STMicroelectronics Launches Most Integrated Solution for Next-Generation PC/Server Motherboard Voltage Regulation18 October 2005
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM),
one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers and the world's leading
supplier of semiconductor products for power conversion, according to
independent market analyst iSuppli, has expanded its successful VR (Voltage
Regulator) platform for desktop computer and server CPU power management
applications with the introduction of the L6713 and L6714. The two devices
provide state-of-the-art voltage-regulator control for the most advanced Intel
and AMD processors and are fully compatible with both the 6-bit VID AMD
specification and the VR11 Intel specification for next-generation CPUs. These
standards specify voltage range, accuracy, and the control functions needed to
allow the voltage-regulator subsystem to adapt its output dynamically in
accordance with the CPU needs.
The new devices represent a compact solution for current requirements over
130 amperes. Building on ST's experience and success in the motherboard VR
market, the voltage regulators offer two distinctive factors: the L6714 is the
industry's first 4-phase motherboard PWM (pulse-width modulator) controller to
incorporate embedded high-current MOSFET drivers, thereby reducing valuable
board area and increasing system reliability compared to alternative
approaches that require external MOSFET drivers, while the L6713 allows simple
migration between 4-phase and 3-phase topologies (e.g. to produce lower cost
product variations) without the need to change the pc-board layout when a 4-
phase application is migrated to three phases. Migration is achieved simply
by depopulating the board of the external components related to the 4th phase
and replacing the L6714 with the pin-compatible L6713. This eliminates the
cost and time delay involved in redesigning and re-qualifying the highly
complex motherboard.
ST's long experience in integrating power analog, small signal analog, and
digital circuitry has enabled the Company to incorporate the PWM controller,
MOSFET drivers, and protection mechanisms in a single chip that provides the
industry's best system-partitioning solution in terms of cost, printed-circuit
board space, system reliability, and product evolution options. Key technical
features of the L6713 and L6714 include output accuracy of plus or minus 0.5%
over temperature and input voltage variations; flexible and accurate control
via fully differential current sensing across either the external inductors or
LS (low side) MOSFETs per phase, causing the device to enter Constant Current
mode in the event of overcurrent detection; preliminary overvoltage protection
that safeguards the CPU in the event of HS (high side) MOSFET failure during
start-up; excellent thermal performance, thanks to the HTQFP64 package with
exposed thermal pad; active current sharing with an accuracy of plus or minus
3% between phases; fast dynamic response; differential voltage sensing;
programmable offset; programmable overvoltage threshold; programmable
oscillator frequency; programmable digital soft-start; SS_END/PGOOD signal and
system thermal monitoring.
In addition to providing the optimum solution in terms of system
partitioning, features, and migration ease, the L6713/4 devices leverage ST's
unrivalled track record in integrating signal and power circuits in the same
silicon chip, allowing the Company to offer state-of-the-art designs built
with the same proven technology that is already widely deployed in devices
designed for applications where reliability is a key factor, such as airbag
and brake control systems.
The L6713 and L6714 are available now at prices US$2.00 and US$2.50,
respectively, in quantities of 1000 pieces.
This press release is also available at
http://www.st.com/stonline/press/news/year2005/p1697d.htm
... with links to further information on the L6713 and L6714.
Further information on ST's range of voltage regulators is available at
http://www.st.com/vregs
About ST's Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions
that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete
products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications
expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize
time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging
applications.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering
semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications.
An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing
strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners
positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and
its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The
Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris
and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company's net revenues were
$8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST
can be found at http://www.st.com.
Source: PR Newswire
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