Overview: ® ISL6590
Data Sheet April 2003 FN9061 Digital Multi-Phase PWM Controller for Core-Voltage Regulation
Processors that operate above a GHz require fast, intelligent power systems. The Intersil ISL6590 controller offers intelligent digital, multi-phase control that provides high bandwidth, optimal control frequency response, noise immunity and active transient response control algorithms. The design is fully scalable for controlling up to six phases, each featuring the Intersil ISL6580 intelligent power stage. The user can configure and monitor the power system via the Asynchronous Serial Interface (ASI). The ISL6590 controller flexibility can be extended with the addition of an external EEPROM for updating key circuit operating parameters in the control loop and overall system design. The digital architecture reduces the design time for engineers with the use of our software. The software allows the designer the freedom to choose output stage components and still achieve optimized system performance. The ISL6590 digital controller communicates with the ISL6580 integrated power stages via 100% digital signaling. Serial communication allows for separation of the controller and the power stage, providing placement and layout freedom to the power stage. The digital controller implements phase balancing to ensure even distribution of phase currents. The ISL6590 controller configures the ISL6580 power stage current limit, VID reference, nonoverlap period, Active Transient Response (ATR) trigger levels and maximum temperature limit. The digital controller also monitors the ISL6580 power stage peak currents, overtemperature fault, input under voltage, output over/under voltage to ensure proper operation of the power supply.
