Tiny integrated PMIC for AI and data centers

Microchip Technology has recently unveiled the MCP16701 PMIC, a power management integrated circuit tailored to cater to the demands of high-performance MPU and FPGA designers. This PMIC is strategically aimed at high-performance AI, industrial computing, and data center applications, boasting an operational range from −40°C to +105°C.

The MCP16701 PMIC boasts an impressive array of features, including eight 1.5 A buck converters that can be paralleled, four 300 mA internal LDOs, and a controller designed to drive external MOSFETs. Additionally, it is equipped with an I2C communication interface that enhances communication efficiency between the PMIC and other system components.

One of the standout advantages of this highly integrated device is its ability to reduce area usage by up to 48% while utilizing less than 60% of the component count compared to a discrete implementation. Encased in a compact 8 mm × 8 mm VQFN package, the MCP16701 offers flexible power management solutions for applications with space constraints, catering to diverse power needs and supporting Microchip’s PIC64-GX MPU and PolarFire® FPGAs with a configurable feature set.

According to Rudy Jaramillo, Vice President of Microchip’s Analogue Power and Interface Division, the introduction of the MCP16701 sets a new benchmark in PMIC technology by providing an unparalleled level of integration and flexibility. Jaramillo emphasized that this advanced PMIC is meticulously crafted for high-performance applications, empowering customers to streamline their design processes.

One of the key highlights of the MCP16701 is its dynamic capability to adjust Vout levels for all converters in 12.5-mV/25-mV increments. This exceptional flexibility enables designers to fine-tune power delivery to meet specific application requirements, ultimately enhancing overall system efficiency and performance.

For developers interested in exploring the capabilities of the MCP16701 PMIC, Microchip offers support through the EV23P28A Evaluation Board and GUI, providing a valuable resource for evaluating and optimizing their designs.