Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ZL2005?
The ZL2005 is an innovative mixed-signal power management and conversion IC that combines a compact, efficient, synchronous buck controller, adaptive drivers and key power and thermal management functions in one IC. The ZL2005 also incorporates an I2C/SMBus hardware interface with full PMBus compliance, including support for over 100 PMBus commands.
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What is PMBusTM?
PMBus is a power management protocol that allows users to easily configure and monitor all aspects of the DC-DC converter circuit through an I2C or SMBusTM hardware interface. The ZL2005 supports over 100 PMBus commands. For PMBus specifications and more information, please see the PMBus overview section on our Products page at http://www.zilkerlabs.com/49/PMBus_Overview.htm or refer to the official PMBus web site at http://pmbus.info/index.html.
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When will the ZL2005 be available? How can I purchase one?
Zilker Labs is offering a ZL2005 evaluation board for purchase now. Additional samples may be purchased along with the evaluation board or after an evaluation board has been ordered. Please email corporate sales or call 512-382-8471 to purchase any Zilker Labs products. Pricing for the ZL2005 starts at $4.25 in quantities of 1,000. Please contact the factory for volume production availability and volume pricing.
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Why must I purchase an evaluation board prior to purchasing parts?
Zilker Labs’ ZL2005 is an extremely configurable device that can be used in a variety of different applications. The ZL2005 evaluation board provides a very flexible platform with user-friendly tools that allow users to quickly learn how to use the device without requiring expertise in component selection or board layout. Bare samples and detailed application notes are available to assist in the design phase once the evaluation is complete.
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Is the device compatible with extended temperature environments?
Yes. The ZL2005 is specified for an operating junction temperature of -40 to 125 °C. The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C.
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What is the ZL2005’s input voltage range?
The ZL2005’s input supply range is 3V to 14V, allowing it to operate from 3.3V, 5V, or 12V supplies including typical voltage tolerances.
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What is the ZL2005’s output voltage range?
The ZL2005 can produce an output voltage between 0.6V and 5.0V. When output margining is enabled, the output can be set to as high as 5.5V. The input voltage must always be higher than the output voltage.
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What is the ZL2005’s reference tolerance (and output accuracy)?
The initial tolerance of the internal voltage reference is less than 0.4% and is guaranteed to be 1% over line, load, and temperature conditions. The total output accuracy is guaranteed to be within 3% of configured output voltage including output ripple and transient variations given adequate design of the output filter stage.
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What is the maximum output current? Is it capable of 5A, 10A, 15A and 25A ?
The ZL2005 is a DC-DC controller with integrated synchronous MOSFET drivers.. As such, it is capable of producing output currents up to 25A by selecting the appropriate external power components (MOSFETs, inductor, and filter capacitors) and using good design practices. For output currents greater than 15A, additional attention to thermal design is recommended in order to assure the application circuit will operate reliably within the recommended thermal guidelines.
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Is the ZL2005 compatible with DDR2 memory applications?
Yes. The internal synchronous driver is capable of sinking and sourcing current, and ratio-metric voltage tracking is supported.
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What is the ZL2005’s switching frequency range?
The ZL2005 can be configured to a switching frequency between 200kHz and 2MHz.
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Does the ZL2005 support current sharing and phase interleaving between devices?
Yes. Multiple ZL2005s can be connected in parallel to allow higher total output current capability while interleaving the time when each device starts its switching cycle to help reduce inrush current and input capacitance. Additionally, multiple devices may be used in parallel (each with its own unique output voltage but with phase interleaving) to take advantage of the input current reduction.
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Do you offer pre-bias start-up capability?
Yes. The ZL2005 will start up normally with a pre-bias condition present on the output prior to start-up.
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What power management features are supported in the ZL2005?
The ZL2005 supports configurable soft-start delay and ramp period, voltage sequencing between multiple devices, voltage tracking, and voltage margining.
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Does the ZL2005 offer input and output monitoring?
Yes. The ZL2005 can monitor a wide variety of input and output parameters as well as power conversion parameters. A partial list of parameters that can be monitored include input voltage, output voltage, output current, internal temperature, load device temperature, duty cycle, MOSFET dead-time, and fan speed. Please contact the factory for a full list of parameters that can be monitored.
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What protection features are supported in the ZL2005?
The ZL2005 supports protection features including input under-voltage protection, output pre-bias protection, output over-voltage protection, output current limiting, and device over-temperature limiting. Please contact the factory for other protection features.
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Are application notes available?
Yes. Zilker Labs offers multiple application notes to simplify the design process. Application notes are available in your MyZL account.
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How can I simulate a ZL2005 application prior to building a physical circuit?
Zilker Labs offers a web-based circuit simulation tool called PowerPilotTM. This tool will recommend an application circuit based on your performance requirements. The recommended discrete components may be modified and the tool will provide steady-state, AC, and stability simulation results for the chosen circuit. A printable circuit schematic and bill of materials is available once the circuit design is completed.
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What other design tools are available?
Zilker Labs offers a wide variety of tools to help simplify the design process. Please contact the factory for other tools that are available.
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Please also see general Zilker Labs FAQs.
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