When is a power module the right choice?

Due to the high current requirements of ASICs, microcontrollers, and FPGAs, you can use discrete component-based power supplies (a combination of discrete and integrated) or module-based solutions. When the solution specifications and form factor are fixed, the trade-offs between cost, design effort, and performance are conditions that must be considered. However, when FPGA and microcode options are still unknown and may change until the last minute, time becomes a critical factor and unforeseen development delays may occur.

When you think about all the components you need to consider when designing your power supply using discrete components, you will quickly realize the value that power modules can provide. With discrete solutions, selecting the right PWM controller, FETs, inductors, compensation schemes, and other supporting components takes time, making the design cycle longer.

此外，对电路板进行合理布局需要的时间，以及所涉及的持续元件采购成本和时间都是电源模块能够为设计你的电源解决方案带来显著优点的所有重要原因。

Due to system design requirements, limited board space, and the nature of your concept, you decide that the project should adopt a module-based solution. Power modules provide fully integrated DC/DC regulators. This means that the controller, FETs, inductor, and compensation circuitry are all contained in a single package. Modules can be analog, analog with a digital wrapper, or purely digital.

For your design, you decide to select the ISL8270M digital DC/DC power module. This module can provide 25A continuous output current without the need for a fan or heat sink. The thermally enhanced high-density array (HAD) module dissipates heat directly into the board. The module's ChargeMode digital control responds to transient loads within a single switching cycle, eliminating the need for compensation. It also minimizes the output capacitance to increase the density of the design. Features like ChargeMode keep the design stable regardless of temperature or changes in output capacitance and load.

Pin strap mode allows for quick changes to pre-programmed configurations. For this power module, a graphical user interface (GUI) design tool called PowerNavigator was used to simplify setup and configuration. This tool makes it easy to change the features and functionality of a digital power design without writing a single line of code, ensuring the design was completed before the one-week deadline!

Proof of concept design is always a challenge for power designers and requires strong nerves. Endless obstacles arise when system power changes occur, such as voltage changes due to errors and performance improvements, or current changes due to miscalculations and constant adjustments of FPGAs and microcontrollers. For power designers, these changes mean further density and thermal considerations, but in the worst case, it means the dreaded recalculation of compensation networks. Using the ChargeMode feature of the digital power module, you can throw away your calculation books, slide rules, fancy calculators, and smartphones for technical support. Voila, a telecom system power design was completed in less than a week!