Two Core-Voltage Controllers For Intel® Centrino® Duo Notebook PC Designs

Semtech Corp., a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for communications, portable devices, computers, and industrial equipment, recently introduced the SC452 and SC454 pulse-width-modulation power supply controllers for notebook computers that incorporate Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology:

• The two controllers are IMVP-6 compliant and represent the latest devices stemming from Semtech's developer's agreement with Intel. The devices feature 5V input voltage and meet all of Intel's standards designed to extend battery life and manage heat levels. The single-phase SC454 controller can drive up to 30A and is available in an MLP5×5-32pin (5mm×5mm) package so it is ideal for ultrasmall, lightweight notebook computers that use the low and ultralow voltage settings of the Centrino Duo.
• The 55A, dual-phase SC452 device can power the full voltage range of Centrino Duo platform-based notebooks. This controller leverages Intel protocols to seamlessly switch between single- and dual-phase operation with no disturbance on the output voltage. The SC452 is provided in an MLP7×7-44pin (7mm×7mm) package. Both devices are lead-free and RoHS compliant.
• The SC452 and SC454 have a very fast hysteretic voltage regulation scheme for a transient response of less than 10µs. The use of hysteretic topology ensures the output is very stable and requires no effective series resistance (ESR), thus allowing for increased design flexibility and simplicity. This architecture also minimizes output capacitance, which reduces component count, minimizes board footprint and lowers cost.
• The SC452 and SC454 utilize Semtech's proprietary Smart Drive™ technology, which lowers ringing on the phase node and high-side FET gate node to keep efficiency high while reducing EMI and eliminating the need for snubbers or gate resistors. Additionally, the SC452's current sensing system is based on Semtech's Combi-Sense® technology that eliminates the need for lossy, external sense resistors, thus keeping efficiency high and reducing cost.
• Both devices have a complete set of protection mechanisms, including programmable current limit, output over-voltage protection, input under-voltage lockout and over-temperature protection.

Key Features of the SC452 / SC454

Automatic PowerSave Mode

True Differential Remote (die) Sensing

On-Chip Support for IMVP-6/6+ Features: Voltage Regulator, Thermal Throttle (VRTT), Active Voltage Positioning, Geyserville-3 VID transitions, VID-Controlled Deeper Sleep voltage setting, PSI#, DPRSTP#, DPRSLP Control, Fast and Slow C4 Exit, and default Boot Voltage.

Dynamic Current Sharing

Semtech Smart Drive Technology (SC452 and SC454)

Semtech Combi-Sense Technology (SC452 only)

Supports all ceramic decoupling solutions

SOURCE: Semtech Corp