Intel Mobile Voltage Positioning (IMVP) is a smart voltage regulation technology that effectively reduces the amount of output capacitance required for a given output error budget. On-chip support is provided for all the IMVP-6/6+/6.5 requirements, including a 7-bit VID code, start-up to a preset boot voltage (VBOOT), differential remote output voltage sensing, programmable active voltage positioning (AVP), output current reporting (IMON, IMVP-6.5) and power optimization during deeper sleep state to increase the battery run time.

The LTC3816 incorporates a parallel input, 7-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which dynamically adjusts its output to the Intel CPU core supply voltage from 0 V to 1.500 V in 12.5 mV steps with +0.75 percent VOUT accuracy over temperature. It operates from an input voltage ranging from 4.5 V to 36 V, has powerful onboard N-channel MOSFET gate drivers and can control output currents up to 25 A. The device’s leading edge modulation architecture enables a very low output voltage to be regulated from a high input voltage and still operates at high frequency (phase-lockable up to 550 kHz). A unity-gain differential amplifier provides remote voltage sensing at the CPU, eliminating errors due to parasitic IR drops across PCB metal traces.

Current sensing can be implemented with either a temperature-compensated lossless inductor DCR network, or with a discrete sense resistor. If DCR sensing is used, an NTC thermistor network will compensate for the gain and time constant variations caused by the inductor DCR temperature coefficient.

The LTC3816 can operate in pulse-skipping or forced continuous mode. Pulse skipping provides the highest light load efficiency, while forced continuous operation has faster transient response at light load. AVP minimizes the peak-to-peak output voltage transient during a step load.

Summary of Features: LTC3816

• Intel IMVP-6, IMVP-6+ & IMVP-6.5 Compliant
• 7-Bit VID DAC Control of VOUT: 0 V to 1.500 V in 12.5 mV Steps
• +0.75 percent VOUT Accuracy Over Temperature
• Wide VIN Range from 4.5 V to 36 V
• Line Feedforward Compensation
• Preset VBOOT Output Voltage at
• Start-Up
• Programmable Active Voltage Positioning
• Power Optimization at Light Load
• CLKEN#, VRTT# and PWRGD Open Drain Outputs
• Powerful Onboard N-Channel MOSFET Gate Drivers
• Internal 5 V LDO with Auxiliary 5 V Supply Operation (EXTVCC)
• RSENSE or Temperature Compensated DCR Current Sensing
• Selectable Pulse Skipping or Forced Continuous Operation
• True Differential Amplifier for Remote Output Voltage Sensing
• Programmable Slow Slew Rate Deeper Sleep State Exit
• Programmable Soft Start Time
• Phase-Lockable Fixed Frequency Operation from 150 kHz to 550 kHz
• Very Low Minimum On-Time (Less than 35nsec)

Availability and Pricing

The LTC3816 is available in thermally enhanced 38-lead SSOP or 38-lead 5 mm x 7 mm QFN packages and operates over a -40 to 125 degrees C operating junction temperature range. 1000-piece price starts at 3.25 US Dollars each. Both versions are available from stock.

Related link: LTC3816