1 Suggested DC/DC Converters

Table 1-1 highlights the latest point-of-load DC/DC converters with integrated MOSFETs, linear regulators and power modules applicable to powering NICs; however, they are designed to accommodate the requirements for a wide range of markets. These devices are designed to achieve fast transient response, low output voltage ripple, high efficiency, good thermal performance, and high output voltage accuracy. Notice that different control architectures are suggested in the table below.

Fixed-frequency control architectures provide a predictable switching frequency and can be synchronized to an external clock. Current mode or voltage mode control is desirable in noise-sensitive applications that use data converters and high-speed analog circuits. On the other hand, devices implementing constant on-time control deliver a faster transient response than voltage or current mode control to quickly changing load profiles, since there is no internal clock to control the switching frequency. Several devices feature PMBus or I²C with adaptive voltage scaling and margining. Devices integrating PMBus or I²C with telemetry report voltage, current, and temperature information to a host.