Quad-channel digital power-supply controller with PMBus interface from Maxim

Maxim has introduced the MAX16064, a fully integrated quad-channel digital power-supply controller and monitor IC that offers a PMBus interface for programming, sequencing, monitoring, and margining power supplies. The MAX16064 digital controller is designed for high-performance, high-reliability systems with multiple power supplies and suitable for the applications such as servers, storage devices, switches, base stations, routers, and networking equipment.

The MAX16064 IC can be connected up to four analog power supplies to provide a digital power-management solution.

The key features of the MAX16064 digital controller IC are,

Programmable soft-start and soft-stop ramp rates
Power-supply control using REFIN or FB terminals
Master-slave clocking option provides accurate timing reference across multiple devices
External EEPROM interface for Autoboot on power-up
Operating input voltage ranges from 3.0V to 3.6V
Internal temperature sensor provides an additional level of system monitoring

The MAX16064's each channel includes a 12-bit ADC input and a differential amplifier for monitoring and reporting the voltage at the load without being influenced by any difference in ground potentials. An integrated 12-bit DAC can margin power supplies and adjust the output voltage using a closed-loop control system to provide an output-voltage accuracy of ±0.3%.

The MAX16064 operates using a PMBus-compliant communication protocol. The device can be programmed using this protocol or with a free graphic-user interface (GUI). Once the configuration is complete, the results can be saved into an EEPROM or loaded into the device through PMBus at power-up. This allows remote configuration of any power supply using the MAX16064, replacing expensive recalls or field service. The MAX16064 can be programmed with up to 114 distinct addresses to support large systems.

By storing fault data in external EEPROM, the MAX16064 also eases the process of identifying and debugging failures. The controller can poll each power supply at fixed intervals and log the information intelligently for future analysis. This is extremely beneficial to customers, because it allows them to diagnose unrepeatable errors for failures during startup or normal operation.

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
Package: 6mm x 6mm, 36-Pin TQFN package
Price: Starts at $6.34 for 1k pieces
Availability: Now

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com

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