BMR465 Digital PoL DC/DC Converter

Flex Power Modules' BMR465 is a two-phase 90 A digital point-of-load (PoL) DC/DC power module that offers compensation-free performance and the ability to easily connect modules in parallel to provide up to 360 A to advanced network-processors that require high performance in power delivery and high levels of software control to improve flexibility. These advanced capabilities make the BMR465 well suited for software-defined power architecture (SDPA) systems.

The BMR465 PoL converter can be operated as a standalone unit delivering 90 A and as part of a larger power system when processor boards require higher current. Built on a two-phase topology, four BMR465 modules can be connected in parallel together to deliver up to 360 A.

The BMR465 is fully compliant with PMBus commands and has been integrated into the Flex Power Designer software, which makes it easy for system architects to simulate and configure complete multi-module and multiphase systems prior to implementation and thereby gain valuable time-to-market. Phase spreading, one of the functions of the Flex Power Designer, can substantially reduce peak input ripple current in a multi-module power solution. Other functions include tracking and several sequencing functions.

Designed to deliver high performance, the BMR465 integrates 'compensation-free' modulation techniques, which automatically provide stability, accurate line and load regulation, and good transient performance for a wide range of operating conditions. The non-linear charge mode control guarantees the control loop is always stable and the load step response within a single switching cycle conferring unprecedented stability while minimizing minimum filtering capacitors, saving both board space and cost.

Operating from a 7.5 V to 14 V input, the BMR465 can operate over a large range of intermediate bus voltages from 8 V to 14 V, thereby complying with the dynamic bus voltage scheme implemented in SDPA and reducing power dissipation and saving energy. The factory default output voltage is set to 1.2 V but can be adjusted from 0.6 V to 1.8 V either via a pin-strap resistor or PMBus commands. As part of SDPA, adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) can also be performed via the PMBus, adjusting the BMR465 output voltage to the optimized core voltage as required by the processor.

The module delivers efficiency of 94.3% at half load at 12 V input and 1.8 V output, together with an MTBF of 27 million hours.

The BMR465 is available in two mechanical configurations with respective laydown and system-in-package (SIP) dimensions of 50.8 mm x 19.05 mm x 10.0 mm (2.0 in. x 0.75 in. x 0.39 in.) and 50.8 mm x 9.51 mm x 19.05 mm (2.0 in. x 0.37 in. x 0.75 in.). Both configurations share the same functional inputs and outputs, thereby simplifying board design when combining different packaging to accommodate different cooling methods.