Stackable Buck Regulators Simplify Multiphase Design

Focus:

With the increasing power required by modern POL power systems, more power rails need a maximum output current beyond the capability of a single-phase POL converter. Although multiphase converters can be used to increase output current, a discrete multiphase design increases component count and adds design complexity. However, multiphase converters can also be implemented using integrated stackable POL converters. These devices provide a more cost effective and compact solution when the total phase count is less than four. In this article, the general benefits of analog stackable buck regulators are described and the capabilities of Infineon’s TDA38540 stackable regulator are compared with those of a competing device. A design example illustrates the application of the TDA38540 in a two- phase design.

What you’ll learn:

• How to ease implementation of 2- to 4-phase multiphase buck converter designs using stackable regulators

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Author & Publication:

Min Chen, Infineon, El Segundo, Calif. and Vijay Viswanathan, Infineon, Morrisville, N.C., How2Power Today, Sep 15 2025

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