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Analog Devices LTM4650-1 Sandler State-Space Average VRM Model for Keysight ADS

 

The Analog Devices LTM4650-1 is a Dual 25A or Single 50A step-down µModule Regulator with 0.8% DC and 3% Transient Accuracy.

 

The power supply or Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) interacts with the system at both the inputs and the outputs. The VRM is a noise source and a noise hub. This means better higher-fidelity models are required to solve today’s power integrity challenges.

 

Key Features:

The Sandler State-Space Average VRM model (SSAM) can be used for both frequency and time domain analyses:

  • This model is designed to support true end-to-end power integrity simulation and modeling using Keysight ADS.
  • VRM models provide small signal load ripple and large signal VRM switching ripple.
  • Large signal analysis, including assessing large signal effects
  • Small signal analysis
  • Harmonic balance simulation
  • Transient analysis
  • AC analysis
  • Phase noise analysis
  • EMI Analysis
  • Monte Carlo or worst-case circuit analysis
  • Voltage ripple noise analysis
  • VRM and power supply efficiency modeling
  • Crosstalk analysis between power domains and sensitive signals
  • PDN and impedance analysis
  • Stability analysis (NISM, Bode - phase, gain, and stability margins)
  • Input impedance, output impedance, startup, and transient step load response
  • VRM control loop design, stability, and modeling
  • Cascaded VRM and power supply analysis
  • Cascaded VRM modeling
  • DC drop analysis
  • Voltage droop analysis
  • Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) analysis
  • Rogue wave analysis
  • Target impedance analysis
  • Supports multiphase designs – including current sharing between phases
  • This model supports both DCM and CCM modes in addition to the voltage mode and current mode.

 

What's Included:

  • Archived ADS library will be made available at checkout.
  • The ADS library includes LTM4650-1 single phase SSAM, LTM4650-1 dual phase SSAM, and LTM4650-1 differential amplifier model.
  • Customers will receive links to download their digital products in the thank you page of the checkout, along with an emailed link that will last for 30 days.

 

Pulling this model into an existing ADS workspace only requires a few mouse clicks.

 

Why Use a Sandler State-Space Model:

Behavioral models like SIMPLIS are available but are not designed to run fast with electromagnetic (EM) extracted S-parameter models representing the power distribution network (PDN) and cannot support end-to-end simulation.

The use of state-space average models for switched mode power supplies was started in the 1970s [1] and is an effective technique for averaging the switching behavior to get the small signal AC behavior of the switching power supply control loop in the frequency domain. Solving for the small signal behavior enables one to use that load-dependent operational point to drive the large signal switching behavior. This is what the Sandler-developed SSAM model does and makes it possible to simulate PSRR, power rail ripple, input/output impedances, switch node pulse width modulation (PWM), and regulator stability.

 

The SSAM is a behavioral model that simulates all noise sources going into and out of the switched mode power supply or voltage regulator module (VRM), as it is often called in the high-speed digital world.

 

This SSAM accurately predicts the complete VRM performance, while simple lumped models have limited use.

 

The SSAM, like any model, has its limits. It assumes that one is operating the regulator at a switching frequency at least six times higher than the control loop bandwidth. Keeping the VRM loop bandwidth less than 1/6th the switching frequency ensures a predictable behavior and avoids instabilities as one approaches the pulse width modulation switching frequency. At frequencies above 1/6th the switching frequency, it is the job of the PDN decoupling capacitors to deliver power.

For the highest-fidelity simulation and results, these models should be used with PCB and package effects to assess the true circuit performance.

 

Check out our 4-step guide to help you add the SES Models to your ADS workspace: LINK

 

References:

[1] S. Cuk and R. Middlebrook, “A general unified approach to modeling switching DC-to-DC converters in discontinuous conduction mode,” Power Electronics Specialists Conference, IEEE, 1977.

ADI LTM4650-1 State-Space Average VRM Model

  • If you're not satisfied with this product, you can return this product for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

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