Infineon Technologies CHL8318-01CRT

Overview

CHL8318-01CRT from CHiL Semiconductor is an 8-phase digital synchronous buck controller compliant with Intel VR11.1/VR11.0 specifications, designed for CPU core voltage regulation in high-performance desktop and server platforms. It supports programmable 1–8-phase operation, 200 kHz–1 MHz per-phase switching frequency (±2% accuracy), SMBus-based Gamer Mode with VID up to 2.3 V, and adaptive transient response for reduced bulk capacitance.

For engineers reviewing the CHL8318-01CRT datasheet, CHL8318-01CRT pinout, CHL8318-01CRT application, or CHL8318-01CRT equivalent, key selection considerations include VR11.x compliance, digital phase management, thermal phase balancing, coupled-inductor support, and integrated fault monitoring via SMBus (OVP/UVP/OCP/OTP).

Technical Context

The CHL8318-01CRT implements a digital PID-based voltage control loop with sensorless input current monitoring (IMON) and non-linear adaptive transient algorithm to minimize output capacitor count. Its digital processor handles real-time phase add/drop, PSI signaling (1–4 phases), and dynamic gate drive adjustment based on load current.

It integrates three independent NTC temperature sensor interfaces (TSEN1–TSEN3), supports VR_HOT and OTP fault reporting, and stores configuration in 9-byte on-chip NVM. The SMBus interface enables bidirectional communication for parameter readback (e.g., input current, power, temperature) and runtime reconfiguration of Gamer Mode features.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CHL8318-01CRT is housed in a 56-pin, 8 mm × 8 mm QFN package with exposed thermal pad (MSL Level 1, RoHS compliant). Pin functions are validated per CHiL Semiconductor PB0006 Rev. 1.00.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-phase digital buck controller applications.

Compared with ISL6367IRZ-T and RT8894AZQW, the CHL8318-01CRT uniquely combines VR11.1 compliance, 8-phase scalability, integrated Gamer Mode, and on-chip NVM-making it optimal for high-efficiency, user-tunable VRD designs where digital configurability and thermal intelligence are critical.

Availability

CHL8318-01CRT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Intel VR11.x CPU VRD design, high-performance desktop motherboard development, and server VRM applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CHL8318-01CRT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

CHiL Semiconductor Corp. was a fabless power management IC designer headquartered in Tewksbury, MA, specializing in digitally controlled multi-phase buck controllers for CPU and GPU VRDs before its acquisition by Intersil (now Renesas) in 2012.

The CHL8318 belongs to CHiL's VR11.x digital controller product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, thermally intelligent, and software-configurable voltage regulation in performance-critical computing platforms.

FAQ

What is the function of the VAR_GATE pin on CHL8318-01CRT?

The VAR_GATE pin controls variable gate drive strength for external high-side MOSFET drivers. It dynamically adjusts driver output current based on real-time load conditions-reducing switching losses at light loads and conduction losses at heavy loads. This feature is implemented internally and does not require external components or configuration registers.

Does CHL8318-01CRT support coupled inductor operation?

Yes, CHL8318-01CRT explicitly supports coupled inductor topologies. Its functional block diagram and application note confirm 180° phase interleaving, two-phase PSI operation, and phase-add/drop logic optimized for coupled inductors-improving transient response and reducing total inductance and footprint versus discrete inductor solutions.

How many temperature sensors can CHL8318-01CRT monitor simultaneously?

CHL8318-01CRT monitors up to three independent NTC thermistors via dedicated TSEN1, TSEN2, and TSEN3 pins. These inputs feed into the digital thermal balancing engine, enabling per-phase current redistribution and triggering VR_HOT or OTP faults when thresholds are exceeded.

Is CHL8318-01CRT pin-compatible with other CHiL controllers like CHL8328?

No, CHL8318-01CRT is not pin-compatible with CHL8328. While both are 56-pin QFN devices, their pin assignments differ significantly-especially for PWM outputs, ISEN/IRTN mapping, and SMBus routing. CHL8328 uses a different phase-count architecture (6-phase) and lacks VAR_GATE and certain Gamer Mode pins present on CHL8318.