6
Mobile AMD-K6
Processor Family Power
Mobile AMD-K6
Processor Power Supply Design
22495C/0—May 1999
Power Supply Specification
The maximum current used for power calculations is based on
maximum V
CC
whereas the current used for maximum thermal
power calculations is based on nominal V
CC
. Refer to the
Thermal Solution Design Application Note, order# 21085 for
more details on thermal calculations
For voltage and current specifications of the mobile AMD-K6
processor family, refer to their respective data sheets at
http://www.amd.com/K6/k6docs/.
Selecting a Power
Supply Design
Most PC platforms today require DC-to-DC voltage conversion
circuits to supply lower voltages to the processor core and I/O.
Two types of regulators are used—linear and switching. Figure
3 shows the linear and switching regulators.
A linear regulator provides excellent dynamic-load response in
the low-voltage, high-current environment. It also contributes
to simplified design and lower cost. However, the efficiency loss
and heat generated by a linear regulator should be addressed
by board designs. Although most desktop system designs can
tolerate the efficiency loss, mobile designs cannot. In a
high-current model, the power dissipation from the linear
regulator can be as much as that of the processor itself. In order
for the voltage regulator thermal solution to meet the case
temperature requirement, the linear regulator requires a larger
heatsink. Linear regulators are not recommended for mobile
designs because of the heat and low efficiency.
A switching regulator meets the efficiency and size limitations
of mobile board designs. Switching regulators are found in most
notebook computers that require both low-profile design and
power-dissipation reduction. The switching regulator uses a
series switch in conjunction with the output capacitor (C
O
) to
control the ON/OFF ratio in order to obtain an average output
voltage. Because the switch turns off frequently, only a small
amount of power is lost during conversion.