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Introducing Richtek VCORE Solutions |
Did you ever wonder what kind of power supply systems are driving
the processors in your notebook or desktop PC? VCORE regulators
are no ordinary voltage regulators: They have to deliver more current
than typical welding equipment, have to deal with huge load transients
having extreme dI/dt, they must be able to change the output voltage
dynamically and control the CPU voltage within very narrow tolerance
bands. At the same time they have to have good efficiency at both
high load and light load conditions. VCORE controllers have a direct
communication link with the processor and are normally developed
to work with specific processor types or families. Richtek has been
developing VCORE controllers for over 10 years and has a wide range
of VCORE solutions and PMIC’s for CPU, GPU and APU processor families
of Intel and AMD. It is quite possible that the Desktop PC or Notebook
that you are using is |
Powered by
VCORE Solutions |
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A typical VCORE regulator application consists
of a VCORE buck controller, multi-phase power stages for delivering
the high core rail current, CPU core voltage sense, individual phase
current sense, temperature sense and a serial interface between
the CPU and the VCORE controller. Controller SET pins are used to
program preset settings to match the particular CPU platform requirement.
The CPU can send serial commands to the controller like core supply
voltage changes or different power save states, and can also read
controller register values like current consumption and operating
temperature.
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One of the main challenges of VCORE regulators is the load transient capability. 80% load steps with 100nsec rise times are common and the regulator needs to have excellent transient response to avoid core voltage undershoots or overshoots which could cause CPU crash or damage. Richtek VCORE controllers use several methods to improve output accuracy, achieve excellent transient response and allow easy programming of load line: |
CCRCOT topology (Constant Current Ripple Constant
On Time) uses the advantages of COT fast response time and at the
same time adjusts the on time to achieve constant current ripple
over the entire input voltage, output voltage and load range. This
system maintains a constant output ripple which improves voltage
accuracy, and improves efficiency at lower load and lower input
and output voltage conditions. |
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Programmable QR (Quick Response) helps to improve load transient response by temporarily bypassing the normal voltage regulation loop when a sudden load step is encountered. A QR trigger can instantly activate all phases with a specific (programmable) pulse width, thereby maximizing the energy transfer during a load step, which minimizes the output voltage undershoot. |
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G-NAVP (Green Native Automatic Voltage Positioning): Automatic Voltage Positioning is also called load line or voltage droop. It basically means that the converter output will automatically reduce its output voltage at higher load current as illustrated below. Although this seems counterproductive to good load regulation, it actually helps to create extra headroom for the output voltage under and overshoots during load transients and reduces CPU temperature at high load. |
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Load line values are normally dictated by the CPU makers. Richtek uses a
proprietary finite gain error amplifier concept to create a natural and easy
programmable load line, while at the same time simplifying the error amplifier
compensation.
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For more information, including an overview of Richtek VCORE design tools
and evaluation boards, please read the full application note
Introduction to Richtek VCORE solutions.
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Which Richtek VCORE controller should I choose? Richtek VCORE controllers are divided into INTEL and AMD segments, then split into low power and performance groups.
From there the parts are subdivided into different platforms. Richtek also provides high integration PMIC solutions, for a complete one-chip power solution for specific INTEL SoC’s. These are especially attractive in small form-factor applications and mobile applications requiring the lowest quiescent current in low power standby mode.
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You can find Richtek VCORE parts by entering CPU specification, platform names and sockets on the
VCORE selection page. You can also find system block diagrams of different Intel platforms on the
Intel VCORE solutions page. For a full overview of Richtek VCORE solutions for Intel and AMD CPUs please download the
Richtek VCORE product selection list. |
Cannot find a VCORE regulator part? Due to the fact that
Richtek VCORE parts are developed in cooperation with INTEL and AMD, some
information will not be published on the Richtek website due to confidentiality
reasons. If you would like more information on specific Richtek VCORE regulator
parts or are looking for VCORE regulators for specific CPU platforms which
are not shown on the Richtek website, please contact your nearest Richtek
sales office. |
New Products |
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RT6158H is a 5µA low quiescent current, 3A Buck-Boost
Converter in a 25-ball WL-CSP package. Operating
in 2.5V-5.5V input and 2MHz switching frequency, RT6158H
provides seamless transition between Buck and Boost modes
and optimal transient response, which makes it suitable for fluctuating input supplies like battery powered equipment, powering RF power amplifiers in mobile PC, sensors and
cellular telephones.
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Get Free RT6158H Sample Now |
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RT4730 is a 2.9V-4.8Vin, 50mA symmetrical output currents,
Power Solution for Wearable AMOLED Products in a WL-CSP-16B
2.34x2.34 (BSC) package. Integrated Buck-Boost
converter to generate 2.8V to 4V positive output, and an
inverting charge pump to generate -0.6V to -4V negative
output. Optimized for 1.1”/1.3” AMOLED displays requiring
symmetrical supplies in wearable applications like smart watches.
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