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Voltage Regulator Modules for Future Microprocessors: Introduction and Technologies
ABSTRACT
Microprocessor integrated circuits require very stable internal DC voltage sources. Since CMOS digital integrated circuits continue to move towards lower DC supply voltages 3.3 V, 1.8 V, 1.2 V the noise margin of the digital circuits is reduced, meaning that unwanted voltage transients on the chip can cause false bit transitions thus compromising the performance of the entire chip. According to Intel microprocessorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road map, the microprocessors operate at extremely low voltages (<1V) and high currents (>100A) with the continuous increase of the speed and transistors within the chips. Therefore, it is of major importance to design DC supply circuits which can maintain well-regulated internal DC voltages on chip. In this seminar, the state of the art research on Voltage Regulators (VRs) or Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) for microprocessors is introduced. The background information covers the computer power architectures, the problems of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VR solutions and the challenges and trend of the future VRMs etc. The resonant gate driver technique and soft-switching technology are also reviewed to provide the fundamental theory. After the introduction part is finished, four new ideas will be presented to improve the performance of the VRMs.