
10
Mobile AMD-K6
Processor Family Power
Mobile AMD-K6
Processor Power Supply Design
22495C/0—May 1999
Mobile systems typically require 12V, 5V, 3.3V, and the
specified CPU core voltage for the AMD-K6 processor Models 7,
8 and 9. Each of these voltages can be generated directly from
the battery (a technique called distributed power). The more
common approach involves producing a 5V main supply and
generating the other voltages from this 5V source. This
technique is less efficient, yielding a shorter battery life. For
example, assume a 90% efficiency to generate 5V from the
battery and 90% efficiency to generate 3.3V from 5V. This
yields an overall efficiency of 81% between the battery and the
3.3V supply. Efficiency is very important because it contributes
directly to battery life. To achieve high efficiency at low
currents, many converters have a pulse-skipping mode. Some
companies call this hysteretic mode or burst mode. All of the
examples starting on page 33 use synchronous converter
designs because they are the most efficient (90%–95%). The
additional Schottky diode in some designs provides an
additional efficiency improvement at low currents.
Space and weight are also important considerations for mobile
designs. Some solutions listed use fewer components than
others. Some use more expensive components. The size of the
inductor can be reduced by running the controller at a higher
frequency.
When choosing a vendor, pick one that meets all the needs of
the end product. The product lines of some vendors include
battery charger circuits and backlight inverters for the display.
In addition, locate the supply as close as possible to the CPU.
This placement reduces the distance current transients must
travel in the V
CC
and GND planes, thereby reducing EMI.