Supply controller/monitor

Click2Contact

Maxim has introduced the MAX8688, claimed to be the first chip to convert an all-analog power supply to a fully programmable, digital power management solution.

A complete digital power supply controller/monitor, the device uses PMBus for communication, and can be used to control/monitor up to 127 power supplies on a single bus.

It taps into existing analog power-management solutions to provide control and monitoring capabilities, all functionality previously only available in all-digital power supplies.

The controller/monitor closes a slow loop around the power supply to bring accuracy and control in setting the output voltage. By tapping into the enable, feedback node, and/or reference input, it provides tracking, sequencing and fine setting of the output voltage down to ±0.2% accuracy over the operating temperature.

Because the device is in full control of the output, tasks like margining up or down and transitioning the output voltage at a controlled rate are quite simple.

The 8688 uses the high accuracy of its integrated 12 bit, linear ADC to monitor output voltage, current and onboard temperature.

In the PowerMind intelligence approach, a master microcontroller communicates to the controller through the PMBus. The system controller facilitates data logging and system-level control.

For the first time, it is claimed, system integrators have indispensable status and event information when they must research a problem and debug field failures.

The device can also modify the performance of the power supply remotely - another benefit of PowerMind technology.