Microchip announces flexible, integrated, digitally enhanced Power analog controllers for power conversion, measurement, and management

     Microchip Technology has introduced a new Digital Enhanced Power Analog (DEPA) step-down controller for DC-DC power conversion. The device is more flexible than any other analog control architecture on the market today. This single-chip solution controls DC-DC converters and is capable of accepting high voltage inputs (up to 42V) while maintaining the output voltage over a wide range (0.3V to 16V without any external components or drivers).

     The internal PIC  microcontroller in the MCP19122/3 dynamically adjusts the operating frequency, overvoltage and undervoltage locking thresholds, current limits, soft start, voltage or current output Settings, and maximum duty cycle. Such a high level of configurability has many application advantages. For example, the MCP19123 dynamically adjusts the output voltage to meet USB power requirements, while also adjusting the output overvoltage lock value to maintain strict protection thresholds for each output voltage level.

     The MCP19123 buck controller offers many unique features, including a programmable differential input amplifier to improve performance and reduce system voltage errors. This configurable feature supports a wide range of output voltages common in USB power and battery charger applications. The device improves the integration of large systems, is able to synchronize with external clocks and reference voltages, and can also provide internal system clocks and references for other devices to synchronize.

     In a server or communication device, this feature enables seamless power-on and accurate tracking of the total power consumption of the entire board. For high-power applications, multiple outputs can work in parallel, improving system reliability through system redundancy. Combined with the industry's unmatched onboard programmable diagnostics and fault detection capabilities, the MCP19122/3 is ideal for high-performance smart power applications.

     With this device, a highly accurate adjustable output power supply can also be achieved. The MCP19122/3 DC-DC converter is capable of maintaining an initial output voltage accuracy of 0.5% or more. In addition to strict voltage regulation, the MCP19122/3 uses a non-destructive inductive current detection method with professional in-house measurement calibration to achieve industry-leading current measurement. In most applications, the device is able to directly accept common-mode signals up to 16V with load current accuracy of less than 5%, and its simulated average current mode control function supports week-by-week term flow via hardware.

     Rich Simoncic, Microchip's vice president of Analog, Power, and Interface Products, commented, "Microchip is one of the few companies that has truly mastered both analog power control and digital controllers. The innovative combination of digital management and analog power control in our DEPA product line brings many application benefits that no other company can match."