Infineon Technologies CHL8318-20-04CR

Overview

CHL8318-20-04CR 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 VID control up to 2.3 V, and adaptive transient response for reduced bulk capacitance.

For engineers reviewing the CHL8318-20-04CR datasheet, CHL8318-20-04CR pinout, CHL8318-20-04CR application, or CHL8318-20-04CR equivalent, key selection considerations include VR11.x compliance, digital phase shedding (1–4-phase PSI), thermal phase balancing, sensorless input current monitoring (IMON), and NVM-configurable over-clocking features including Gamer OC/OVP and VID override.

Technical Context

The CHL8318-20-04CR implements a non-linear digital PWM architecture with adaptive transient control that dynamically adjusts duty cycle and phase count based on load step magnitude and slew rate. Its digital processor integrates eight independent PWM generators, a 10-bit ADC for voltage/current sensing, and three NTC temperature sensor interfaces (TSEN1–TSEN3) for VR_HOT and OTP fault reporting.

It uses a 3-pin SMBus interface (SCL/SDA/SALERT#) for real-time configuration and telemetry-including input current, power, OVP/UVP/OCP/OTP status-and supports tri-state gate drivers (e.g., CHL8510) with variable gate drive (VAR_GATE) for optimized MOSFET switching loss across load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CHL8318-20-04CR is housed in an 8 mm × 8 mm, 56-pin 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 and MP2940AGQSE, the CHL8318-20-04CR uniquely combines VR11.1 compliance, on-chip NVM for persistent gamer settings, digital thermal phase balancing, and 2.3 V extended VID-making it the only option for high-end overclocking VRDs requiring field-updatable, thermally aware multi-phase control.

Availability

CHL8318-20-04CR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Intel VR11.x CPU VRD designs, high-performance desktop motherboards, and server power delivery systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent electrical performance across production batches.

Supply support for CHL8318-20-04CR 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., headquartered in Tewksbury, MA, specializes in digitally controlled power management ICs for high-efficiency computing and server applications.

The CHL8318 product line was developed specifically for Intel VR11.x-compliant CPU voltage regulation, emphasizing configurability, thermal intelligence, and overclocking readiness in compact multi-phase VRD implementations.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported VID voltage and resolution in Gamer Mode?

The CHL8318-20-04CR supports up to 2.3 V in Gamer Mode with 6.25 mV resolution, enabled via SMBus command without external components. This extends beyond standard VR11.x VID limits (1.55 V) and is stored in on-chip NVM for persistent configuration across power cycles.

Does CHL8318-20-04CR require external current-sense resistors?

No-it supports both DCR-based and shunt-based current sensing. The ISEN1–ISEN8 inputs accept differential signals from either method, and its sensorless input current monitor (IMON) derives total input current from PWM duty cycle and VINSEN, eliminating the need for a dedicated input shunt in many designs.

How does digital thermal phase balancing function in practice?

Digital thermal phase balancing uses real-time temperature readings from TSEN1–TSEN3 to proportionally redistribute current among active phases-e.g., reducing current in hotter phases and increasing it in cooler ones-without interrupting regulation. This maintains output stability while extending MOSFET lifetime and enabling higher sustained power density.

Can CHL8318-20-04CR operate with fewer than 8 phases in a production design?

Yes-it is fully configurable for 1–8 phases via SMBus or NVM. Common configurations include 4-phase for mainstream desktops and 6- or 8-phase for high-end gaming/server CPUs. Phase count is set at startup and can be dynamically adjusted during operation based on load and thermal conditions.