Linear Voltage Ramp Generator Supports Motherboard Power Cycling Tests

Focus:

Today's computer and server motherboards (MBs) demand very specific voltage rail power-up ramps and sequencing to guarantee reliable MB transition into normal operating mode, reliable steady-state operation, overall system health and issue-free mass production. This article describes a simple low-cost voltage ramp generator power stage that is easily configurable for supplying different output voltages to motherboards and server platforms, and which enables users to set up a comprehensive MB automated power cycling test process. After outlining the test requirements, this discussion begins with a review of the RG requirements and ways to address them in linear mode, and a look at how the RG in such a mode can deliver high power and be more energy efficient than a switching regulator. Following this discussion, an analysis of RG operation and power losses in each of its operating stages reveals the RG implementation recommendations and the procedure for active component selection.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand power cycling test requirements for motherboards
• How to design a programmable, linear-mode ramp generator for performing motherboard power cycling
• How to design a highly efficient power stage for a linear-mode ramp generator

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Author & Publication:

Viktor Vogman, Power Conversion Consulting, Olympia, Wash., How2Power Today, Oct 15 2021

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