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Power for Pentium Processors; Meeting VRE Requirements (AN63)

Application note detailing power supply designs for Pentium and Pentium VRE processors using LTC1266 switching controllers and LT1584 linear regulators.

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Overview

This application note provides design solutions for meeting the stringent power requirements of Pentium and Pentium VRE processors. It focuses on the LTC1266 synchronous buck regulator for high-efficiency switching and the LT1584 for fast-transient linear regulation. The document addresses challenges including 3.5V VRE voltage tolerances and extreme load transients from 200mA to 4A within 20ns. Key circuits include a high-precision switcher utilizing the LT1431 shunt regulator for enhanced DC accuracy and remote sensing. Technical guidance is provided for decoupling capacitor selection, PCB layout to minimize inductance, and input capacitance to stabilize the 5V supply during transients.

Use Cases

  • Pentium processor power supply
  • VRE microprocessor voltage regulation
  • 5V to 3.3V DC-DC conversion
  • High-transient load regulation
  • Desktop PC motherboard power design

Topics

LTC1266
LT1584
LT1431
Pentium VRE
synchronous buck regulator
linear regulator
load transient
power supply design
N-channel MOSFET
decoupling network

Referenced Parts

627V100

BI Technologies

PRECISION DIVIDER NETWORK (BI TECH. 627V100)

LT1431

Linear Technology

The LT1431 however, does have a sufficiently accurate reference

LT1584

Linear Technology

LT1584 linear regulator to provide power

LT1584CT

Linear Technology

U1 LT1584CT

LTC1266

Linear Technology

new LTC1266 synchronous buck regulator control chip

MBR120T3

Motorola

D1, D2: MBR120T3

Si4410

Siliconix

FOR 10A USE Si4410

Si9410

Siliconix

FOR 5A OUTPUT USE Si9410

10V

AVX

minimum, use four pieces of a 100μF, 10V AVX type TPS