE pins. As a result, output voltage, duplicated at the
PHASE nodes via the output inductors, is effectively
clamped at the lower MOSFETs’ threshold level. This
approach ensures no catastrophic output voltage can be
developed at the output of an ISL8101-based regulator (for
most typical applications).
The pre-POR mechanism is removed once the bias is above
the POR level, and a fixed-threshold OVP goes into effect.
Based on the specific chip configuration, the OVP goes into
effect once the voltage sensed at the FB pin exceeds about
1.65V (Hammer/VR10) or 1.95V (VR9 configuration). Should
the output voltage exceed these thresholds, the lower
MOSFETs are turned on.
chosen to enable the ISL8101 as the 12V input exceeds
approximately 9.75V. Additionally, an open-drain or opencollector device can be used to wire-AND a second (or
multiple) control signal, as shown in Figure 6. To defeat the
threshold-sensitive enable, connect ENLL to VCC directly or
via a pull-up resistor.
ISL8101
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
+5V
+12V
ENABLE
COMPARATOR
POR
CIRCUIT
VCC
15k
+
ENLL
-
OFF
1k
0.61V
ON
FIGURE 6. START-UP COORDINATION USING THRESHOLDSENSITIVE ENABLE (ENLL) PIN
During soft-start, the OVP threshold changes to the higher of
the fixed threshold (1.65V/1.95V) or the DAC setting plus
200mV. At the end of the soft-start, the OVP threshold
changes to the DAC setting plus 200mV.
The ‘11111’ VID code is reserved as a signal to the controller
that no load is present. The controller is disabled while
receiving this VID code and will subsequently start up upon
receiving any other code.
In any of the described post-POR functionality, OVP results
in the turn-on of the lower MOSFETs. Once turned on, the
lower MOSFETs are only turned off when the output voltage
drops below the OV comparator’s hysteretic threshold. The
OVP process repeats if the voltage rises back above the
designated threshold. The occurrence of an OVP event does
not latch the controller; should the phenomenon be
transitory, the controller resumes normal operation following
such an event.
In summary, for the ISL8101 to operate, the following
conditions need be met: VCC and PVCC must be greater
than their respective POR thresholds, the voltage at ENLL
must be greater than 0.61V, and VID has to be different than
‘11111’. Once all these conditions are met, the controller
immediately initiates a soft-start sequence.
ON/OFF CONTROL
The internal power-on reset circuit (POR) prevents the
ISL8101 from starting before the bias voltage at VCC and
PVCC reach the rising POR thresholds, as defined in
“Electrical Specifications” on page 4. The POR levels are
sufficiently high to guarantee that all parts of the ISL8101
can perform their functions properly once bias is applied to
the part. While bias is below the rising POR thresholds, the
controlled MOSFETs are kept in an off state.
A secondary disablement feature is available via the
threshold-sensitive enable input (ENLL). This optional
feature prevents the ISL8101 from operating until a certain
other voltage rail is available and above some selectable
threshold. For example, when down-converting off a 12V
input, it may be desirable the ISL8101-based converter does
not start up until the power input is sufficiently high. The
schematic in Figure 6 demonstrates coordination of the
ISL8101 with such a rail; the resistor components are
12
SOFT-START
The soft-start function allows the converter to bring up the
output voltage in a controlled fashion, resulting in a linear
ramp-up. Following a delay of 16 PHASE clock cycles (about
70µs) between enabling the chip and the start of the ramp,
the output voltage progresses at a fixed rate of 12.5mV per
16 PHASE clock cycles.
Thus, the soft-start period (not including the 70µs wait) up to
a given voltage, VDAC, can be approximated by Equation 7.
V DAC  1280
t SS = --------------------------------fS
(EQ. 7)
where VDAC is the DAC-set VID voltage, and fS is the
switching frequency (typically 222kHz).
The ISL8101 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 equivalent internal ramping
reference voltage, the output drives hold both MOSFETs off.
Once the internal ramping reference exceeds the FB pin
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
potential, the output drives are enabled, allowing the output
to ramp from the pre-charged level to the final level dictated
by the DAC setting. Should the output be pre-charged 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.
C2
COMP
R2
C3
R3
C1
-
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
ABOVE DAC LEVEL
E/A
+
R1
FB
VREF
OUTPUT PRECHARGED
BELOW DAC LEVEL
VOUT
OSCILLATOR
VIN
VOUT (0.5V/DIV)
GND>
PWM
CIRCUIT
VOSC
UGATE
ENLL (5V/DIV)
GND>
T1 T2
HALF-BRIDGE
DRIVE
T3
L
D
PHASE
LGATE
FIGURE 7. SOFT-START WAVEFORMS FOR ISL8101-BASED
MULTIPHASE CONVERTER
ISL8101
C
E
EXTERNAL CIRCUIT
FREQUENCY COMPENSATION
The ISL8101 multiphase converter behaves in a similar
manner to a voltage-mode controller. This section highlights
the design consideration for a voltage-mode controller requiring
external compensation. To address a broad range of
applications, a type-3 feedback network is recommended.
Figure 8 highlights the voltage-mode control loop for a
synchronous-rectified buck converter, applicable, with a small
number of adjustments, to the multiphase ISL8101 circuit. The
output voltage (VOUT) is regulated to the reference voltage,
VREF, level. The error amplifier output (COMP pin voltage) is
compared with the oscillator (OSC) modified saw-tooth wave to
provide a pulse-width modulated wave with an amplitude of VIN
at the PHASE node. The PWM wave is smoothed by the output
filter (L and C). The output filter capacitor bank’s equivalent
series resistance is represented by the series resistor E.
The modulator transfer function is the small-signal transfer
function of VOUT /VCOMP. This function is dominated by a DC
gain, given by dMAXVIN /VOSC , and shaped by the output
filter, with a double pole break frequency at FLC and a zero at
FCE . For the purpose of this analysis, L and D represent the
individual channel inductance and its DCR divided by 2
(equivalent parallel value of the two output inductors), while C
and E represents the total output capacitance and its
equivalent series resistance (see Equation 8).
1
F LC = --------------------------2  L  C
1
F CE = -----------------------2  C  E
13
(EQ. 8)
FIGURE 8. VOLTAGE-MODE BUCK CONVERTER
COMPENSATION DESIGN
The compensation network consists of the error amplifier
(internal to the ISL8101) and the external R1-R3, C1-C3
components. The goal of the compensation network is to
provide a closed loop transfer function with high 0dB crossing
frequency (F0; typically 0.1 to 0.3 of FSW) and adequate phase
margin (better than 45°). Phase margin is the difference
between the closed loop phase at F0dB and 180°. Equations
9,10, 11, and 12 relate the compensation network’s poles,
zeros and gain to the components (R1 , R2 , R3 , C1 , C2 , and
C3) (see Figure 8). Use the following guidelines for locating the
poles and zeros of the compensation network:
1. Select a value for R1 (1k to 5k, typically). Calculate
value for R2 for desired converter bandwidth (F0).
V OSC  R 1  F 0
R2 = --------------------------------------------d MAX  V IN  F LC
(EQ. 9)
2. Calculate C1 such that FZ1 is placed at a fraction of the FLC,
at 0.1 to 0.75 of FLC (to adjust, change the 0.5 factor to
desired number). The higher the quality factor of the output
filter and/or the higher the ratio FCE/FLC, the lower the FZ1
frequency (to maximize phase boost).
1
C 1 = ----------------------------------------------2  R 2  0.5  F LC
(EQ. 10)
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
3. Calculate C2 such that FP1 is placed at FCE.
(EQ. 11)
4. Calculate R3 (see Equation 12) such that FZ2 is placed at
FLC. Calculate C3 such that FP2 is placed below FSW
(typically, 0.5 to 1.0 times FSW). FSW represents the
per-channel switching frequency. Change the numerical
factor to reflect desired placement of this pole. Placement
of FP2 lower in frequency helps reduce the gain of the
compensation network at high frequency, in turn reducing
the HF ripple component at the COMP pin and minimizing
resultant duty cycle jitter.
R1
R 3 = ---------------------F SW
------------ – 1
F LC
(EQ. 12)
1
C 3 = ------------------------------------------------2  R 3  0.7  F SW
It is recommended a mathematical model is used to plot the
loop response. Check the loop gain against the error
amplifier’s open-loop gain. Verify phase margin results and
adjust as necessary. Equations 13 and 14 describe the
frequency response of the modulator (GMOD), feedback
compensation (GFB) and closed-loop response (GCL):
d MAX  V IN
1 + sf  E  C
G MOD  f  = ------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
V OSC
1 + s f  E + D  C + s f  L  C
1 + s  f   R2  C1
(EQ. 13)
G FB  f  = ---------------------------------------------------- 
s  f   R1   C1 + C2 
1 + s  f    R1 + R3   C3
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ C1  C2  

 1 + s  f   R 3  C 3    1 + s  f   R 2   --------------------- 
 C 1 + C 2 

G CL  f  = G MOD  f   G FB  f 
where s  f  = 2  f  j
COMPENSATION BREAK FREQUENCY EQUATIONS
1
F Z1 = ------------------------------2  R 2  C 1
1
F Z2 = ------------------------------------------------2   R 1 + R 3   C 3
1
F P1 = --------------------------------------------C1  C2
2  R2  --------------------C1 + C2
(EQ. 14)
1
F P2 = ------------------------------2  R 3  C 3
Figure 9 shows an asymptotic plot of the DC/DC converter’s
gain vs. frequency. The actual Modulator Gain has a high gain
peak dependent on the quality factor (Q) of the output filter,
which is not shown. Using the above guidelines should yield a
compensation gain similar to the curve plotted. The open loop
error amplifier gain bounds the compensation gain. Check the
compensation gain at FP2 against the capabilities of the error
amplifier. The closed loop gain, GCL, is constructed on the
log-log graph of Figure 9 by adding the modulator gain, GMOD
(in dB), to the feedback compensation gain, GFB (in dB). This is
equivalent to multiplying the modulator transfer function and the
14
FP1
FP2
GAIN
FZ1 FZ2
 R 2
20 log  -------
 R 2
MODULATOR GAIN
COMPENSATION GAIN
CLOSED LOOP GAIN
OPEN LOOP E/A GAIN
d MAX  V
IN
20 log --------------------------------V
OSC
0
GFB
GCL
LOG
C1
C 2 = -------------------------------------------------------2  R 2  C 1  F CE – 1
GMOD
LOG
FLC
FCE
F0
FREQUENCY
FIGURE 9. ASYMPTOTIC BODE PLOT OF CONVERTER GAIN
compensation transfer function and then plotting the resulting
gain.
A stable control loop has a gain crossing with close to a
-20dB/decade slope and a phase margin greater than 45°.
Include worst case component variations when determining
phase margin. The mathematical model presented makes a
number of approximations and is generally not accurate at
frequencies approaching or exceeding half the switching
frequency. When designing compensation networks, select
target crossover frequencies in the range of 10% to 30% of
the per-channel switching frequency, FSW.
General Application 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 below. 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.
MOSFETs
Given the fixed switching frequency of the ISL8101 and the
integrated output drives, the selection of MOSFETs revolves
closely around the current each MOSFET is required to
conduct, the capability of the devices to dissipate heat, as well
as the characteristics of available heat sinking. Since the
ISL8101 drives the MOSFETs with 5V, the selection of
appropriate MOSFETs should be done by comparing and
evaluating their characteristics at this specific VGS bias
voltage.
LOWER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
Since virtually all of the heat loss in the lower MOSFET is
conduction loss (due to current conducted through the
channel resistance, rDS(ON)), a quick approximation for heat
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
This transition occurs over a time t2, and the approximate
the power loss is PUMOS,2.
dissipated in the lower MOSFET can be found in
Equation 15.
2
I L ,P-P
1 – D
 I OUT 2
---------------------------------P LMOS1 = r DS  ON   -----------
1
–
D

+

12
 2 
(EQ. 15)
where: IM is the maximum continuous output current, IL,P-P
is the peak-to-peak inductor current, and D is the duty cycle
(approximately VOUT/VIN).
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.
 I OUT I P-P
 I OUT I

P-P- t
P LMOS 2 = V D  ON  f S  ------------ + ----------- t d1 +  ------------ – ---------2 
2  d2
 2
 2
(EQ. 16)
Equation 16 assumes the current through the lower
MOSFET is always positive; if so, the total power dissipated
in each lower MOSFET is approximated by the summation of
PLMOS1 and PLMOS2.
UPPER MOSFET POWER CALCULATION
In addition to rDS(ON) losses, a large portion of the upper
MOSFET losses are switching losses, due to currents
conducted through the device while the input voltage is
present as VDS. Upper MOSFET losses can be divided into
separate components, separating the upper MOSFET
switching losses, the lower MOSFET body diode reverse
recovery charge loss, and the upper MOSFET rDS(ON)
conduction loss.
In most typical circuits, when the upper MOSFET turns off, it
continues to conduct the inductor current until the voltage at
the phase node falls below ground. Once the lower
MOSFET begins conducting (via its body diode or
enhancement channel), the current in the upper MOSFET
falls to zero. In the following equation, the required time for
this commutation is t1 and the associated power loss is
PUMOS,1.
 I OUT I L ,P-P  t 1 
P UMOS ,1  V IN  ------------+ ---------------  ----  f S
2   2
 N
(EQ. 17)
Similarly, the upper MOSFET begins conducting as soon as
it begins turning on. Assuming the inductor current is in the
positive domain, the upper MOSFET sees approximately the
input voltage applied across its drain and source terminals,
while it turns on and starts conducting the inductor current.
15
 I OUT I L ,P-P  t 2 
P UMOS , 2  V IN  ------------– ---------------  ----  f S
2  2
 N
(EQ. 18)
A third component involves the lower MOSFET’s
reverse-recovery charge, QRR. Since the lower MOSFET’s
body diode conducts the full inductor current before it has
fully switched to the upper MOSFET, the upper MOSFET
has to provide the charge required to turn off the lower
MOSFET’s body diode. This charge is conducted through
the upper MOSFET across VIN, the power dissipated as a
result, PUMOS,3 can be approximated as shown in
Equation 19.
P UMOS ,3 = V IN Q rr f S
(EQ. 19)
Lastly, the conduction loss part of the upper MOSFET’s
power dissipation, PUMOS,4, can be calculated using
Equation 20.
2
2
I P-P
 I OUT
P UMOS ,4 = r DS  ON   d   ------------ + ----------12
 N 
(EQ. 20)
In this case, of course, rDS(ON) is the ON-resistance of the
upper MOSFET.
The total power dissipated by the upper MOSFET at full load
can be approximated as the summation of these results.
Since the power equations depend on MOSFET parameters,
choosing the correct MOSFETs can be an iterative process
that involves repetitively solving the loss equations for
different MOSFETs and different switching frequencies until
converging upon the best solution.
OUTPUT FILTER DESIGN
The output inductors and the output capacitor bank together
form a low-pass filter responsible for smoothing the square
wave voltage at the phase nodes. Additionally, the output
capacitors must also provide the energy required by a fast
transient load during the short interval of time required by the
controller and power train to respond. Because it has a low
bandwidth compared to the switching frequency, the output
filter limits the system transient response leaving the output
capacitor bank to supply the load current or sink the inductor
currents, all while the current in the output inductors
increases or decreases to meet the load demand.
In high-speed converters, the output capacitor bank is
amongst the costlier (and often the physically largest) parts
of the circuit. Output filter design begins with consideration
of the critical load parameters: 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).
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
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 outputvoltage deviation is less than the allowable maximum.
Neglecting the contribution of inductor current and regulator
response, the output voltage initially deviates according to
Equation 21.
di
V   ESL  ----- +  ESR  I
dt
(EQ. 21)
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 is also responsible for the
majority of the output-voltage ripple. As the bulk capacitors
sink and source the inductor ac ripple current, a voltage
develops across the bulk-capacitor ESR equal to IP-P. Thus,
once the output capacitors are selected and a maximum
allowable ripple voltage, VP-P(MAX), is determined from an
analysis of the available output voltage budget. Equation 22
can be used to determine a lower limit on the output
inductance.
 V IN – 2  V OUT   V OUT
L  ESR  ----------------------------------------------------------------f S  V IN  V P-P  MAX 
(EQ. 22)
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.
4  C  V OUT
L  --------------------------------   V MAX – I  ESR 
2
 I 
(EQ. 23)
While Equation 23 addresses the leading edge, Equation 24
gives the upper limit on L for cases where the trailing edge of
the current transient causes a greater output voltage
deviation than the leading edge.
2.5  C
L  -----------------   V MAX – I  ESR    V IN – V O 
2
 I 
(EQ. 24)
Normally, the trailing edge dictates the selection of L, since
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 all equations in this
paragraph, L is the per-channel inductance and C is the total
output bulk capacitance.
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
layout and printed circuit design minimizes the voltage
spikes in the converter. Consider, as an example, the turn-off
transition of the upper PWM MOSFET. Prior to turn-off, 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 ISL8101 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.
Note that as the ISL8101 does not allow external adjustment
of the channel-to-channel current balancing (current
information is multiplexed across a single RISEN resistor), it
is important to have a symmetrical layout, preferably with the
controller equidistantly located from the two power trains it
controls. Equally important are the gate drive lines (UGATE,
LGATE, PHASE): since they drive the power train MOSFETs
using short, high current pulses, it is important to size them
accordingly and reduce their overall impedance. Equidistant
placement of the controller to the two power trains also helps
keeping these traces equally long (equal impedances,
resulting in similar driving of both sets of MOSFETs).
The power components should be placed first. Locate the
input capacitors close to the power switches. Minimize the
length of the connections between the input capacitors, CIN,
and the power switches. Locate the output inductors and
output capacitors between the MOSFETs and the load.
Locate the high-frequency decoupling capacitors (ceramic)
as close as practicable to the decoupling target, making use
of the shortest connection paths to any internal planes, such
as vias to GND immediately next, or even onto the capacitor
solder pad.
The critical small components include the bypass capacitors
for VCC and PVCC. Locate the bypass capacitors, CBP,
16
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
close to the device. It is especially important to locate the
components associated with the feedback circuit close to
their respective controller pins, since they belong to a highimpedance circuit loop, sensitive to EMI pick-up. It is
important to place the RISEN resistor close to the respective
terminal of the ISL8101.
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 wiring traces from the IC to the MOSFETs’ gates
and sources should be sized to carry at least one ampere of
current (0.02” to 0.05”).
A multi-layer printed circuit board is recommended. Figure 10
shows the connections of the critical components for one
output channel of the converter. Note that capacitors CxxIN
and CxxOUT 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 inductor LOUT short. The power plane should support the
+12VIN
LIN
+5VIN
(CHFIN1)
CBIN1
(CF2)
(CF1)
PVCC
VCC
BOOT1
CBOOT1
DACSEL/VID12
UGATE1
VID4
Q1
VID3
VID2
LOUT1
PHASE1
VID1
VID0
Q2
VRM10
RISEN
LGATE1
ISEN
BOOT2
R’OFS
SSEND
CBOOT2
ISL8101
ENLL
VOUT
OFS
UGATE2
ROFS
C2
CBOUT
CBIN2
Q3
(CHFOUT)
(CHFIN2)
PHASE2
COMP
LOUT2
C1
LGATE2
R2
LOCATE NEAR LOAD;
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
Q4
PGND
FB
R1
GND
LOCATE CLOSE TO IC
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
LOCATE NEAR SWITCHING TRANSISTORS;
(MINIMIZE CONNECTION PATH)
KEY
HEAVY TRACE ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
ISLAND ON POWER PLANE LAYER
ISLAND ON CIRCUIT PLANE LAYER
VIA CONNECTION TO GROUND PLANE
FIGURE 10. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD POWER PLANES AND ISLANDS
17
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitor is selected to meet both the dynamic
load requirements and the voltage ripple requirements. The
load transient a microprocessor impresses is characterized
by high slew rate (di/dt) current demands. In general,
multiple high quality capacitors of different size and dielectric
are paralleled to meet the design constraints.
Should the load be characterized by high slew rates, attention
should be particularly paid to the selection and placement of
high-frequency decoupling capacitors (MLCCs, typically
multi-layer ceramic capacitors). High frequency capacitors
supply the initially transient current and slow the load
rate-of-change seen by the bulk capacitors. The bulk filter
capacitor values are generally determined by the ESR
(effective series resistance) and capacitance requirements.
High frequency decoupling capacitors should be placed as
close to the power pins of the load, or for that reason, to any
decoupling target they are meant for, as physically possible.
Attention should be paid as not to add inductance in the
circuit board wiring that could cancel the usefulness of these
low inductance components. Consult with the manufacturer
of the load on specific decoupling requirements.
Use only specialized low-ESR capacitors intended for
switching-regulator applications for the bulk capacitors. The
bulk capacitor’s ESR determines the output ripple voltage
and the initial voltage drop following a high slew-rate
transient’s edge. In most cases, multiple capacitors of small
case size perform better than a single large case capacitor.
Bulk capacitor choices include aluminum electrolytic, OS-Con,
Tantalum and even ceramic dielectrics. An aluminum
electrolytic capacitor’s ESR value is related to the case size
with lower ESR available in larger case sizes. However, the
equivalent series inductance (ESL) of these capacitors
increases with case size and can reduce the usefulness of the
capacitor to high slew-rate transient loading. Unfortunately,
ESL is not a specified parameter. Consult the capacitor
manufacturer and/or measure the capacitor’s impedance with
frequency to help select a suitable component.
single channel’s ripple current is approximated by using
Equation 25.
V IN – V OUT V OUT
I L P-P = --------------------------------  ---------------F SW  L
V IN
(EQ. 25)
The current from multiple channels tend to cancel each other
and reduce the total ripple current. The total output ripple
current can be determined using the curve in Figure 11; it
provides the total ripple current as a function of duty cycle
and number of active channels, normalized to the parameter
KNORM at zero duty cycle (see Equation 26).
V OUT
K NORM = ------------------L  F SW
(EQ. 26)
where L is the channel inductor value.
Find the intersection of the active channel curve and duty
cycle for your particular application. The resulting ripple
current multiplier from the y-axis is then multiplied by the
normalization factor, KNORM, to determine the total output
ripple current for the given application (see Equation 27).
I TOTAL = K NORM  K CM
(EQ. 27)
1.0
CURRENT MULTIPLIER, KCM
Component Selection Guidelines
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
DUTY CYCLE (VO/VIN)
FIGURE 11. RIPPLE CURRENT vs DUTY CYCLE
Output Inductor Selection
One of the parameters limiting the converter’s response to a
load transient is the time required to change the inductor
current. In a multiphase converter, small inductors reduce
the response time with less impact to the total output ripple
current (as compared to single-phase converters).
The output inductor of each power channel controls the
ripple current. The control IC is stable for channel ripple
current (peak-to-peak) up to twice the average current. A
18
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Input Capacitor Selection
The important parameters for the bulk input capacitors are
the voltage rating and the RMS current rating. For reliable
operation, select bulk input capacitors with voltage and
current ratings above the maximum input voltage and
largest RMS current required by the circuit. The capacitor
voltage rating should be at least 1.25x greater than the
maximum input voltage. The input RMS current required for
a multiphase converter can be approximated with the aid of
Figure 12.
INPUT CAPACITOR CURRENT (IRMS / IO)
0.3
IL,P-P = 0.75 x IO
Use a mix of input bypass capacitors to control the input
voltage ripple. Use ceramic capacitance for the high
frequency decoupling and bulk capacitors to supply the
RMS current. Minimize the connection path inductance of
the high frequency decoupling ceramic capacitors (from
drain of upper MOSFET to source of lower MOSFET).
IL,P-P = 0.5 x IO
0.2
IL,P-P = 0
For bulk capacitance, several electrolytic or high-capacity MLC
capacitors may be needed. For surface mount designs, solid
tantalum capacitors can be used, but caution must be
exercised with regard to the capacitor surge current rating.
These capacitors must be capable of handling the
surge-current at power-up.
0.1
0
As 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. Figure 12 can be used to determine the
input-capacitor RMS current function of duty cycle,
maximum sustained output current (IO), and the ratio of the
peak-to-peak inductor current (IL,P-P) to the maximum
sustained load current, IO. Figure 12 can also be used as a
reference demonstrating the dramatic reduction in input
capacitor RMS current in a 2-phase DC/DC converter, as
compared to a single-phase regulator.
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
DUTY CYCLE (VO /VIN)
FIGURE 12. NORMALIZED INPUT RMS CURRENT vs DUTY
CYCLE FOR A 2-PHASE CONVERTER
All Intersil U.S. products are manufactured, assembled and tested utilizing ISO9001 quality systems.
Intersil Corporation’s quality certifications can be viewed at www.intersil.com/design/quality
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 without
notice. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned to verify that data sheets are current before placing orders. Information furnished by Intersil is believed to be 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 parties which may result
from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Intersil or its subsidiaries.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
19
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008
ISL8101
Package Outline Drawing
L24.4x4B
24 LEAD QUAD FLAT NO-LEAD PLASTIC PACKAGE
Rev 2, 10/06
4.00
4X 2.5
A
20X 0.50
B
PIN 1
INDEX AREA
PIN #1 CORNER
(C 0 . 25)
24
19
1
18
4.00
2 . 34 ± 0 . 15
13
0.15
(4X)
12
7
0.10 M C A B
0 . 07
24X 0 . 23 +- 0
. 05 4
24X 0 . 4 ± 0 . 1
TOP VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW
SEE DETAIL "X"
0.10 C
C
0 . 90 ± 0 . 1
BASE PLANE
( 3 . 8 TYP )
SEATING PLANE
0.08 C
SIDE VIEW
(
2 . 34 )
( 20X 0 . 5 )
C
0 . 2 REF
5
( 24X 0 . 25 )
0 . 00 MIN.
0 . 05 MAX.
( 24X 0 . 6 )
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 b 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 identifier may be
either a mold or mark feature.
20
FN9223.1
July 28, 2008