MAXIM MAX1937EEI

19-2498; Rev 1; 10/02
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 are compliant with
AMD Hammer, Intel‚ Voltage-Regulator Module (VRM)
9.0/9.1, and AMD Athlon™ Mobile VID code specifications (see Table 1 for VID codes). The internal DAC provides ultra-high accuracy of ±0.75%. A controlled VID
voltage transition is implemented to minimize both
undervoltage and overvoltage overshoot during VID
input change.
Remote sensing is available for high output-voltage
accuracy. The MOSFET switches are driven by a 6V
gate-drive circuit to minimize switching and crossover
conduction losses to achieve efficiency as high as
90%. The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 feature cycleby-cycle current limit to ensure that the current limit is
not exceeded. Crowbar protection is available to protect against output overvoltage.
Features
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
±0.75% Output Voltage Accuracy
Instant Load-Transient Response
Up to 90% Efficiency Eliminates Heatsinks
Up to 60A Output Current
8V to 24V Input Range
User-Programmable Voltage Positioning
Controlled VID Voltage Transition
500kHz Effective Switching Frequency
MAX1937: AMD Hammer Compatible
MAX1938: Intel VRM 9.0/9.1 Compatible
MAX1939: AMD Athlon Mobile Compatible
Soft-Start
Power-Good (PWRGD) Output
Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit
Output Overvoltage Protection (OVP)
RDS(ON) or RSENSE Current Sensing
Remote Voltage Sensing
28-Pin QSOP Package
Ordering Information
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1937EEI
PART
-40°C to +85°C
28 QSOP
MAX1938EEI
-40°C to +85°C
28 QSOP
MAX1939EEI
-40°C to +85°C
28 QSOP
Applications
Notebook and Desktop Computers
Pin Configuration
Servers and Workstations
Blade Servers
High-End Switches
High-End Routers
Macro Base Stations
TOP VIEW
VID0 1
28 VCC
VID1 2
27 BST1
TIME 3
26 DH1
VID2 4
25 LX1
VID3 5
VID4 6
VPOS 7
Typical Application Circuits and Functional Diagram appear
at end of data sheet.
Quick-PWM is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Athlon is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corp.
24 CS1
MAX1937
MAX1938
MAX1939
23 DL1
22 VLG
VDD 8
21 PGND
ILIM 9
20 DL2
GND 10
19 CS2
GNDS 11
18 LX2
REF 12
17 DH2
EN 13
16 BST2
FB 14
15 PWRGD
QSOP
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
1
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
General Description
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 comprise a family of
synchronous, two-phase, step-down controllers capable
of delivering load currents up to 60A. The controllers utilize Quick-PWM™ control architecture in conjunction with
active load-current voltage positioning. Quick-PWM control provides instantaneous load-step response, while
programmable voltage positioning allows the converter
to utilize full transient regulation limits, reducing the output capacitance requirement. The two phases operate
180° out-of-phase with an effective 500kHz switching frequency, thus reducing input and output current ripple, as
well as reducing input filter capacitor requirements.
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
VCC to GND ............................................................-0.3V to +28V
VDD, PWRGD, ILIM, FB to GND ...............................-0.3V to +6V
EN, GNDS, VPOS, REF, VID_,
TIME to GND ............................................0.3V to VVDD + 0.3V
PGND to GND .......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
CS1, CS2 to GND ......................................................-2V to +28V
VLG to GND..............................................................-0.3V to +7V
BST1, BST2 to GND ...............................................-0.3V to +35V
LX1 to BST1..............................................................-7V to +0.3V
LX2 to BST2..............................................................-7V to +0.3V
DH1 to LX1.................................................-0.3V to VBST1 + 0.3V
DH2 to LX2.................................................-0.3V to VBST2 + 0.3V
DL1, DL2 to PGND ......................................-0.3V to VVLG + 0.3V
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
28-Pin QSOP (derate 20.8mW/°C above +70°C)......860.2mW
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VCC = 12V, VEN = VVDD = 5V, PGND = GNDS = GND = 0, VID_ = GND, CVPOS = 47pF, CREF = 0.1µF, VILIM = 1V, TA = 0°C to
+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
GENERAL
VCC Operating Range
MAX1937
6
24
MAX1938/MAX1939
8
24
VDD Operating Range
4.5
5
VLG Operating Range
VVLG > VVDD
VCC Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VDD Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VLG Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VCC Shutdown Current
EN = GND
<1
VDD Shutdown Current
EN = GND, VID_ not connected
50
VLG Shutdown Current
EN = GND
TIME Output Voltage
4.5
V
6.5
V
20
40
µA
1.4
2.5
mA
60
µA
5
µA
100
µA
<1
5
µA
2.00
2.04
V
+250
nA
20
1.96
5.5
V
ILIM Input Bias
VILIM = 1.5V
-250
VPOS Output Voltage
CS_= GND, VPOS connected to REF through a 75kΩ
resistor
1.96
2.0
2.04
V
-50µA ≤ IREF ≤ 50µA
1.987
2.000
2.013
V
REFERENCE
Reference Voltage
SOFT-START
Ramp Period
MAX1937
1.1
5.5
MAX1938
1.5
6.2
MAX1939
1.3
6.5
Soft-Start Voltage Step
25
ms
mV
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FB Input Resistance
2
Resistance from FB to GND
180
kΩ
GNDS Input Bias Current
-5
+5
µA
Output Regulation Voltage
Accuracy
-0.75
+0.75
%
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
(VCC = 12V, VEN = VVDD = 5V, PGND = GNDS = GND = 0, VID_ = GND, CVPOS = 47pF, CREF = 0.1µF, VILIM = 1V, TA = 0°C to
+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
Rising or falling VDD
4.00
4.25
4.45
V
Rising or falling VLG
4.00
4.25
FAULT PROTECTION
VDD Undervoltage Lockout
(UVLO) Threshold
VDD UVLO Hysteresis
VLG UVLO Threshold
80
VLG UVLO Hysteresis
Thermal Shutdown
Rising temperature, typical hysteresis = 15°C
Reference UVLO Threshold
mV
4.45
mV
160
°C
Rising edge
1.600
Falling edge
1.584
V
MAX1937/MAX1938
1.97
2.00
2.03
MAX1939
2.215
2.250
2.285
Rising and falling percentage of the nominal
regulation voltage
65
70
75
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 1.5V
135
150
165
Output Overvoltage Fault
Threshold
Rising and falling
Output UVLO Threshold
V
40
V
%
CURRENT LIMIT
Current-Limit Threshold
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 1V
90
100
110
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 0.5V
45
50
55
mV
CS Input Offset Voltage
CS_ = GND
-3
+3
mV
CS_ Input Bias Current
CS_ = GND
-5
+5
µA
VOLTAGE POSITIONING
VPOS Input Offset Voltage
+3
mV
72.5
-3
75.0
77.5
%/V
From CS1, CS2 to FB; VCS1, VCS2 = +13mV, -113mV;
RVPOS = 75kΩ
68
75
82
%/V
On-Time
LX1 = LX2 = CS1 = CS2 = GND, VFB = 1.5V
420
525
630
ns
Minimum Off-Time
DH1 low to DH2 high, and DH2 low to DH1 high
260
325
390
ns
VPOS Gain
From CS_ to FB; VCS1, VCS2 = 0, -100mV; RVPOS = 75kΩ
VPOS Gain
TIMER AND DRIVERS
DH_ low to DL_ high
Break-Before-Make Time
DL_ low to DH_ high
MAX1937/MAX1938
60
MAX1939
60
MAX1937/MAX1938
85
MAX1939
70
ns
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VCC = 12V, VEN = VVDD = 5V, PGND = GNDS = GND = 0, VID_ = GND, CVPOS = 47pF, CREF = 0.1µF, VILIM = 1V, TA = 0°C to
+85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
1.5
3.0
Ω
DH_ On-Resistance in High State VBST_ = 6V, LX_ = GND
1.5
3.0
Ω
DL_ On-Resistance in Low State
0.5
1.7
Ω
1.5
DH_ On-Resistance in Low State
VBST1 = VBST2 = 6V, LX1 = LX2 = GND
3.0
Ω
BST_ Leakage Current
VBST_ = 30V, VLX_ = 24V
50
µA
LX_ Leakage Current
VBST_ = 30V, VLX_ = 24V
50
µA
0.8
V
DL_ On-Resistance in High State
EN AND VID
Low Level Threshold
High Level Threshold
Pullup Resistance
1.6
Internally pulled up to VDD
V
50
100
200
kΩ
PWRGD Upper Trip Level
10.0
12.5
15.0
%
PWRGD Lower Trip Level
-15
-12.5
-10
%
PWRGD
Output Low Level
Output High Leakage
0.4
V
1
µA
CONTROLLED VID CHANGE
On-the-Fly VID Change Slew
Rate
25mV per step
VID_ Change Frequency Range
PWRGD Blanking Time
4
RTIME = 120kΩ
6.17
6.67
7.25
RTIME = 47kΩ
2.35
2.63
2.99
RTIME = 470kΩ
23.5
26.3
29.9
38
VVDD = 4.5V to 5.5V
125
200
_______________________________________________________________________________________
µs
380
kHz
350
µs
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
(VVCC = 12V, VEN = VVDD = 5V, PGND = GNDS = GND, VID_= GND, CVPOS = 47pF, CREF = 0.1µF, VILIM = 1V, TA = -40°C to +85°C,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
GENERAL
VCC Operating Range
MAX1937
6
24
MAX1938/MAX1939
8
24
4.5
5.5
4.5
6.5
V
40
µA
2.5
mA
60
µA
5
µA
100
µA
5
µA
VDD Operating Range
VLG Operating Range
VVLG ≥ VVDD
VCC Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VDD Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VLG Operating Supply Current
FB above threshold (no switching)
VCC Shutdown Current
EN = GND
VDD Shutdown Current
EN = GND, VID_ not connected
VLG Shutdown Current
EN = GND
TIME Output Voltage
20
V
V
1.96
2.04
V
ILIM Input Bias
VILIM = 1V
-250
+250
nA
VPOS Output Voltage
CS_ = GND, VPOS connected to REF through a 75kΩ
resistor
1.96
2.04
V
-50µA ≤ IREF ≤ 50µA
1.98
2.02
V
MAX1937
1.1
5.5
MAX1938
1.5
6.6
MAX1939
1.3
7.0
GNDS Input Bias Current
-5
+5
µA
Output Regulation Voltage
Accuracy
-1
+1
%
REFERENCE
Reference Voltage
SOFT-START
Ramp Period
ms
ERROR AMPLIFIER
FAULT PROTECTION
VDD UVLO Threshold
Rising or falling VDD
4.00
4.45
V
VLG UVLO Threshold
Rising or falling VLG
4.00
4.45
V
Output Overvoltage Fault
Threshold
Rising and falling
Output UVLO Threshold
MAX1937/MAX1938
1.97
2.03
MAX1939
2.215
2.285
Rising and falling percentage of the nominal
regulation voltage
65
75
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 1.5V
135
165
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 1V
90
110
PGND to CS_, VILIM = 0.5V
45
55
V
%
CURRENT LIMIT
Current-Limit Threshold
mV
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VVCC = 12V, VEN = VVDD = 5V, PGND = GNDS = GND, VID_= GND, CVPOS = 47pF, CREF = 0.1µF, VILIM = 1V, TA = -40°C to +85°C,
unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
CS Input Offset Voltage
CS_ = GND
-5
+5
mV
CS_ Input Bias Current
CS_ = GND
-5
+5
µA
VOLTAGE POSITIONING
VPOS Input Offset Voltage
-5
+5
mV
72.5
77.5
%/V
From CS1, CS2 to FB; VCS1, VCS2 = +13mV, -113mV;
RVPOS = 75kΩ
68
82
%/V
TIMER AND DRIVERS
On-Time
LX1 = LX2 = CS1 = CS2 = GND, VFB = 1.5V
420
630
ns
Minimum Off-Time
DH1 low to DH2 high, and DH2 low to DH1 high
260
390
ns
DH_ On-Resistance in Low State
VBST1 = VBST2 = 6V, LX1 = LX2 = GND
3
Ω
VPOS Gain
From CS_ to FB; VCS1, VCS2 = 0, -100mV; RVPOS = 75kΩ
VPOS Gain
3
Ω
DL_ On-Resistance in Low State
1.7
Ω
DL_ On-Resistance in High State
3
Ω
DH_ On-Resistance in High State VBST_ = 6V, LX_ = GND
BST_ Leakage Current
VBST_ = 30V, VLX_ = 24V
50
µA
LX_ Leakage Current
VBST_ = 30V, VLX_ = 24V
50
µA
0.8
V
200
kΩ
EN AND VID_
Low Level Threshold
High Level Threshold
Pullup Resistance
1.6
Internally pulled up to VDD
50
V
PWRGD
PWRGD Upper Trip Level
10
15
%
PWRGD Lower Trip Level
-15
-10
%
0.4
V
1
µA
Output Low Level
Output High Leakage
CONTROLLED VID CHANGE
On-the-Fly VID Change Slew
Rate
25mV per step
RTIME = 120kΩ
6.17
7.25
RTIME = 47kΩ
2.35
2.99
RTIME = 470kΩ
23.5
29.9
38
380
kHz
125
350
µs
VID_ Change Frequency Range
PWRGD Blanking Time
VVDD = 4.5V to 5.5V
Note 1: Specifications to -40°C are guaranteed by design and not production tested.
6
_______________________________________________________________________________________
µs
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
AT 1.85V OUTPUT
90
250
FREQUENCY (kHz)
VIN = 12V
70
300
VIN = 12V
80
EFFICIENCY (%)
VIN = 8V
VIN = 14V
VIN = 14V
70
VIN = 8V
200
150
100
60
60
VOUT = 1.45V
0
50
10
1
1
100
10
LOAD CURRENT (A)
10
20
50
60
MAX1937 toc05
MAX1937 toc04
260
255
ILOAD = 46A
FREQUENCY (kHz)
250
250
225
ILOAD = 1A
200
40
FREQUENCY vs. TEMPERATURE
300
275
30
LOAD CURRENT (A)
FREQUENCY vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
FREQUENCY (kHz)
0
100
LOAD CURRENT (A)
325
245
240
235
230
175
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
50
VOUT = 1.85V
50
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
ILOAD = 10A
225
VOUT = 1.45V
150
220
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
-40
-20
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0
20
40
60
80
100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
VCC INPUT CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
VDD CURRENT vs. VDD VOLTAGE
1.75
VDD CURRENT (mA)
20
15
10
5
MAX1937 toc07
1.80
MAX1937 toc06
25
VCC INPUT CURRENT (µA)
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
FREQUENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
350
MAX1937 toc03
MAX1937 toc01
90
MAX1937 toc02
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
AT 1.45V OUTPUT
1.70
1.65
1.60
1.55
VOUT = 1.45V
0
1.50
8
9
10
11
12
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
13
14
4.5
4.7
4.9
5.1
5.3
5.5
VDD VOLTAGE (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 1.45V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 1.45V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs. LOAD CURRENT
AT 1.45V OUTPUT
VDD CURRENT vs. VDD VOLTAGE
IN SHUTDOWN
65
1.425
60
55
VOUT
VDD CURRENT (mA)
MAX1937 toc09
1.450
MAX1937 toc08
70
50
RVPOS = 90.9kΩ
1.400
45
RVPOS = 120kΩ
1.375
40
35
VID_ NOT CONNECTED
VIN = 12V
1.350
30
4.5
4.7
4.9
5.1
5.3
0
5.5
10
CURRENT SHARING
30
40
50
CURRENT SHARING
25
INDUCTOR CURRENTS (A)
25
MAX1937 toc11
30
MAX1937 toc10
30
20
15
10
5
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
TA = +25°C
0
20
LOAD CURRENT (A)
VDD VOLTAGE (V)
INDUCTOR CURRENTS (A)
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
20
15
10
5
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
TA = +80°C
0
-5
-5
0
10
20
30
40
50
0
LOAD CURRENT (A)
10
20
30
40
50
LOAD CURRENT (A)
INDUCTOR CURRENT WAVEFORMS
WITH 0A LOAD
INDUCTOR CURRENT WAVEFORMS
WITH 40A LOAD
MAX1937 toc12
MAX1937 toc13
OUTPUT RIPPLE
VOLTAGE:
20mV/div
OUTPUT RIPPLE
VOLTAGE:
20mV/div
OUTPUT INDUCTOR
CURRENTS:
10A/div
0A
2µs/div
8
OUTPUT INDUCTOR
CURRENTS:
10A/div
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
IOUT = 0A
0A
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
IOUT = 40A
2µs/div
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
LOAD TRANSIENT
1A TO 40A TO 1A
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS
WITH NO LOAD
MAX1937 toc14
MAX1937 toc15
POK SIGNAL
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
50mV/div
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
0.5V/div
INDUCTOR CURRENTS:
10A/div
INDUCTOR CURRENT:
10A/div
TRANSIENT CONTROL
SIGNAL:
C6 = 47pF
R2 = 91.1kΩ
ENABLE SIGNAL
40µs/div
1ms/div
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
WITH NO LOAD
SOFT-START WAVEFORMS
WITH 40A LOAD
MAX1937 toc17
MAX1937 toc16
POK SIGNAL
POK SIGNAL
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
0.5V/div
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
0.5V/div
INDUCTOR CURRENT:
10A/div
INDUCTOR CURRENT:
10A/div
ENABLE SIGNAL
ENABLE SIGNAL
20ms/div
1ms/div
SHUTDOWN WAVEFORM
WITH 40A LOAD
CURRENT-SENSE THRESHOLD vs. VILIM
MAX1937 toc18
MAX1937 toc19
160
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
0.5V/div
INDUCTOR CURRENT:
10A/div
CURRENT-SENSE THRESHOLD (mV)
POK SIGNAL
TA = +80°C
140
120
TA = +25°C
100
80
60
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
ENABLE SIGNAL
20ms/div
40
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.1
1.3
1.5
VILIM (V)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 1.45V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 1.45V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
VID CODE CHANGE ON-THE-FLY WITH 1A
LOAD 1.2V TO 1.45V TO 1.2V
VID CODE CHANGE ON-THE-FLY WITH 40A
LOAD 1.2V TO 1.45V TO 1.2V
MAX1937 toc21
MAX1937 toc20
POK SIGNAL
POK SIGNAL
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
200mV/div
OUTPUT VOLTAGE:
200mV/div
VID CODE CHANGE
CONTROL SIGNAL
VID CONTROL
SIGNAL
40µs/div
40µs/div
REFERENCE VOLTAGE vs. TEMPERATURE
FB VOLTAGE vs. TEMPERATURE
1.998
MAX1937 toc23
0.810
MAX1937 toc22
2.000
0.805
FB VOLTAGE (V)
REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)
1.996
1.994
VOUT = 0.8V
0.800
0.795
VIN = 12V
VOUT = 1.45V
NO LOAD
1.992
VIN = 12V
NO LOAD
1.990
0.790
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
-40
TEMPERATURE (°C)
-15
10
35
60
TEMPERATURE (°C)
FB VOLTAGE vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX1937 toc24
1.465
1.460
FB VOLTAGE (V)
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
1.455
VOUT = 1.45V
1.450
VIN = 12V
NO LOAD
1.445
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
TEMPERATURE (°C)
10
______________________________________________________________________________________
85
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
PIN
NAME
1
VID0
Voltage Identification Input Bit 0. See Table 1. Internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to VDD.
FUNCTION
2
VID1
Voltage Identification Input Bit 1. See Table 1. Internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to VDD.
3
TIME
Connect to an external resistor (47kΩ to 470kΩ) for VID change slew-rate control.
4
VID2
Voltage Identification Input Bit 2. See Table 1. Internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to VDD.
5
VID3
Voltage Identification Input Bit 3. See Table 1. Internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to VDD.
6
VID4
Voltage Identification Input Bit 4. See Table 1. Internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to VDD.
7
VPOS
Voltage Positioning. Connect a resistor between VPOS and REF to set the output voltage-positioning
droop, or connect directly to REF for no output voltage positioning. Connect a 47pF capacitor from
VPOS to GND.
8
VDD
IC Analog Power-Supply Input. Connect a 5V supply to VDD.
9
ILIM
Current-Limit Threshold per Phase. Connect ILIM to VDD to set a default current limit of 120mV, or
connect to a voltage-divider from REF to GND to adjust the current limit. See the Setting the Current
Limit section.
10
GND
Ground
11
GNDS
12
REF
Reference Output. Connect a 0.1µF capacitor from REF to GND.
13
EN
Enable Input. Leave unconnected or drive high for normal operation. Drive low for shutdown.
14
FB
Remote Feedback Sense. Connect FB to the output at the load. For VRM applications, also connect
a 100Ω resistor from FB to the output locally.
15
PWRGD
Power-Good Output. Open-drain output is high impedance when the output is in regulation and
pulled low when the output deviates more than 12.5% from the voltage set by the VID code. PWRGD
is also low in shutdown or during any fault condition. To use as a logic output, connect a pullup
resistor from PWRGD to the logic supply.
16
BST2
High-Side MOSFET Gate-Driver Bootstrap Input. Connect 0.22µF or higher value bypass capacitor
from BST2 to LX2. Keep trace length as short as possible. Connect a Schottky diode between BST2
and VLG. See the Selecting a BST Capacitor section.
17
DH2
High-Side MOSFET Gate-Drive Output. Connect to the high-side MOSFET gate. DH2 is pulled low in
shutdown.
18
LX2
Inductor Connection. Connect to the switched side of the inductor.
19
CS2
Negative Current-Sense Input. Connect to a current-sense resistor in series with the low-side
MOSFET, or connect to LX2 to use the low-side MOSFET’s on-resistance for current sensing.
20
DL2
Low-Side MOSFET Gate-Driver Output. Connect to the low-side MOSFET gate. DL2 is pulled low in
shutdown.
21
PGND
Power Ground. Connect to power ground at the point where the current-sense resistors or low-side
MOSFET sources connect. PGND is used as the positive current-sense connection.
Remote Ground Sense. Connect GNDS to the output ground at the load. For VRM applications, also
connect a 100Ω resistor from GNDS to PGND locally.
______________________________________________________________________________________
11
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Pin Description
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
Pin Description (continued)
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
22
VLG
DL_ Driver Power-Supply Input. Connect to a 4.5V to 6.5V supply for powering the low-side MOSFET
gate drive, and the bootstrap circuit for driving the high-side MOSFETs. Ensure that VVLG is greater
than or equal to VVDD.
23
DL1
Low-Side MOSFET Gate-Driver Output. Connect to the low-side MOSFET gate. DL1 is pulled low in
shutdown.
24
CS1
Negative Current-Sense Input. Connect to a current-sense resistor in series with the low-side
MOSFET or connect to LX1 to use the low-side MOSFET’s on-resistance for current sensing.
25
LX1
Inductor Connection. Connect to the switched side of the inductor.
26
DH1
High-Side MOSFET Gate-Drive Output. Connect to the high-side MOSFET gate. DH1 is pulled low in
shutdown.
27
BST1
High-Side MOSFET Gate-Driver Bootstrap Input. Connect 0.22µF or higher value bypass capacitor
from BST1 to LX1. Keep trace length as short as possible. Connect a Schottky diode between BST1
and VLG. See the Selecting a BST Capacitor section.
28
VCC
Input Voltage Sense. Connect to the input supply at the high-side MOSFET drain. The voltage
sensed at VCC is used to set the on-time.
Detailed Description
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 is a family of synchronous, two-phase step-down controllers capable of
delivering load currents up to 60A. The controllers use
Quick-PWM control architecture in conjunction with
active load current voltage positioning. Quick-PWM
control provides instantaneous load-step response,
while programmable voltage positioning allows the converter to utilize full transient regulation limits, reducing
the output capacitance requirement. Furthermore, the
two phases operate 180° out-of-phase with an effective
500kHz switching frequency, thus reducing input and
output current ripple, as well as reducing input filter
capacitor requirements.
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 are compliant with
the AMD Hammer, Intel VRM 9.0/VRM 9.1, and AMD
Athlon Mobile VID code specifications (see Table 1 for
VID codes). The internal DAC provides ultra-high accuracy of ±0.75%. A controlled VID voltage transition is
implemented to minimize both undervoltage and overvoltage overshoot during VID input change.
Remote sensing is available for high output-voltage
accuracy. The MOSFET switches are driven by with a
6V gate-drive circuit to minimize switching and
crossover conduction losses to achieve efficiency as
high as 90%. The MAX1937/MAX1938/ MAX1939 feature cycle-by-cycle current limit to ensure current limit
is not exceeded. Crowbar protection is available to protect against output overvoltage.
12
On-Time One-Shot
The heart of the Quick-PWM core is the one-shot that
sets the high-side switch on-time. This fast, low-jitter,
one-shot circuitry varies the on-time in response to the
input and output voltages. The high-side switch on-time
is inversely proportional to the voltage applied to VCC
and directly proportional to the output voltage. This
algorithm results in a nearly constant switching frequency, despite the lack of a fixed-frequency clock
generator. The benefits of a constant switching frequency are twofold: the frequency selected avoids
noise-sensitive regions, and the inductor ripple current
operating point remains relatively constant, resulting in
easy design methodology and predictable output voltage ripple:
t ON =
(
K VOUT + VDROP
)
VVCC
where the constant K is 4µs and VDROP is the voltage
drop across the low-side MOSFET’s on-resistance plus
the drop across the current-sense resistor (VDROP ≈
75mV), if used.
The on-time one-shot has good accuracy at the operating point specified in the Electrical Characteristics. Ontimes at operating points far removed from the
conditions specified in the Electrical Characteristics can
vary over a wide range. For example, the regulators run
slower with input voltages greater than 12V because of
the very short on-times required.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Table 1. VID Programmed Output Voltage
VID4
VID3
VID2
VID1
VID0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
VOUT (V)
MAX1937
MAX1938
MAX1939
0
1.550
1.850
2.000
1
1.525
1.825
1.950
1
0
1.500
1.800
1.900
0
1
1
1.475
1.775
1.850
1
0
0
1.450
1.750
1.800
0
1
0
1
1.425
1.725
1.750
0
0
1
1
0
1.400
1.700
1.700
0
0
1
1
1
1.375
1.675
1.650
0
1
0
0
0
1.350
1.650
1.600
0
1
0
0
1
1.325
1.625
1.550
0
1
0
1
0
1.300
1.600
1.500
0
1
0
1
1
1.275
1.575
1.450
0
1
1
0
0
1.250
1.550
1.400
0
1
1
0
1
1.225
1.525
1.350
0
1
1
1
0
1.200
1.500
1.300
0
1
1
1
1
1.175
1.475
Shutdown
1
0
0
0
0
1.150
1.450
1.275
1
0
0
0
1
1.125
1.425
1.250
1
0
0
1
0
1.100
1.400
1.225
1
0
0
1
1
1.075
1.375
1.200
1
0
1
0
0
1.050
1.350
1.175
1
0
1
0
1
1.025
1.325
1.150
1
0
1
1
0
1.000
1.300
1.125
1
0
1
1
1
0.975
1.275
1.100
1
1
0
0
0
0.950
1.250
1.075
1
1
0
0
1
0.925
1.225
1.050
1
1
0
1
0
0.900
1.200
1.025
1
1
0
1
1
0.875
1.175
1.000
1
1
1
0
0
0.850
1.150
0.975
1
1
1
0
1
0.825
1.125
0.950
1
1
1
1
0
0.800
1.100
0.925
1
1
1
1
1
Shutdown
Shutdown
Shutdown
Note: In the above table, a zero indicates the VID_ pin is connected to GND or driven low, indicates the VID_ pin is driven high or
not connected.
While the on-time is set by the input and output voltage,
other factors contribute to the switching frequency. The
on-time guaranteed in the Electrical Characteristics is
influenced by switching delays in the external high-side
MOSFET. Resistive losses in the inductor, both MOSFETs,
output capacitor ESR, and PC board copper losses in
the output and ground, tend to raise the switching frequency at higher output currents. Switch dead-time can
also increase the effective on-time, reducing the
switching frequency. This effect occurs when the
inductor current reverses at light or negative load currents. With reversed inductor current, the inductor’s
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
EMF causes LX to go high earlier than normal, extending the on-time by a period equal to the DH rising
dead-time.
When the controller operates in continuous mode, the
dead-time is no longer a factor, and the actual switching frequency is:
fSW =
VOUT + VDROP1
t ON (VVCC + VDROP1 − VDROP2 )
where VDROP1 is the sum of the parasitic voltage drops
in the inductor discharge path, including the synchronous rectifier, inductor, and PC board resistances;
VDROP2 is the sum of the resistances in the charging
path, including the high-side MOSFET, inductor, and
PC board resistances.
Synchronized 2-Phase Operation
The two phases of the MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
operate 180° out-of-phase to reduce input filtering
requirements, reduce electromagnetic interference
(EMI), and improve efficiency. This effectively lowers
cost and saves board space, making the MAX1937/
MAX1938/MAX1939 ideal for cost-sensitive applications.
With dual synchronized out-of-phase operation, the
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939s’ high-side MOSFETs turn
on 180° out-of-phase. The instantaneous input current
peaks of both regulators do not overlap, resulting in
reduced input voltage ripple and RMS ripple current.
This reduces the input capacitance requirement, allowing
fewer or less expensive capacitors, and reduces shielding requirements for EMI. The 180° out-of-phase waveforms are shown in the Typical Operating Characteristics.
Each phase operates with a 250kHz switching frequency. Since the two regulators operate 180° out-of-phase,
an effective switching of 500kHz is seen at the input
and output. In addition to being at a higher frequency
(compared to a single-phase regulator), both the input
and output ripple have lower amplitude.
Phase Overlap
To minimize the crosstalk noise in the two phases, the
maximum duty cycle of the MAX1937/MAX1938/
MAX1939 is less than 50%. To provide a fast transient
response, these devices have a phase-overlap mode
that allows the two phases to operate in phase when a
heavy-load transient is detected. In-phase operation
continues until the output voltage returns to the nominal
output voltage regulation value.
14
Once regulation is achieved, the controller returns to
180° out-of-phase operation. A minimum current-adaptive phase-selection algorithm is used to determine which
phase is used to start the first out-of-phase cycle. Once
the output voltage returns to the nominal output voltage
regulation value, the subsequent cycle starts with the
phase that has the lowest inductor current. For example,
if the current-sense inputs indicate that phase 2 has
lower inductor current than phase 1, the controller turns
on phase 2’s high-side MOSFET first when returning to
normal operation.
Differential Voltage Sensing and Error
Comparator
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 use differential
sensing of the output voltage to achieve the highest
possible accuracy of the output voltage. This allows the
error comparator to sense the actual voltage at the
load, so that the controller can compensate for losses
in the power output and ground lines.
FB and GNDS are used for the differential output voltage
sensing. The controller triggers the next cycle (turn on
the high-side MOSFET) when the error comparator is low
(VFB - VGNDS is less than the VID regulation voltage),
VCS is below the current-limit threshold, and the minimum off-time one-shot has timed out.
Traces from FB and GNDS should be routed close to
each other and as far away as possible from sources of
noise (such as the inductors and high di/dt traces). If
noise on these connections cannot be prevented, then
use RC filters. To filter FB, connect a 100Ω series resistor
from the positive sense trace to FB, and connect a
1000pF capacitor from FB to GND right at the FB pin. For
GNDS, connect a 100Ω series resistor from the negative
sense trace to GNDS, and connect a 1000pF capacitor
from GNDS to GND at the GNDS pin.
For VRM applications, connect a 10kΩ resistor from FB
to the output locally (on the VRM board), and connect a
10kΩ resistor from GNDS to PGND locally (on the VRM
board). FB and GNDS also connect to the output at the
load (off the VRM board, at the microprocessor). This
provides the benefits of differential output voltage sensing mentioned above and the safety of regulating the
output voltage on the board in case the external sense
connections get disconnected.
External Linear Regulator
A 6V linear regulator (U2) is used to step down the
main supply. The output of this linear regulator is connected to VLG to provide power for the low-side gate
drive and bootstrap circuit. Using 6V for this supply
improves efficiency by providing a stronger gate drive
than a 5V supply. To reduce switching noise on VLG,
______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
U2
KA78M06
3
1
IN
OUT
GND
2
C2
2.2µF
1
D1
2
CENTRAL
C1 CMHD4448
2.2µF
C3
2.2µF
CVLG
1µF
VDD
R1
10Ω
28
8
CVDD
0.01µF
2
VID1
4
VID2
5
VID3
DH1
VDD
LX1
BST1
VID0
DL1
VID1
CS1
VID2
VID3
U1
6
VID4
13
EN
RTIME
120kΩ
CVPOS
47pF
CREF
0.47µF
R4
68kΩ
3
VID4
VLG
7
RVPOS
51.1kΩ
12
R3
200kΩ
9
11
R5
10kΩ
1
26
PGND
EN
TIME
VPOS
REF
ILIM
IR: 2 × IRLR7811W
3
L1
0.66µH
25
SUMIDA CDEP134-6
2
FAIRCHILD
2 × ISL9N303AS3ST
3
27
1
23
CS2
DL2
LX2
DH2
BF
PWRGD
VOUT
OUTPUT
0.8V TO 1.55V
46A
24
2
22
3
1mΩ
RCS1
D2
CENTRAL CMPSH-3A
1mΩ
RCS2
21
19
1
20
16
CBST2
0.22µF N4
18
3
FAIRCHILD
2 × ISL9N303AS3ST L2
0.66µH
2
SUMIDA CDEP134-6
3 IR: 2 × 1RLR7811W
17
1
14
FB
GND
GNDS
N1
1
MAX1937
BST2
10
GNDS
N3
CBST1
0.22µF N3
1
VID0
VCC
2
6 × 10µF CERAMIC CAPACITORS
TAIYO YUDEN TMK432BJ106MM
AND 2 × 100µF OS-CON
SANYO 16SP100M
CIN
13
VIN
N2
2
R6
10kΩ
VDD
R2
100kΩ
6 × 390µF SP-CAP
PANASONIC EEFUE0D391XR
AND 4 × 1µF CERAMIC CAPACITORS
TAIYO YUDEN LMK212BJ105MG
COUT
PWRGD
Figure 1. MAX1937 Application Circuit
connect a capacitor (CVLG) from VLG to PGND. Place
this capacitor as close as possible to the VLG pin.
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 also require an external 5V supply connected to VDD. A diode with a forward
voltage drop of about 1V (D1) is used to stepdown the
6V supply to power the IC, as shown in Figure 1. The
diode connects between the linear regulator output and
the RC filter used to filter the voltage at VDD (R1, CVDD,
and C3). In the PC board layout, place CVDD as close as
possible to the VDD pin.
High-Side Gate-Drive Supply (BST_)
The drive voltage for the high-side MOSFETs is generated using a bootstrap circuit. The capacitor, CBST_,
should be sized properly to minimize the ripple voltage
for switching. The ripple voltage should be less than
200mV. For more information on selecting capacitors
for the BST circuit, see the Selecting a BST Capacitor
section. To minimize the forward voltage drop across
the bootstrap diodes (D2), use Schottky diodes. The
recommended value for the boost capacitors (CBST_) is
0.22µF.
______________________________________________________________________________________
15
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
VIN
INPUT: 8V TO 14V
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
MOSFET Drivers
Current Balancing
The DH_ and DL_ drivers are optimized for driving large
high-side (N1 and N2) and larger low-side MOSFETs
(N3 and N4). This is consistent with the low duty-cycle
operation of the controller. The DL_ low-side drive waveform is always the complement of the DH_ high-side
drive waveform, with a fixed dead-time between one
MOSFET turning off and the other turning on to prevent
cross-conduction or shoot-through current.
The internal transistor that drives DL_ low is robust with
a 0.5Ω (typ) on-resistance. This helps prevent DL_ from
being pulled up during the fast rise time of the LX_
node due to capacitive coupling from the drain to the
gate of the low-side synchronous-rectifier MOSFET.
However, some combinations of high-side and low-side
MOSFETs may cause excessive gate-drain coupling,
leading to poor efficiency, EMI, and shoot-through currents. This is often remedied by adding a resistor (typically less than 5Ω) in series with BST_, which increases
the turn-on time of the high-side MOSFET without
degrading the turn-off time.
The DC current balancing between phases depends on
the accuracy of the current-sense elements and the offset of the current-balance amplifier.
Current-Limit Circuit
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 use either the onresistance of the low-side MOSFETs or a current-sense
resistor to monitor the inductor current. Using the lowside MOSFETs’ on-resistance as the current-sense element provides a lossless and inexpensive solution ideal
for high-efficiency or cost-sensitive applications. The disadvantage to this method is that the on-resistance of
MOSFETs vary from part to part, and overtemperature,
which means it cannot be counted on for high accuracy.
If high accuracy is needed, use current-sense resistors,
which provide an accurate current limit under all conditions but reduce efficiency slightly because of the power
lost in the resistors.
The current-limit circuit employs a “valley” currentsensing algorithm to monitor the inductor current. If the
current-sense signal does not drop below the currentlimit threshold, the controller does not initiate a new
cycle. This limits the maximum value of IVALLEY to the
current set by the current-limit threshold (Figure 2).
The current-limit threshold is adjustable over a wide
range, allowing for a range of current-sense resistor
values. The voltage on ILIM sets the current-limit
threshold between PGND and CS_ to 0.1 ✕ VILIM. The
10mV to 200mV adjustment range corresponds to ILIM
voltages from 100mV to 2V. The ILIM voltage is set by a
resistor-divider between REF and GND. See the Setting
the Current Limit section for details.
16
The maximum offset of the current-balance amplifier
(VCBOFFSET) is ±3mV. The current-balance accuracy
can be calculated from:
Current-balance accuracy = VCBOFFSET / (IL ✕ RCS)
where IL is the peak inductor current and RCS is the
value of the current-sense resistor.
The current-balance accuracy is most important at full
load. With a load current of 50A (IL = 25A) and 2mΩ
current-sense resistors, the worst-case current-balance
accuracy is:
Current-balance accuracy = 0.003 / (25 ✕ 0.002) = 6%
If the on-resistance of the low-side MOSFETs is used
for current sensing, the part-to-part variation of the
MOSFET on-resistance is a significant factor in the current balance. The matching between MOSFETs should
be on the order of 15%, worst case. Thus, even if the
current-balance amplifier has no offset, the DC-current
balance could be as bad as 15%. In practice, a little
help is received from the thermal ballasting of the
MOSFETs. That is to say, the positive temperature coefficient of the on-resistance of MOSFETs reduces the
mismatch current between the two phases.
Voltage Positioning (VPOS)
During a load transient, the output voltage instantly
changes by the ESR of the output capacitors times the
change in load current (∆VOUT = -ESRCOUT ✕ ∆ILOAD).
Conventional DC-DC converters respond by regulating
the output voltage back to its nominal state after the
load transient occurs (Figure 3). However, the CPU
requires that the output voltage remain within a specific
voltage band. Dynamically positioning the output voltage allows the use of fewer output capacitors and
reduces power consumption under heavy load.
For a conventional (nonvoltage-positioned) circuit, the
total output voltage deviation from light load to full load
and back to light load is:
VP-P1 = 2 ✕ (ESRCOUT ✕ ∆ILOAD) + VSAG + VSOAR
where V SAG and V SOAR are defined in the Output
Capacitor Selection section. Setting the converter to
regulate at a lower voltage when under load allows a
larger voltage step when the output current suddenly
decreases. The total voltage change for a voltage-positioned circuit is:
VP-P2 = (ESRCOUT ✕ ∆ILOAD) + VSAG +VSOAR
______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
IPEAK
1.4V
A
1.4V
B
INDUCTOR CURRENT
ILOAD
IVALLEY
TIME
A. CONVENTIONAL CONVERTER (50mV/div)
B. VOLTAGE-POSITIONED OUTPUT (50mV/div)
Figure 2. Inductor Current Waveform
Figure 3. Voltage-Positioning and Nonvoltage-Positioning
Waveforms
The maximum allowable voltage change during a transient is fixed by the supply range of the CPU (VP-P1 =
VP-P2). This means that the voltage-positioned circuit
tolerates twice the ESR in the output capacitors.
Because the ESR specification is achieved by paralleling several capacitors, fewer capacitors are needed for
the voltage-positioned circuit. Figure 4 shows transient
response regions.
An additional benefit of voltage positioning is reduced
power consumption at high-load currents. Because the
output voltage is lower under heavy load, the CPU
draws less current. The result is lower power dissipation in the CPU.
In the case of shutdown by VID code, only DL_ and
DH_ are held low. The rest of the controller is enabled.
When EN is driven high, the startup sequence begins.
Once the reference voltage rises above its 1.6V UVLO
threshold, the controller begins switching and starts to
ramp up the output voltage. The output voltage is
ramped up in 25mV steps every 50µs until the output
reaches the nominal output voltage.
Voltage Reference (REF)
A 2V reference is provided on the MAX1937/MAX1938/
MAX1939 through the REF pin. REF is capable of
sourcing or sinking up to 50µA. In addition to providing
a reference for the IC, REF is used for setting the current limit and voltage positioning. Connect a 0.47µF
capacitor from REF to GND. This capacitor should be
placed as close as possible to the REF pin.
A UVLO is provided for the reference voltage. The reference voltage must rise above 1.600V to activate the
controller. The controller is disabled if the reference
voltage falls below 1.584V.
Enable Input (EN) and Soft-Start
When EN is low, DL_ and DH_ are held low (turning off
the MOSFETs), leaving LX_ high impedance. In addition, the reference is turned off and PWRGD is pulled
low. In shutdown, total current consumption is about
50µA (typ).
Fault Conditions
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 contain internal circuitry to protect themselves and surrounding circuitry
from damage from output overvoltage and output
undervoltage conditions. When either of these conditions occurs, DH_ is pulled low, DL_ is driven high, and
PWRGD is pulled low. These pins remain in this state
until either power is cycled on VDD or EN is toggled
high-low-high.
Setting the Output Voltage (VID_)
An internal DAC is used to set the output regulation
voltage. A 5-bit code on inputs VID0–VID4 is used to
specify the output voltage. Some codes disable the
output. There is an internal 100kΩ pullup resistor to
VDD on each of the VID_ inputs. Connecting VID_ to
GND sets the bit to logic low (0); connecting VID_ to
VDD or leaving it unconnected sets the bit to logic high
(1). Use external pullup resistors to speed the low-tohigh logic transition, or for lower logic voltages. See
Table 1 for a list of codes and corresponding output
regulation voltages for each of the parts.
The VID_ codes for the MAX1937 comply with AMD
Hammer code. The VID_ codes on the MAX1938 are
______________________________________________________________________________________
17
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
VOLTAGE POSITIONING THE OUTPUT
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
Design Procedure
CAPACITIVE SOAR
(dV/dt = IOUT/COUT)
ESR VOLTAGE STEP
(ISTEP x RESR)
VOUT
CAPACITIVE SAG
(dV/dt = IOUT/COUT)
Output Inductor Selection
For most applications, an inductor value of 0.5µH to
1µH is recommended. The inductance is set by the
desired amount of inductor current ripple (LIR). A larger
inductance value minimizes output ripple current and
increases efficiency, but slows transient response. For
the best compromise of size, cost, and efficiency, a LIR
of 30% to 40% is recommended (LIR = 0.3 to 0.4). The
inductor value is found from:
RECOVERY
L=
(
VOUT × VIN − VOUT
)
VIN × fSW × ILOAD(MAX) × LIR
ILOAD
Figure 4. Transient Response Regions
set for Intel VRM 9.0/9.1 and AMD Athlon. The
MAX1939 is set for AMD Athlon Mobile.
VID_ Change Slew Rate (TIME)
The MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939 allow the VID_ code
to be changed while the converter is operating (on-thefly). The slew rate at which the output voltage is changing is controlled through TIME. The slew rate is
adjusted externally by connecting a 47kΩ to 470kΩ
resistor (RTIME) from TIME to GND. To set the slew rate,
select the RTIME resistor using the following equation:
RTIME =
521
(Ω)
SR
where SR is the slew rate of the output voltage in V/µs.
The output voltage is stepped up or down in 25mV
steps until it reaches the voltage set by the new VID
code.
Power-Good Output (PWRGD)
PWRGD is an open-drain output that is pulled low when
the output voltage deviates more than 12.5% from its
regulation voltage (set by VID_ inputs). PWRGD is
pulled low in shutdown, input UVLO, and during startup. Any fault condition forces PWRGD low until the fault
is cleared, and the IC is reset by cycling power at VDD
or momentarily toggling EN. For logic-level output voltages, connect an external pullup resistor between
PWRGD and the logic power supply. A 100kΩ resistor
works well in most applications.
18
where fsw is the actual switching frequency of a phase.
The selected inductor should have the lowest possible
equivalent DC resistance and a saturation current
greater than the peak inductor current (IPEAK). IPEAK is
found from:
 LIR 
IPEAK = ILOAD(MAX) × 1+

2 

Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitor must have low enough ESR to
meet output ripple and load-transient requirements.
Also, the capacitance value must be high enough to
absorb the inductor energy going from a full-load to a
no-load condition without tripping the OVP circuit.
In CPU core power supplies and other applications
where the output is subject to large load transients, the
output capacitor’s size typically depends on how much
ESR is needed to prevent the output from dipping too
low under a load transient. Ignoring the sag due to
finite capacitance:
RESR = VSTEP(MAX) / ∆ILOAD(MAX)
The actual capacitance value required relates to the
physical size needed to achieve low ESR, as well as to
the chemistry of the capacitor technology. Thus, the
capacitor is usually selected by ESR and voltage rating
rather than by capacitance value (this is true of OSCONs, SP capacitors, POSCAPs, and other electrolytic
capacitors). Generally, ceramic capacitors are not recommended for bulk output capacitance but make
excellent high-frequency decoupling capacitors.
Once enough capacitance is added to meet the overshoot requirement, undershoot at the rising load edge
______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
VSOAR =
I2PEAK × L
2 × COUT × VOUT
where IPEAK is the peak inductor current.
The undershoot at the rising load edge of a load transient is calculated from:
V

×K
L × ∆I2LOAD ×  OUT
+ t OFF(MIN) 
V
IN


VSAG =
 (VIN − VOUT ) × K
2 × COUT × VOUT × 
− t OFF(MIN)
VIN

where ∆ILOAD is the change in load current, and K is
4µs.
To ensure stability, make sure that the zero frequency
created by the output capacitance, and the ESR of the
output capacitor do not exceed 50kHz. The zero frequency is found from:
fzESR =
1
2π × ESRCOUT × COUT
Currently, aluminum electrolytic, Sanyo POSCAP, and
Panasonic SP capacitors have ESR zero frequencies
well below 50kHz. When using ceramic capacitors, it
might be necessary to use a series resistance to
ensure that the ESR zero is below 50kHz.
Input Capacitor Selection
The input capacitor reduces peak currents drawn from
the power source and reduces noise and voltage ripple
on the input caused by the circuit’s switching. The input
capacitor must meet the ripple current requirement
(IRMS) imposed by the switching currents as defined by
the following equation:
I
IRMS = LOAD
2
VOUT × (VIN − VOUT )
VIN
I RMS has a maximum value when the input voltage
equals twice the output voltage (V IN = 2V OUT ), so
IRMS(MAX) = ILOAD / 2. For most applications, nontantalum capacitors (ceramic, aluminum electrolytic, polymer, or OS-CON) are preferred at the input because of
their robustness with high inrush currents typical of sys-
tems that may be powered from very low impedance
sources.
Multiple smaller value capacitors can be used in parallel to satisfy the ESR and capacitance requirements.
Selecting a BST Capacitor
The BST capacitors must be large enough to handle
the gate-charging requirements of the high-side
MOSFETs. For most applications, 0.22µF ceramic
capacitors are recommended.
BST capacitors are needed to keep the voltage on the
BST_ pins from dropping too much when the high-side
MOSFET gates are charged. A capacitor value that
prevents VBST_ from dropping more than 100mV to
200mV is adequate. The capacitance needed for the
BST_ capacitor is calculated from:
CBST _ =
QGH
∆VBST _
where QGH is the total gate charge of the high-side
MOSFET and ∆VBST_ is the amount that the voltage on
the BST_ pin drops when the gate is charged. If using
multiple MOSFETs in parallel, use the sum of all the
gate charges for QGH.
Setting the Current Limit
Current limit sets the maximum value of the inductor
“valley” current. IVALLEY is calculated from the following
equation:
IVALLEY =
ILOAD(MAX)
2
 LIR 
× 1 −

2 

The current-limit threshold (ILIMIT) must be set higher
than the valley current:
ILIMIT > IVALLEY
The current-limit threshold is set by the voltage at ILIM
and the value of the current-sense resistors:
ILIMIT =
VILIM
10 × RCS
where VILIM is the voltage on the ILIM pin (0.1V to 2V)
and RCS is the value of the current-sense resistor. If the
on-resistance of the low-side MOSFET is used for current sensing, then the maximum value of the on-resistance (overtemperature and part-to-part variation) must
be used for RCS.
______________________________________________________________________________________
19
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
(VSAG) is no longer a problem. The amount of overshoot
from stored inductor energy can be calculated as:
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
VILIM is set from 0.5V to 2V by connecting ILIM to a
resistor-divider from REF to GND. Select resistors R3
and R4 such that the current through the divider is at
least 5µA:
R3 + R4 ≤ 400kΩ
A typical value for R3 is 200kΩ; then solve for R4 using:
R4 = R3 ×
VILIM
2 − VILIM
Setting the Voltage Positioning
Voltage positioning dynamically changes the outputvoltage set point in response to the load current. When
the output is loaded, the signals fed back from the current-sense inputs adjust the output voltage set point,
thereby decreasing power dissipation. The load-transient response of this control loop is extremely fast yet
well controlled, so the amount of voltage change can
be accurately confined within the limits stipulated in the
microprocessor power-supply guidelines. To understand the benefits of dynamically adjusting the output
voltage, see the Voltage Positioning (VPOS) section.
The amount of output voltage change is adjusted by an
external gain resistor (RVPOS). Connect RVPOS between
REF and VPOS. The output voltage changes in response
to the load current as follows:
I
× RCS 
VOUT = VVID − gm(VPOS) × RVPOS ×  OUT

2


where VVID is the programmed output voltage set by
the VID code (Table 1), and the voltage-positioning
transconductance (gm(VPOS)) is typically 20µS. RCS is
the value of the current-sense resistor connected from
CS_ to PGND. If the on-resistance of the low-side
MOSFETs is used instead of current-sense resistors for
current sensing, then use the maximum on-resistance
of the low-side MOSFETs for R CS in the equation
above.
MOSFET Power Dissipation
Power dissipation in the high-side MOSFET is worst at
high duty cycles (maximum output voltage, minimum
input voltage). Two major factors contribute to the highside power dissipation, conduction losses, and switching losses. Conduction losses are because of current
flowing through a resistance, and can be calculated
from:
20
PD(HS)COND =
VOUT × I2LOADMAX × RDS(ON)
4 × VIN
where RDS(ON) is the on-resistance of the high-side
MOSFET and VIN is the input voltage. To minimize conduction losses, select a MOSFET with a low RDS(ON).
Switching losses are also a major contributor to power
dissipation in the high-side MOSFET. Switching losses
are difficult to precisely calculate and should be measured in the circuit. To estimate the switching losses,
use the following equation:
V ×f
PD(HS)SW ≅ (IPEAK × t fall + IVALLEY × trise ) IN SW
2
where IPEAK and IVALLEY are the maximum peak and
valley inductor currents, tFALL and tRISE are the fall and
rise times of the high-side MOSFET, and fSW is the
switching frequency (about 250kHz).
The total power dissipated in the high-side MOSFET is
then found from:
PD(HS) = PD(HS)COND + PD(HS)SW
The power dissipation in the low-side MOSFET is highest at low duty cycles (high input voltage, low output
voltage), and is mainly because of conduction losses:
 V
 I2LOADMAX
PD(LS)COND = 1− OUT  ×
× RDS(ON)
VIN 
4

Switching losses in the low-side MOSFET are small
because of its voltage being clamped by the body
diode. Switching losses can be estimated from:
I
PD(LS)SW ≅ LOADMAX × tDT × VDF × fSW
2
where ILOADMAX/2 is the maximum average inductor
current, tDT is the time/cycle that the low-side MOSFET
conducts through its body diode, and VDF is the forward voltage drop across the body diode.
The total power dissipation in the low-side MOSFET is:
PD(LS) = PD(LS)COND + PD(LS)SW
IC Power Dissipation
During normal operation, power dissipation in the controller is mostly from the gate drivers. This can be calculated from the following equation:
PGATE = 2 ✕ VVLG ✕ fSW ✕ ( QGH + QGL)
______________________________________________________________________________________
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
Applications Information
PC Board Layout Guidelines
A properly designed PC board layout is important in any
switching DC-DC converter circuit. If possible, mount
the MOSFETs, inductor, input/output capacitors, and
current-sense resistor on the top side of the PC board.
Connect the ground for these devices close together on
a power ground plane. Make all other ground connections to a separate analog ground plane. Connect the
analog ground plane to power ground at a single point.
rent traces short and wide to reduce the resistance in
these traces. Also make the gate-drive connections (DH_
and DL_) short and wide, measuring 10 to 20 squares
(50mils to 100mils wide if the MOSFET is 1in from the
controller IC).
Use Kelvin sense connections for the current-sense
resistors.
Place the REF capacitor, the VDD capacitor, and the
BST_ diode and capacitor as close as possible to the IC.
If the IC is far from the input capacitors, bypass VCC to
GND with an additional 0.1µF or greater ceramic capacitor close to the VCC pin.
For an example PC board layout, refer to the MAX1937
or MAX1938 evaluation kit.
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 6243
PROCESS: BiCMOS
To help dissipate heat, place high-power components
(MOSFETs, inductor, and current-sense resistor) on a
large PC board area, or use a heat sink. Keep high cur-
______________________________________________________________________________________
21
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
where fSW is approximately 250kHz, QGH is the gate
charge of the high-side MOSFET, and QGL is the gate
charge of the low-side MOSFET. The values used for
the gate charge are at the gate drive voltage (VVLG).
The “2” in the above equation is due to the two phases
of the converter. If multiple MOSFETs are used in parallel, add the gate charges of each MOSFET to find the
total gate charge used in the above equation.
Make sure that the maximum power dissipation of the IC
is not exceeded (see the Absolute Maximum Ratings).
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Functional Diagram
EN
VDD
ENABLE/
SHUTDOWN
VCC
BIAS
ON-TIME
ONE-SHOT
CS1
CS2
ON-TIME
COMPUTE
MIN OFF
TIME
ONE-SHOT
FB
BST1
REF - 12.5%
DH1
LX1
REF + 12.5%
VLG
PWRGD
CONTROL
LOGIC
DL1
CS1
PGND
CS2
gm
BST2
DH2
VLG
VPOS
LX2
DL2
CURRENT
BALANCE
REF
ERROR AMP
DL2
2V
FB
UVLO/
OVLO
∑
CURRENT
LIMIT
∑
VID DAC
GNDS
GND
22
VID0–VID4
TIME
ILIM
______________________________________________________________________________________
DL2
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
VIN
INPUT: 8V TO 14V
1
U2
KA78M06
3
IN
OUT
GND
2
C2
2.2µF
1
D1
2
CENTRAL
C1 CMHD4448
2.2µF
C3
2.2µF
R1
10Ω
28
8
CVDD
0.01µF
2
VID1
4
VID2
5
VID3
DH1
VDD
LX1
BST1
VID0
DL1
VID1
CS1
VID2
VID3
U1
6
VID4
13
EN
RTIME
120kΩ
CVPOS
47pF
CREF
0.47µF
R4
82.5kΩ
3
VID4
VLG
7
RVPOS
51.1kΩ
12
R3
200kΩ
9
11
R5
10kΩ
2
N1
1
26
3
IR: 3X1RLR7811W
25
PGND
EN
TIME
VPOS
REF
ILIM
1
CS2
DL2
LX2
DH2
BF
PWRGD
VOUT
OUTPUT
0.8V TO 1.55V
60A
3
24
2
22
3
1mΩ
RCS1
D2
CENTRAL CMPSH-3A
1mΩ
RCS2
21
19
1
20
16
CBST2
0.22µF N4
18
17
IR: 3 × 1RLR7811W
3
FAIRCHILD
2 × 1SL9N303AS3ST L2
0.5µH
2
BI TECHNOLOGIES HM73-40R50
3 IR: 2 × 1RLR7811W
1
14
FB
GND
GNDS
BI TECHNOLOGIES HM73-40R50
2
FAIRCHILD
2 × 1SL9N303AS3ST
27
23
L1
0.5µH
1
MAX1938
BST2
10
GNDS
N3
CBST1
0.22µF N3
1
VID0
VCC
10 × 10µF CERAMIC CAPACITORS
TAIYO YUDEN TMK432BJ106MM
AND 4 × 330µF
SANYO 25MV330WX
CIN
CVLG
1µF
VDD
13
VIN
N2
2
R6
10kΩ
VDD
R2
100kΩ
6 × 560µF/4V OS-CAN CAPACITORS
SANYO SP560M
AND 2 × 1µF CERAMIC CAPACITORS
TAIYO YUDEN: LMK212BJ105MG
PWRGD
______________________________________________________________________________________
23
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
MAX1938 Typical Application Circuit
MAX1937/MAX1938/MAX1939
Two-Phase Desktop CPU Core Supply Controllers
with Controlled VID Change
Package Information
(The package drawing(s) in this data sheet may not reflect the most current specifications. For the latest package outline information,
go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.)
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
24 ____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2002 Maxim Integrated Products
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.