Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1444137
High Power Density in a Small Form Factor by Steve Knoth BACKGROUND Sophisticated high power density digital inte- grated circuits (ICs), such as graphics processor units (GPUs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), can be found in a broad range of fea- ture-rich electronic environments, including: ▶ Automotive ▶ Medical ▶ Telecom ▶ Datacom ▶ Industrial ▶ Communications ▶ Gaming ▶ Consumer audio/video With this level of market penetration, it is no surprise that the global demand for high cur- rent, low voltage digital ICs is exploding. The current global market is assessed at more than US $1.8B, and this is expected to rise annu- ally by 10.87% to reach US $3.7B over the 2018 to 2025 period. As one of the biggest slices of this market, FPGAs account for a projected US $1.53B by the end of 2025. The rest of the digital IC market is represented by GPUs, microcontrol- lers and microprocessors, programmable logic devices (PLDs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). High power density digital ICs have penetrated virtually every embedded system. FPGAs enable cutting-edge applications in the market seg- ments listed above. For example, in automotive applications, advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs) and collision avoidance systems pre- vent catastrophe due to human error. Likewise, government-mandated safety features such as antilock brake systems, stability control, and electronically controlled independent suspension systems require FPGAs to function. In consumer electronics, the demand for Internet of Things (IoT) functionality, sophisticated graphic engine functionality, and machine-to-machine (M2M) functionality call for advanced digital ICs. Massive data storage and cloud computing centers and expansive networks of optical net- working modules drive the need for FPGAs and digital ICs. These digital ICs are powerful, yet temperamen- tal, especially regarding power requirements. Traditionally, efficient switching regulator con- trollers that drive high power MOSFETs have been used to power FPGAs and ASICs, but these controller-based power schemes have potential noise interference issues, relatively slow tran- sient response, and layout limitations. In recent years, small and quiet low dropout (LDO) reg- ulators that minimize heat have been used as an alternative, but not without their own set of TECHNICAL ARTICLES 24 FEBRUARY 2022 | www.eetimes.eu