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IR's Real-Time Power Monitoring IC Accurately Captures Highly Dynamic Power Information and Maximizes System Performance

Posted on: Monday, 25 February 2008, 09:01 CST

International Rectifier, IR® (NYSE: IRF), a world leader in power management technology, today introduced the versatile IR3721 output power monitor IC for low-voltage DC-DC converters used in notebook, desktop computers, and energy-efficient server applications.

The IR3721 utilizes IR's patent-pending TruePowerTM technology to accurately capture highly dynamic power information with 2.5 percent accuracy at 65°C.

The IR3721 measures dynamic power at the output/load side of voltage regulators to deliver a significant improvement in dynamic power measurement accuracy compared to competing power monitor ICs. TruePowerTM technology addresses dynamic errors which can account for more than a 30 percent error in competing solutions which monitor voltage and current separately in dynamic conditions with independent A/D conversion.

"By monitoring instantaneous power, the power system can accurately predict thermals in the system at any given point in time," said Jeff Sherman, IR's senior product marketing manager for Enterprise Power Products. "With this intelligence, the power system can manage the load's electrical characteristics to limit its power and establish the correct cooling conditions in advance so that the load does not leave its required thermal envelope, optimizing its throughput, and hence its performance," added Sherman.

The IR3721 IC monitors the output filter inductor current in buck or multiphase converters from 0.5V to 1.8V and provides the options of using resistive sensing or inductor DCR current sensing with an internal thermal compensation feature to achieve one percent higher efficiency compared to existing solutions while reducing bill of materials and board size requirements.

More information is available on the International Rectifier web site at http://www.irf.com/whats-new/nr080225.html.

Availability and Pricing

Available in a 10-pin DFN lead-free package, pricing for the IR3721MTRPBF devices begins at US$0.95 each in 10,000-unit quantities. Production orders are available immediately. The devices are RoHS compliant and prices are subject to change.

About International Rectifier

International Rectifier (NYSE:IRF) is a world leader in power management technology. IR's analog and mixed signal ICs, advanced circuit devices, integrated power systems and components enable high performance computing and reduce energy waste from motors, the world's single largest consumer of electricity. Leading manufacturers of computers, energy efficient appliances, lighting, automobiles, satellites, aircraft and defense systems rely on IR's power management benchmarks to power their next generation products. For more information, go to www.irf.com.

Trademark Notice

IR® and TruePower™ are trademarks of International Rectifier Corporation. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Source: Business Wire

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