Renesas ISL6260CRZ

Overview

ISL6260CRZ from Intersil is a 3-phase IMVP-6-compliant multiphase core voltage regulator IC for mobile CPU power delivery, supporting 0.300V–1.500V output via 7-bit VID, ±0.5% system accuracy over temperature, and R3® Robust Ripple Regulator modulator architecture with fast transient response. It drives up to three synchronous buck channels in parallel for Intel Pentium M and Core Duo mobile processors.

For engineers reviewing the ISL6260CRZ datasheet, ISL6260CRZ pinout, ISL6260CRZ application, or ISL6260CRZ equivalent, key selection considerations include IMVP-6 compliance, DCR/resistive current sensing support, differential remote voltage sensing (VSEN/RTN), programmable 1/2/3-phase operation, and PSI#-enabled phase dropping (ISL6260B variant only).

Technical Context

The ISL6260CRZ implements Intel's IMVP-6 Mobile Voltage Positioning specification using a patented R3® modulator that synthesizes inductor ripple for hysteretic PWM control while retaining an error amplifier for tight DC regulation. It supports both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) via DPRSLPVR/DPRSTP# logic.

It features dual current sensing methods-lossless DCR sensing with NTC thermal compensation and precision resistive sensing-and integrates a unity-gain differential amplifier for remote die sensing. Channel balancing, droop-based load-line regulation, and programmable overcurrent protection are implemented at the controller level without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ISL6260CRZ is housed in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 40-lead QFN package (6 mm × 6 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (GND PAD) on bottom. The package supports high-density portable motherboard layouts and efficient thermal dissipation (θ_JA = 30°C/W, θ_JC = 5.5°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multiphase core regulator applications.

Compared with ISL6260BCRZ, ISL6260CRZ omits PSI#-triggered phase control-making it suitable for fixed-phase VRMs. Compared with RT8803AZSP, ISL6260CRZ requires external gate drivers (e.g., ISL6208) but offers superior thermal compensation, remote sensing fidelity, and layout flexibility for high-performance mobile platforms.

Availability

ISL6260CRZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile CPU core regulation, IMVP-6-compliant laptop power delivery, and thermally adaptive multi-phase VRM designs requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for ISL6260CRZ 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

Intersil (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power management ICs for computing, communications, and industrial applications.

The ISL6260CRZ belongs to Intersil's IMVP-6 multiphase controller product line, engineered specifically for Intel mobile processor voltage regulation with emphasis on transient response, thermal accuracy, and platform-level power-state coordination.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ISL6260CRZ in a mobile CPU power system?

The ISL6260CRZ serves as the core multiphase voltage regulator controller for Intel IMVP-6 mobile processors. It decodes 7-bit VID commands, generates up to three interleaved PWM signals, implements droop-based load-line regulation, and manages power-state transitions-including Deeper Sleep entry/exit-while maintaining ±0.5% output accuracy. Its R3® modulator ensures fast transient response critical for burst-mode CPU workloads.

Does the ISL6260CRZ support phase dropping via the PSI# signal?

No, the ISL6260CRZ does not respond to the PSI# signal for phase dropping. That functionality is exclusive to the ISL6260B variant (e.g., ISL6260BCRZ). The ISL6260CRZ operates in fixed-phase mode-1, 2, or 3 phases-as configured at power-on via hardware settings. PSI# is monitored but has no effect on PWM2 or overcurrent thresholds in the ISL6260CRZ.

How does the ISL6260CRZ achieve IMVP-6 load-line compliance without external components?

The ISL6260CRZ integrates a dedicated droop amplifier with DROOP and DFB pins. It sums per-phase currents at VSUM, scales the result via internal gain, and injects it as a voltage offset into the feedback path. This creates the required V–I slope (typically ~1–2 mΩ) directly-eliminating external op-amps or resistors. The ISL6260CRZ also supports NTC-based thermal compensation of DCR sensing to maintain slope accuracy across temperature.

What are the key differences between ISL6260CRZ and ISL6260BCRZ?

The ISL6260CRZ and ISL6260BCRZ share identical pinout, package, VID decoding, R3® modulator, and core regulation architecture. The sole functional difference is PSI# handling: ISL6260BCRZ disables PWM2 and scales overcurrent protection when PSI# is asserted low; ISL6260CRZ ignores PSI# entirely. Both support DPRSLPVR/DPRSTP# for Deeper Sleep and offer identical accuracy, sensing, and thermal specs.

Can the ISL6260CRZ be used with both DCR and resistive current sensing topologies?

Yes, the ISL6260CRZ supports both lossless DCR current sensing (using inductor winding resistance) and precision resistive sensing (with external shunt resistors). It provides dedicated ISEN1–ISEN3 inputs for per-phase current measurement, VSUM for current summation, and NTC input for thermal compensation of DCR networks. Application circuits for both methods are fully documented in the datasheet (Figures 35 and 36).