International Rectifier IR3550 PowIRstage device

International Rectifier has introduced the IR3550, the first in a family of integrated PowIRstage products that deliver higher efficiency and better thermal performance.

As well as having the smallest footprint, the device simplifies the DC-DC converter design for next-generation high-performance servers, storage and communication systems.

It simplifies the design and implementation of high-current, high-performance multiphase buck regulators with the resulting solution allowing for fewer phases and lower costs compared with other solutions.

The device integrates a high-performance synchronous buck gate driver, the company’s latest-generation control and synchronous MOSFETs, featuring extremely low on-state resistance (on) and gate charge and a Schottky diode into a high-density, low-profile package.

It offers good performance compared with alternative power stage solutions, by achieving up to a 3% improvement in electrical efficiency to help reduce overall power losses and heat generation in the system.

It is compatible with most analog and digital controllers and features an integrated current sense amplifier that achieves good accuracy and signal-to-noise ratios compared with alternative controller-based inductor DCR-sensing techniques.

The device achieves up to 95% peak efficiency while the high switching frequency capability allows for the miniaturisation of output inductors and input and output capacitors.