‘Universal’ PMIC features Full Design Programmability
Exar Corporation today introduced the XRP7720 quad-output, synchronous step-down, universal PMIC, which has the ability to be programmed to meet the needs of nearly all systems. In development, an I2C interface allows Exar's PowerArchitect™ design and configuration software to quickly optimize the power system performance. Configurable parameters and functions include: output voltage, full feature up and down sequencing, fault behavior, GPIO functionality and control loop parameters. All are re-configurable through the use of on board FLASH memory. During qualification, the system engineer has access to the full suite of PowerXR capabilities such as re-configurability, real time dynamic control, and telemetry. Design verification testing can proceed far more rapidly through the leveraging of software with the power system.
Once system qualification is completed, the additional cost of the I2C interface and FLASH can be eliminated when dynamic control, telemetry and monitoring are not required in the project. In high-volume production the XRP7720 is hard programmed by Exar, providing a customized PMIC. If the customer finds the re-configurability, dynamic control, and monitoring of value in the end product they can easily migrate to the pin compatible full featured XRP7724.
"Time to Market is critical in nearly all markets, and the XRP7720 provides an extremely fast path to a working, qualified power system," said James Lougheed, Exar's vice president, power management products. "The XRP7720 brings designers the best of both worlds; re-configurability, telemetry & monitoring during the development cycle and economical customization for high volume production."
Exar's Programmable Power Management family is marketed under the PowerXR brand. The PowerXR family of products combines programmable power conversion control and monitoring technology with high performance analog circuitry in the industry's leading portfolio of programmable power management system solutions. PowerXR enables system architects to create innovative products with advanced, intelligent, switching power supplies that significantly reduce wasted power and improve overall time to market compared to legacy analog power-supply regulators.
Exar's PowerArchitectâ„¢ development tools enable designers to intelligently configure the power supply's voltage setting and current thresholds, fault monitoring and response, soft start and active shutdown timing, channel sequencing, phase shift management and loop response amongst other features. Dynamic control and full system monitoring enable system architects and power designers alike to develop custom, proprietary system power designs that add value to their end applications. The XRP7720-DEV (the specific part number with active I2C and FLASH memory) is available now in a RoHS compliant, green/halogen free 7x7mm TQFN package.
