Analog Devices’ High-Power µModule Regulator Eases Data Center Cooling Requirements

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) today expanded its suite of Power by Linear^™µModule^® regulators with the LTM4700 step-down DC/DC power regulator, which combines the highest power in its class with the energy efficient performance needed to reduce data center infrastructure cooling requirements. Configured as dual 50A or single 100A configuration, the new power µModule’s innovative package technology enables an increasing server density and boosts data center throughout and computational power with minimal impact on system size and cooling costs. The LTM4700 µModule’s highly integrated, component-on-package design includes onboard memory, data conversion circuitry and digital interface, reducing it to nearly half the size of competing devices. Applications include cloud computing, high-speed computing and optical networking systems, communication infrastructure, and PCIe boards, as well as medical, industrial, and test and measurement equipment.

“Efficient cooling is a crucial issue affecting data centers globally,” said Chris Mann, VP of Power Products, Analog Devices. “Growing demand for higher-throughput, cloud-based computing services is placing a strain on current data center infrastructures and requires a new approach to thermal dissipation. The LTM4700 effectively addresses this issue, allowing data center operators to increase the density – and performance – of their servers.”

The LTM4700 operates at 73°C using innovative heatsink packaging technology, compared to modular solutions from competitors which typically run at 90°C. The LTM4700 can deliver full 100A at 12V_IN to 0.8V_OUT with 200 LFM air flow up to 70°C ambient temperature. Peak conversion efficiency at 12V_IN to 0.8V_OUT reaches 90%.  The µModule’s architecture also enables system designers to combine up to eight devices, delivering up to 800A of load current to meet the higher power needs of data center processors, including FPGAs, ASICs, GPUs and microcontrollers.

The LTM4700 operates from a 4.5V to 16V input range, with output voltages digitally controlled from 0.5V to 1.8V. Integrated A/D converters, D/A converters and EEPROM enable users to digitally monitor, record and control power parameters using an I²C PMBus interface. Switching frequency is synchronized to an external clock from 200kHz to 1MHz for noise-sensitive applications. The LTM4700 also has self- and load-protection features against fault conditions such as over- and undervoltage, overcurrent and overtemperature.

µModule Regulators Designed to Meet Industry Power Challenges 

Analog Devices’ µModule regulators address industry challenges associated with limited power supply design industry expertise, reduced PCB area, thermal design constraints, and increased time-to-market pressures. The ADI µModule regulators are complete component-in-package power management solutions with integrated DC/DC controllers, power transistors, input and output capacitors, compensation components, and inductors within a compact, surface-mount BGA or LGA package. µModule power products support functions such as step-down (buck), step-down and step-up (buck-boost), battery charger, isolated converter, and LED driver. For more information, visit www.analog.com/LTM4700.