Comparison of linear and non-linear digital power solutions

Abstract

Recently, digital power has gained some traction in computing applications. Digital power's allure is its flexibility and user interface. This paper compares the key performances of digital power solutions that use traditional non-linear (discrete) digital control and advanced linear digital control. Through detailed comparison, the proposed linear digital power solution that is realized with Intersil's proprietary EAPP Digital and Auto Phase Number (APN) Control demonstrates the superior performance in transient response and high frequency current balance as well as overall efficiency without scarifying the flexible programmability and easy user interface.