Ericsson adds simulation to DC/DC Power Designer software, reducing time-to-market

Three new major simulation tools added to Ericsson Power Designer
Loop compensator optimizes transient response, stability and capacitance optimization
Phase spreading significantly reduces current ripple, amount of filtering and board space
Voltage tracking simplifies complex power setups
Intuitive interface and complete system overview help reduce time-to-market for power architects
Ericsson has announced the latest version of its DC/DC Digital Power Designer software tool, including a number of important new features that enable board power designers and system architects to simulate either simple or complex power schemes, reducing time-to-implementation and time-to-market. Ericsson Power Designer (version 1.4) features advanced loop compensation functionality that makes it easy to simulate output capacitors and filtering networks such as PI filters on the output of 3E* Point-Of-Load (POL) DC/DC converters, and to optimize loop response without hardware modification for the end application.

Patrick Le Fèvre, Marketing and Communication Director, Ericsson Power Modules, says: "The Ericsson Power Designer software has been developed in close cooperation between board-power designers and power-systems architects to deliver an advanced tool that truly unlocks the high level of flexibility offered by digital power architectures. Since its initial release one year ago, the tool has been recognized as the most advanced and efficient tool to make complex power schemes seem simple. Including simulation and improved visualization, version 1.4 reflects our commitment to our customers to deliver the most efficient tools and solutions that contribute to energy optimization and reducing time-to-market."

Using the tool’s Loop Compensator, it is possible to enter values provided by system designers to optimize loop response to match specific profiles such as that required by fast transient conditions, which are often seen when powering processors that are switching from low to high traffic load.

Ericsson Power Designer now includes a new tool to optimize synchronization and phase spreading. A simulation module shows in a graphical format how the different phases are operating, the level of energy pulse from the input, and how to optimize phase spreading to lower pulse energy and to reduce input filtering, saving board space and lowering interference as a result.

The sequencing of different power sources that power a processor is highly critical. In addition to the core voltage, there are a number of auxiliary voltages that must be ON/OFF in precise order – and in an order that may vary following processor firmware update. Precise and accurate power sequencing can guarantee the highest levels of processor performance, though it requires flexibility and no hardware dependency. The sequencing tool with Ericsson Power Designer version 1.4 supports time-base and event-base sequencing. The interface includes a graphic visualization of each individual rail, which can be set in any order as required by the processor.

* Enhanced Performance, Energy Management, and End-user Value are the key benefits delivered by Ericsson’s range of 3E digitally controlled DC/DC converters.