Digital Power Enables Enhanced Testing and Ensures Optimal Operation
GE's Critical Power business today announced the availability of its new GDT080 GigaDLynx* digital point-of-load (POL) module, providing board designers a unit claiming industry-leading output current levels in a significantly reduced footprint compared to previous alternatives. GigaDLynx is the newest addition to GE's family of DLynx digital POL modules. GE's new POL module substantially reduces the board area required by designers to deliver very high current (80A) at a precisely controlled low voltage on high performance system boards, making it suited for environments with harsh temperature and airflow conditions.
Both existing and new generations of integrated circuits such as CPUs, application specific integrated circuits and field programmable gate arrays can benefit from the expanded digital functions of the GigaDLynx. It is nearly 20 percent more dense than GE's previous DLynx offerings, enabling a power density of 10.6 A/cm2 -- one of the world's highest density digital POLs.
"Specifically tailored for board designers using the latest generation of high-powered processors, our latest POL module raises the bar and sets a new standard for current density," said Karim Wassef, embedded power product line leader, GE's Critical Power business. "Wherever high-current, high-performance processors are needed, the GDT080 can provide a reliable, compact, cost-effective source of power."
GE's new GigaDLynx POL modules are suited for high-performance networking equipment, servers and storage systems. The modules are capable of facilitating a higher current in a smaller space and over a wide input voltage range. In addition, its enhanced digital capabilities allow for improved measurement, control, flexibility and intelligence compared to previous generation POL models.
"The general processing market is rapidly moving to higher-performance chips, which require more power, creating an increased demand for highly efficient embedded components. High-performance products are continuously being pushed to do more in less space," Karim continued. "With our new GigaDLynx POL module, we are able to equip our customers with the tighter voltage control they need in a reduced footprint to free up space when designing the layout of their boards."
Digital PMBus* POL modules like GE's GigaDLynx provide more sophisticated capabilities compared to older analog modules. For example, with GE's GDT080 modules, designers can quickly test and measure different configurations and software to determine the optimum combination of hardware and software for their application. In addition, the digital capabilities of the GDT080 enable board designers to adjust the operating configuration of the POL on the fly to maximize performance under varying operating conditions (known as adaptive voltage scaling). These industry-leading modules also provide faster transient response and tighter voltage control, satisfying the needs of newer, more demanding high-performance processors. GE's GigaDLynx GDT080 is available in volume quantity, with pricing beginning at $35 at OEM volumes.
