Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Tutorials > Power-Supply Circuits > APP 5132
Keywords: Xilinx, FPGA, PLD, CPLD, ASIC, POL, IBA, remote sensing, ZYNQ, Kintex, Virtex, EasyPath, Artix, CoolRunner,
Spartan, InTune, point of load, POLs
TUTORIAL 5132
Power-Supply Solutions for Xilinx FPGAs
By: David Canny, Application Engineer
Apr 24, 2012
Abstract: Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are used in a wide variety of applications and end markets, including digital
signal processing, medical imaging, and high-performance computing. This application note outlines the issues related to
powering FPGAs. It also discusses Maxim's solutions for powering Xilinx® FPGAs.
Introduction
Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are used in a wide variety of applications and end markets, and they have been
gaining market share over ASICs due to their excellent design flexibility and low engineering costs. Power-supply design and
management for FPGAs is an important part of the overall application. This article discusses ways to overcome some of the
power-supply design challenges and explains the trade-offs between cost, size, and efficiency. Maxim's solutions for Xilinx
FPGAs are also presented.
FPGA Overview
FPGAs are programmable devices consisting of an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected through programmable
interconnects. These CLBs typically comprise various digital logic components, such as lookup tables, flip-flops, multiplexers,
etc. Other components of an FPGA include input/output pin driver circuits (I/Os), memory, and digital-clock management (DCM)
circuits. Modern FPGAs integrate features that include FIFO and error correction code (ECC) logic, DSP blocks, PCI Express®
controllers, Ethernet MAC blocks, and high-speed gigabit transceivers (Figure 1).
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Figure 1. A typical FPGA application block diagram.
System-Level Power-Supply Architecture for FPGA Applications
Most high-performance/high-power FPGA applications in communications applications are built on plug-in cards that are
powered by a 48V backplane. A two-stage intermediate bus architecture (IBA) is typically used in these applications for the
individual cards (Figure 2). The first stage is a step-down converter that converts the 48V to an intermediate voltage, such as
12V or 5V. The plug-in-cards are often isolated from each other for safety reasons, and to eliminate the possibility of current
loops and interference between the cards. The second stage of the IBA is to convert the intermediate voltage to multiple lower
DC voltages, using nonisolated regulators known as "point-of-load" (POL) regulators. FPGAs used in computing, industrial, and
automotive applications typically derive their power from a 12V to 24V nonisolated supply.
Figure 2. Typical 2-stage intermediate bus architecture (IBA) for FPGAs.
POL Regulators
POLs are high-performance regulators whose VOUT rails are placed close to their respective loads. This helps solve the
difficulties of high-transient-current demands and the low-noise requirements of high-performance semiconductor devices like
FPGAs. The application-level parameters to be considered when designing a POL are:
Cost
Size
Efficiency
The priority assigned to each of the above parameters often depends on the end market. Thus, each solution should be
considered independently. For example, industrial and medical markets tend to favor size over cost, while wireless applications
generally favor cost over size. Consumer applications are very conscious of all three parameters. Efficiency is particularly
important to applications that run on batteries. The required efficiency usually determines what kind of DC-DC regulator is used,
either low-dropout linear regulators or switch-mode power supplies.
Low-Dropout Linear Regulators (LDOs)
LDOs are relatively simple to implement, inexpensive, and produce very little noise. The major drawback with LDOs is their
poor efficiency, which depends on the ratio of VOUT to VIN. For example, an LDO with VIN = 3.3V and VOUT = 1.2V has only
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36% efficiency. The power difference is dissipated as heat.
Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
SMPSs are typically > 90% efficient but are more difficult to implement than LDOs. They also conduct and radiate more noise
when compared with LDOs.
LDOs are typically considered for applications with relatively low power requirements. SMPSs are used in higher-power
applications due to their better efficiency, an important parameter for thermal management and reliability. Higher efficiency
results in lower device temperatures, which improves reliability and reduces the overall solution size through smaller heatsink
requirements.
Typical FPGA Power Requirements
A good example of a high-performance FPGA is the Xilinx Virtex®-7 FPGA. Table 1 shows the main voltage-supply
requirements for this part. There are also other less-demanding voltage rails such as VCCBRAM, VBATT and VREF that require
lower current levels. In many applications, a single power supply can be used, along with passive filters to supply two or more
of the power rails that use a common voltage. In these cases, the power supply may be required to supply 20A or more.
Table 1. Xilinx Virtex-7 Power-Supply Requirements
Power Rail
Nominal Voltage (V)
Tolerance
Description
VCCINT
1.0*
±3%*
Voltage supply for the internal core logic
VCCAUX
1.8
±5%
Voltage supply for auxiliary logic
VCCO
1.2 to 3.3
1.11V to 3.45V**
Voltage supply for I/O banks
MGTAVCC
1.0
±3%
Voltage supply for GTX transceiver
MGTAVTT
1.2
±30mV
Voltage supply for GTX transceiver termination circuits
*The lowest-speed "-1L" version of the Virtex-7 has a 0.9V core voltage with a ±30mV tolerance.
**The specification for 3.3V HR I/O banks is 3.45V (max). The specification for 1.8V HR I/O banks is 1.89V (max).
Table 1a. Voltage Descriptions
Power Rail
Description
VCCINT
Voltage supply for the internal core logic: supplies power to the internal logic functions, such as
CLBs, block RAM, and DSP blocks.
VCCAUX
Voltage supply for auxiliary logic: supplies power to the various auxiliary circuits, such as clock
managers and dedicated configuration pins.
VCCO
Voltage supply for I/O banks: powers the output buffer drivers.
MGTAVCC
Voltage supply for the GTX transceiver: powers the internal analog circuits of the GTX transceiver.
This includes analog circuits for the PLLs, transmitters, and receivers.
MGTAVTT
Voltage supply for GTX transceiver termination circuits
FPGA manufacturers such as Xilinx have power estimation spreadsheets for estimating the power requirements of an FPGA
device, based on the required functionality of the FPGA (www.xilinx.com/power). Designers should use these spreadsheets at
the early design stage of a project to assist in selecting appropriate power-supply and thermal-management components.
Through the use of the power estimators, designers can determine the voltage supply rails needed and their currents to select
the most suitable regulators. Table 2 shows a sample power budget for a Virtex-7 FPGA. These power calculations are used
to determine the system efficiency and the required thermal-management solution.
Table 2. Sample Power Budget Calculations
Regulator
VOUT
(V)
IOUT_MAX
(A)
POUT
(W)
VIN
(V)
Efficiency
(Estimated)
PIN =
POUT /Eff.
IIN
Required
(A)
Power
Dissipated
(W)
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VCCINT
1.0
3.0
3
5.0
0.95
3.16
0.63
0.16
VCCAUX
1.8
1.0
1.8
5.0
0.92
1.95
0.39
0.15
VCCO
1.5
0.3
0.45
5.0
0.91
0.494
0.1
0.044
MGTAVCC
1.0
3
3
5.0
0.92
3.26
0.65
0.26
MGTAVTT
1.2
2
2.4
5.0
0.91
2.64
0.53
0.24
Total
10.65
11.50
2.3
0.85
Power-Supply Considerations
In addition to using the power estimation tools to estimate the FPGA supply rail voltages and currents, there are several other
aspects to choosing a power regulator. The following are some topics to consider.
Startup Sequencing/Tracking
Three or more voltage rails are typically required to power an FPGA. It is good design practice to implement sequencing for
power-up and power-down between these rails. One advantage of this is that sequencing limits the inrush current during
power-up. Also, even if the FPGA itself does not require sequencing, other devices in the design, such as microcontrollers and
flash PROM, may have sequencing requirements. If the sequencing is ignored, the devices that require sequencing can be
damaged or latchup which, in turn, can cause a malfunction.
There are three types of sequencing:
Coincident tracking (also known as "simultaneous tracking")
Sequential
Ratiometric tracking
Figure 3 shows the different sequencing types and how the voltage rails rise in relation to each other.
Figure 3. The three types of sequencing: (a) coincident tracking, (b) sequential, and (c) ratiometric tracking.
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With coincident tracking, typically the preferred sequencing method for FPGAs, the rails ramp up simultaneously and at the
same rate to their final set-points. This prevents unreliable startup due to latchup and bus contention. It also avoids turning on
any parasitic conduction paths that could damage an FPGA. The higher startup inrush currents required by this type of
sequencing can require a larger capacitor bank to ensure that the rails rise monotonically. The inrush current issue is alleviated
by the adjustable soft-start feature found on most of Maxim's POLs. For example, the MAX8686 facilitates coincident tracking
and provides a programmable soft-start time based on the value of a single capacitor.
The main advantage with sequential sequencing is that it is generally easy to implement; startup inrush-current requirements
are less than both coincident and ratiometric sequencing. However, the maximum voltage differential occurs between the
voltage rails with this method, which could cause unreliable device behavior.
Ratiometric tracking ramps up all the voltage rails to reach their set-points at the same time. This reduces the voltage
differential between the rails, compared to sequential sequencing. The level of startup inrush current is between the level for
coincident tracking and sequential sequencing.
Monotonic Startup Voltage Ramping
It is important for the ramping voltage rails to rise monotonically at startup to achieve successful power-up. That means that
they should rise continuously to their set-point and not droop. Drooping could result if the POL does not have enough output
capacitance (Figure 4). The critical area for most FPGA core voltages is between 0.5V and 0.9V when the internal logic blocks
are initialized to valid operating states.
Figure 4. Example of nonmonotonic voltage ramp at startup.
Soft-Start
Most Xilinx FPGAs specify minimum and maximum startup ramp rates of 0.2ms and 50ms, respectively. However, there are
exceptions. For example, the "-1L" version of the Spartan®-6 ramp rate is 0.2ms to 40ms, while the Spartan-3A has a ramp
rate of 0.2ms to 100ms.
Power-supply regulators implement soft-start by gradually increasing the current limit at startup. This slows the rate of rise of
the voltage rail and reduces the peak inrush current to the FPGA. Maxim's POLs allow soft-start times to be programmed
based on the value of a soft-start capacitor connected to one of the POL pins.
Prebiased Startup
There are situations where an FPGA voltage rail remains biased at some voltage level when a power supply is shut down. This
prebias is usually the result of various parasitic conduction paths through the FPGA. If the power supply restarts and pulls the
prebiased output voltage low, it can result in unsuccessful startup of the FPGA. The output voltage of the power supply should
instead be ramped up to its set-point, along with the other FPGA voltage rails in their desired sequence.
Figure 5. Recommended sequential sequencing startup for a prebiased output.
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PCB Layout
While working on the PCB design, engineers must consider component placement, signal routing, and board layers. A
multilayer board is highly recommended for FPGA designs, with a ground layer between each signal routing layer. The
shielding that the ground layers provide allows for signal routing on every layer, without having to consider the adjacent routing
layers. This facilitates a simpler and more practical layout.
Power-supply voltage and ground-plane placement in the PCB layer order (stackup) have a significant impact on the parasitic
inductances of power current paths.
High-priority voltage-supply layers should be placed closer to the component layer (in the top half of the PCB stackup).
For example, power supplies with high-transient currents should have their associated voltage and ground planes close to
the component layer. This decreases the via length (parasitic inductance) through which the high-transient currents must
flow.
Low-priority supplies should be placed farther from the component layer (in the bottom half of the PCB stackup).
Decoupling capacitors should be connected as close to the FPGA power pins as possible. The decoupling capacitors reduce
any conducted noise from the power supply and radiated noise from surrounding circuits.
Some recommendations for the SMPS layout are:
Minimize any parasitic inductance in the power-supply switched-current path by using short and wide traces between the
critical components. This reduces the magnitude of voltage spikes that can be conducted and radiated into the FPGA.
Place the regulator's decoupling capacitors as close to the regulator's IC pins as possible. Separate the power and analog
ground planes.
Keep the traces from the regulator's gate driver pins to the MOSFET gate pins short and wide to reduce the impedance
seen by the gate-drive current.
The high-current power-supply components that connect to the inner ground plane should use many ground vias to
reduce the loop impedance.
See the MAX8686 data sheet for more layout information.
Power-Supply Transient Response
FPGAs can implement many functions at different frequencies due to their multiple clock domains. This can result in larger step
changes in current requirements. The term "transient response" refers to a power supply's ability to respond to these abrupt
changes in load current. A regulator should respond without significantly overshooting or undershooting its set-point and
without sustained ringing in the output voltage. The transient response of a regulator depends on the following:
1. The speed at which the regulator's control loop responds when it detects a change in output voltage (or current, in the
case of a current-mode controller).
2. The value and quality of output capacitance.
The control-loop unity-gain crossover frequency is typically designed to be 1/10 the regulator switching frequency. Thus, the
regulator can be designed to respond quickly by operating at a high switching frequency (~1MHz).
The output capacitors should have very low effective series resistance (ESR) and be large enough to minimize the magnitude
of the VOUT transient overshoots and undershoots. Polymer capacitors provide the most capacitance with the lowest ESR.
Ceramic capacitors have excellent high-frequency characteristics, but their total capacitance per device is one-half to onequarter that of polymer capacitors. Typically, polymer or tantalum capacitors are used for the bulk output capacitance, while
relatively low-value ceramic capacitors are placed at the FPGA input power pins for final stage filtering (Figure 6).
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Figure 6. A 12V IN, 1.2VOUT -at-20A, 2-phase MAX8686 power-supply design for the Virtex-6 GTX transceiver. (a) Transient
response: 2A-to-12A load step with 22mVOUT transients. (b) VOUT ripple < 5mV at 5AOUT .
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Synchronizing to an External Clock
FPGAs applications usually require the power regulators to synchronize to a common clock. Many POLs provide an external
SYNC pin to allow the system designer to synchronize one or multiple regulators to a common system clock.
Multiphase Operation
Multiphase regulators are essentially multiple regulators operating in parallel with their switching frequencies synchronized and
phase shifted by 360/n degrees, where n identifies each phase. The advantages of designing with multiphase regulators
become apparent as load currents rise above 20A to 30A. These advantages include:
1. A reduced input-ripple current, thus significantly decreasing the required input capacitance.
2. A reduced output-ripple voltage due to an effective multiplication of the ripple frequency.
3. A reduced component temperature, achieved by distributing the losses over more components.
Figure 7. Multiphase regulator block diagram.
Remote Sensing
There can be a significant voltage drop between the power-supply output and the FPGA power-supply pins. This occurs
particularly in applications where the load current is high and it is not possible to place the regulator circuit very close to the
FPGA power pins. Remote sensing resolves this issue by using a dedicated pair of traces to accurately measure the voltage at
the FPGA's power-supply pins (Figure 8). Remote sensing is also recommended for voltage rails with very tight tolerances (≤
3%).
Figure 8. Remote-sensing block diagram.
Maxim's Power Solutions for Xilinx FPGAs
Maxim provides both LDO and SMPS regulators. SMPS regulators are typically selected to supply the higher power FPGA
voltage rails: The SMPSs produce better system efficiency and thermal management. Maxim's SMPS regulators offer a
complete power-management solution where performance, power density, quality, and digital power management with accurate
monitoring and control are required.
Maxim's power regulators include:
PWM controllers
PWM regulators—controllers with integrated MOSFETs and/or internal compensation and digital programming capability
PMBus™ digital system control and monitoring
Digital power control ICs
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Synchronous PWM Controllers
Synchronous PWM controllers replace the external Schottky diode with a MOSFET to implement synchronous rectification,
which improves efficiency. Synchronous PWM controllers can handle high current levels, since the switching MOSFETs are
external to the controller ICs. Designers can select the most appropriate discrete MOSFETs for their particular current
requirements.
Maxim provides a variety of synchronous PWM controllers for use with FPGAs. For example, the MAX15026 is a single
controller, the MAX15023 is a dual controller, and the MAX15048/MAX15049 are triple controllers, all of which operate at up to
28V IN, making them suitable for 5VIN and 12V IN FPGA applications. Maxim also provides higher-voltage controllers (up to
40V IN), such as the MAX15046, for industrial and automotive applications. Most of Maxim's dual (or higher) controllers also
have built-in sequencing and tracking that allow designers to use multirail ICs without requiring external sequencers.
PWM Regulators
Maxim's selection of PWM regulators facilitate output currents from 1A to 200A with input voltages ranging from 2.5V to 28V. All
regulators have switching MOSFETs integrated with the PWM controllers. Examples include the MAX15053, MAX15041, and
MAX8686. The MAX15021 and MAX17017 are multirail regulators that support dual and quad supply rails. Many of these ICs
have popular fixed output-voltage options with fully internal compensation.
Some parts support digital programming, optional digital control, and monitoring functions that allow microsecond resolution
programming of all timing events, such as sequencing and tracking. These extremely flexible monitoring features allow for
intelligent settings of warning and fault thresholds. Independently setting the fault-handling scenario for each regulator is also
facilitated. Fine control of the output voltage with 0.2% accuracy will ensure meeting the tight tolerances of high-end FPGAs.
Digital programmability and monitoring make field updates possible with a remote connection, and that helps avoid expensive
field servicing. Additional benefits include the ability to log events so that failures can be studied and the root causes identified.
A more comprehensive list of Maxim's POL regulators is given in our product guide, Analog Solutions for Xilinx FPGAs.
POL Digital System Control and Monitoring
Rack-based infrastructure equipment in communications and computing applications require sophisticated power management
to turn on/off supplies and fans. Several customers building equipment for these markets use the Power Management Bus
(PMBus™) protocol. The PMBus is an open-standard power-management protocol with a fully defined command language that
facilitates communication with power converters and other devices in a power system. Maxim provides several PMBus monitors
and system controllers. The MAX34440/MAX34441/MAX34446 are good examples of complex system PMBus monitors. These
devices monitor the power-supply output voltages and constantly check for user-programmable overvoltage and undervoltage
thresholds. The MAX34440 can manage up to six power supplies (Figure 9). The MAX34441 can monitor up to five power
supplies and also contains a closed-loop fan-speed controller. Both the MAX34440 and MAX34441 can margin the powersupply output voltage up or down to a user-programmable level. The margining is performed in a closed-loop arrangement,
whereby the device automatically adjusts a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output and then measures the resultant output
voltage. The power-supply managers can also sequence the supplies in any order at both power-up and power-down. With the
addition of an external current-sense amplifier (CSA), these devices can monitor currents.
Figure 9. The MAX34440 PMBus 6-channel power-supply manager.
The MAX34446 power-supply data logger monitors voltages for overvoltage and undervoltage, as well as for overcurrent and
overtemperature conditions. The device constantly checks for user-programmable thresholds; when these thresholds are
exceeded, the devices log the recent real-time operating conditions in nonvolatile flash memory (Figure 10). The devices can
monitor up to four voltages or currents, and can monitor three temperature sensors.
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Figure 10. MAX34440/MAX34441/MAX34446 fault detection/logging.
The MAX8688 is an example of a fully integrated, digital power-supply controller and monitor that operates with any existing
POL to provide complete digital programmability (Figure 11). By interfacing to the reference input, feedback node, and output
enable, the MAX8688 takes control of the POL to provide functions such as tracking, sequencing, margining, and dynamic
adjustment of the output voltage.
Figure 11. The MAX8688 digital system control and monitoring of POLs.
Digital Power-Control ICs
Historically, power-supply companies have focused on LDO and SMPS regulators. However, in complex infrastructure
equipment that uses system-level power management, a more advanced digital control loop promises automatic compensation
that is independent of output voltage. This advanced digital control loop results in design simplicity and dynamic power
management. Unlike typical power regulators that use the analog control loop, digital power-control ICs (DPCs) use digital
circuits to implement the control loop of a power supply. Customers requiring advanced system power management can benefit
from a total solution cost advantage. Like the analog power regulators reviewed before, these DPCs have also integrated onchip digital power-management functionality that communicates to a system controller over the PMBus interface, facilitating
easy power-supply design through a graphical user interface (GUI). The digital control loop ICs promise several benefits:
Shorter Time-to-Market: Sophisticated DPCs can reduce design time by automatically compensating the control loop
irrespective of output voltage. For customers who already benefit from internally compensated POLs with analog control,
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digital control takes it to the next level of ease of use.
Lower Cost: DPCs decrease the number and size of components. The output capacitors can be reduced by up to 50%.
Reliability is improved through the use of fewer components.
Improved Performance and Reliability: The response to IOUT transients is optimally controlled, resulting in lower VOUT
transients. The control algorithm improves efficiency by adjusting to voltage, current, and temperature variations.
Enhanced Flexibility: DPCs simplify the system power-supply management. The system power supplies are controlled
through the PMBus and additional power supplies can be easily added or removed for future system designs.
InTune™ Digital Power
Maxim's InTune digital-control power products make it easy to achieve high-performance, DC-DC power-supply designs that
require less filter capacitance and have greater efficiency. InTune digital power technology is based on "state-space" or
"model-predictive" control, rather than the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control used by competitors. The result is a
faster transient response. Unlike competing PID controllers, the InTune architecture uses a feedback analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) that digitizes the full output voltage range, thereby eliminating the compromise associated with "windowed" ADCs used
in competing controllers. Its automatic compensation routine is based on measured parameters providing better accuracy and
efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions.
The MAX15301 in Figure 12 is a full-featured, flexible, and efficient digital POL controller based on InTune architecture with
advanced power-management and telemetry features.
Figure 12. The MAX15301 typical operating circuit.
Maxim Reference Designs for Xilinx FPGAs
Maxim has built several reference designs for Xilinx FPGAs and CPLDs representative of several end markets and applications.
Examples include designs featuring the entire spectrum from high-end Virtex Series FPGAs using several multigigabit
transceivers (GTP/GTX) to low-power CoolRunner-II CPLDs. Some of the reference designs are discussed below. Maxim's
FPGA power team is available to help with example designs to help customers. Contact your sales representative for getting
access to the hardware and reference designs.
Maxim GTX and GTP Power Modules for the Virtex-6 GTX and Spartan-6 GTP Transceivers
Maxim has 10Gbps GTX and 3.125Gbps GTP power modules to power Xilinx ML623 and SP623 transceiver characterization
kits. Based on the MAX8686, these power modules operate from 12V IN (±10%) and power the MGTAVTT and MGTAVCC rails
of Virtex-6 GTX and Spartan-6 GTP transceivers. Since the GTP and GTX transceivers run at high line rates, a poor switching
power supply can impose noise on the data eye. Maxim's power modules have a very low noise profile and display superior
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soft-start and output-voltage ripple compared to competing solutions.
The GTX module produces:
1.025V at up to 20A for powering the MGTAVCC voltage rail.
1.2V at up to 20A for powering the MGTAVTT voltage rail.
The GTP module produces:
1.2V at up to 20A for powering the MGTAVCC voltage rail.
1.2V at up to 20A for powering the MGTAVTT voltage rail.
More detailed image. (PDF, 4MB)
Figure 13. A 2-phase MAX8686 power supply for the Xilinx Virtex-6 GTX transceivers for use with the Xilinx ML623 board. A
similar board is available for the Xilinx Spartan-6 GTP transceivers for use with the Xilinx SP623 board.
The MAX8686 current-mode, synchronous PWM step-down regulator with integrated MOSFETs operates from a 4.5V to 20V
input supply and generates an adjustable output voltage from 0.7V to 5.5V. The adjustable switching frequency of the
MAX8686 is set to 550kHz for an optimal trade-off between component size and efficiency. The programmable soft-start is set
to 1ms to meet the FPGA's specifications. The output voltage rails start up monotonically even when a prebias output voltage
is present. The MAX8686 also facilitates startup sequencing between the output voltage rails, while a hiccup current-limit
feature reduces the power dissipation during short-circuit conditions.
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Figure 14. Block diagram of the Maxim power module for the Xilinx Virtex-6 GTX transceiver. The block diagram for the
Spartan-6 GTP transceiver is similar, but the MGTAVCC = 1.2V.
Higher-output-current applications can be implemented by paralleling the power module boards together in a true multiphase
mode to deliver up to 200A of output current.
Virtex-6 LX130T PCI Express Kit
Maxim developed a power-supply design for a Virtex-6 FPGA PCI Express® development board in partnership with Avnet and
Xilinx. The MAX17017, a multirail power regulator (PMIC) with three switching buck regulators and an LDO, is used to power
the Virtex-6 LX130T FPGA. The MAX8792, a single-rail POL, is also used. Figure 15 shows a block diagram for this
development platform powered by Maxim PMIC regulators while Figure 16 shows the board graphic.
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Figure 15. Block diagram of a Virtex-6 LX130T development platform, using Maxim power supplies.
More detailed image. (PDF, 1.8MB)
Figure 16. The Avnet Xilinx Virtex-6 LX130T evaluation kit employs the MAX17017.
Powering Spartan-6 FPGAs
Figure 17 shows a block diagram for a Spartan-6 LX150T FPGA power-supply design with built-in transceivers, where Maxim
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PMIC regulators are powering all supply rails.
Figure 17. Block diagram of a Spartan-6 LX150T power-supply design that uses Maxim power supplies.
Figure 18 shows a block diagram for a Spartan-6 LX16 FPGA power-supply design, where Maxim PMIC regulators are
powering the smallest Spartan-6 FPGA.
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Figure 18. Block diagram of a Spartan-6 LX16 power-supply design, using Maxim power supplies.
CoolRunner-II CPLD Power
CoolRunner-II CPLDs are often used in industrial and automotive applications that operate from a 24V nominal rail and need
low quiescent current and light load efficiency. Figure 19 and Figure 20 show a CoolRunner-II CPLD board that is powered by
Maxim power regulators. This board also features Maxim's 1-Wire secure EEPROM for IP security.
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More detailed image. (PDF, 2.5MB)
Figure 19. The CoolRunner-II CPLD board.
Figure 20. Block diagram of the CoolRunner-II CPLD board in Figure 20.
Summary
The first step in designing power supplies for FPGAs is to identify the system level requirements, such as the supply rail
voltages and currents. FPGA power estimators assist in calculating these voltages and currents. From this, the designer should
consider the advanced system level features, such as PMBus control, sequencing, and soft-start. Maxim has several powersupply solutions to address the needs of FPGA application designers, from simple power regulators to advanced system-level
power-management ICs with reference designs.
Bibliography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Avnet Xilinx Virtex-6 LX130T Evaluation Kit.
Maxim application note 3443, "Line and Load Transient Testing for Power Supplies."
Maxim application note 3177, "Powering High-Performance ASICs and Microprocessors."
Maxim MAX8686 data sheet.
Maxim InTune Digital Power.
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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Maxim PowerMind Brochure.
Xilinx data sheet DS150: Virtex-6 Family Overview.
Xilinx data sheet DS152: Virtex-6 FPGA DC and Switching Characteristics.
Xilinx data sheet DS183: Virtex-7 DC and Switching Characteristics.
Xilinx data sheet DS182: Kintex-7 DC and Switching Characteristics.
Xilinx white paper 285: Virtex-5 FPGA System Power Design Considerations.
Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGA GTX Transceivers User Guide.
Xilinx XPower Estimator User Guide.
Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGA PCB Design Guide.
Xilinx Virtex-6 Product Brief.
Artix is a trademark of Xilinx, Inc.
CoolRunner is a registered trademark of Xilinx, Inc.
InTune is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
PCI Express is a registered service mark of PCI-SIG Corporation.
PMBus is a trademark of SMIF, Inc.
PowerMind is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Spartan is a registered trademark of Xilinx, Inc.
Virtex is a registered trademark of Xilinx, Inc.
Xilinx is a registered trademark and registered service mark of Xilinx, Inc.
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Free Samples
MAX15021
Dual, 4A/2A, 4MHz, Step-Down DC-DC Regulator with
Tracking/Sequencing Capability
Free Samples
MAX15022
Dual, 4A/2A, 4MHz, Step-Down DC-DC Regulator with Dual LDO
Controllers
Free Samples
MAX15023
Wide 4.5V to 28V Input, Dual-Output Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
MAX15023
Wide 4.5V to 28V Input, Dual-Output Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
MAX15026
Low-Cost, Small, 4.5V to 28V Wide Operating Range, DC-DC
Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
MAX15026
Low-Cost, Small, 4.5V to 28V Wide Operating Range, DC-DC
Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
MAX15035
15A Step-Down Regulator with Internal Switches
Free Samples
MAX15036
2.2MHz, 3A Buck or Boost Converters with an Integrated High-Side
Switch
Free Samples
MAX15037
2.2MHz, 3A Buck or Boost Converters with an Integrated High-Side
Switch
Free Samples
MAX15038
4A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switches
Free Samples
MAX15039
6A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switches
Free Samples
MAX15041
Low-Cost, 3A, 4.5V to 28V Input, 350kHz, PWM Step-Down DC-DC
Regulator with Internal Switches
Free Samples
MAX15046A
40V, High-Performance, Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
MAX15046B
40V, High-Performance, Synchronous Buck Controller
Free Samples
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MAX15048
Triple-Output Buck Controllers with Tracking/Sequencing
Free Samples
MAX15049
Triple-Output Buck Controllers with Tracking/Sequencing
Free Samples
MAX15050
High-Efficiency, 4A, 1MHz, Step-Down Regulators with Integrated
Switches in 2mm x 2mm Package
Free Samples
MAX15051
High-Efficiency, 4A, 1MHz, Step-Down Regulators with Integrated
Switches in 2mm x 2mm Package
Free Samples
MAX15053
High-Efficiency, 2A, Current-Mode Synchronous, Step-Down Switching
Regulator
Free Samples
MAX15066
High-Efficiency, 4A, Step-Down DC-DC Regulator with Internal Power
Switches
Free Samples
MAX15108
High-Efficiency, 8A, Current-Mode Synchronous Step-Down Switching
Regulator
MAX15112
High-Efficiency, 12A, Current-Mode Synchronous Step-Down
Regulator with Integrated Switches
MAX15118
High-Efficiency, 18A, Current-Mode Synchronous Step-Down
Regulator with Integrated Switches
Free Samples
MAX15301
InTune Automatically Compensated Digital PoL Controller with Driver
and PMBus Telemetry
Free Samples
MAX1557
16µA I Q , 1.2A PWM Step-Down DC-DC Converters
Free Samples
MAX1614
High-Side, n-Channel MOSFET Switch Driver
Free Samples
MAX17007A
Dual and Combinable QPWM Graphics Core Controllers for Notebook
Computers
Free Samples
MAX17017
Quad-Output Controller for Low-Power Architecture
Free Samples
MAX17019
High-Input-Voltage Quad-Output Controller
Free Samples
MAX17040
Compact, Low-Cost 1S/2S Fuel Gauges
Free Samples
MAX17083
Low-Voltage, Internal Switch, Step-Down Regulator
Free Samples
MAX1776
24V, 600mA Internal Switch, 100% Duty Cycle, Step-Down Converter
Free Samples
MAX1822
High-Side Power Supply
Free Samples
MAX1945
1MHz, 1% Accurate, 6A Internal Switch Step-Down Regulators
Free Samples
MAX1951
1MHz, All-Ceramic, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, 2A PWM Step-Down DC-to-DC
Regulators
Free Samples
MAX1952
1MHz, All-Ceramic, 2.6V to 5.5V Input, 2A PWM Step-Down DC-to-DC
Regulators
Free Samples
MAX1970
Dual, 180° Out-of-Phase, 1.4MHz, 750mA Step-Down Regulator with
POR and RSI/PFO
Free Samples
MAX1971
Dual, 180° Out-of-Phase, 1.4MHz, 750mA Step-Down Regulator with
POR and RSI/PFO
Free Samples
MAX1972
Dual, 180° Out-of-Phase, 1.4MHz, 750mA Step-Down Regulator with
POR and RSI/PFO
Free Samples
MAX1973
Smallest 1A, 1.4MHz Step-Down Regulators
Free Samples
MAX1974
Smallest 1A, 1.4MHz Step-Down Regulators
Free Samples
MAX34440
PMBus 6-Channel Power-Supply Manager
Free Samples
MAX34441
PMBus 5-Channel Power-Supply Manager and Intelligent Fan
Controller
Free Samples
Page 19 of 20
MAX34446
PMBus Power-Supply Data Logger
Free Samples
MAX8505
3A, 1MHz, 1% Accurate, Internal Switch Step-Down Regulator with
Power-OK
Free Samples
MAX8516
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 1A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8517
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 1A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8518
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 1A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8526
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 2A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8527
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 2A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8528
1.425V to 3.6V Input, 2A, 0.2V Dropout LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8556
4A Ultra-Low-Input-Voltage LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8557
4A Ultra-Low-Input-Voltage LDO Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8566
High-Efficiency, 10A, PWM Internal-Switch Step-Down Regulator
Free Samples
MAX8597
Low-Dropout, Wide-Input-Voltage, Step-Down Controllers
Free Samples
MAX8598
Low-Dropout, Wide-Input-Voltage, Step-Down Controllers
Free Samples
MAX8599
Low-Dropout, Wide-Input-Voltage, Step-Down Controllers
Free Samples
MAX8625A
High-Efficiency, Seamless Transition, Step-Up/Down DC-DC Converter
Free Samples
MAX8643
3A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switches
Free Samples
MAX8646
6A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switches
Free Samples
MAX8649
1.8A Step-Down Regulator with Remote Sense in 2mm x 2mm WLP
Free Samples
MAX8654
12V, 8A, 1.2MHz, Step-Down Regulator
Free Samples
MAX8686
Single/Multiphase, Step-Down, DC-DC Converter Delivers Up to 25A
Per Phase
Free Samples
MAX8688
Digital Power-Supply Controller/Monitor with PMBus Interface
Free Samples
MAX8792
Single Quick-PWM Step-Down Controller with Dynamic REFIN
Free Samples
MAX8833
Dual, 3A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator
Free Samples
MAX8855
Dual, 5A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulators
Free Samples
MAX8902
Low-Noise 500mA LDO Regulators in a 2mm x 2mm TDFN Package
Free Samples
More Information
For Technical Support: http://www.maximintegrated.com/support
For Samples: http://www.maximintegrated.com/samples
Other Questions and Comments: http://www.maximintegrated.com/contact
Application Note 5132: http://www.maximintegrated.com/an5132
TUTORIAL 5132, AN5132, AN 5132, APP5132, Appnote5132, Appnote 5132
© 2013 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Additional Legal Notices: http://www.maximintegrated.com/legal
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