VRM 9.0 DC-DC Converter Design Guidelines

Guideline Categories

This document defines one or more DC-to-DC converters to meet the power requirements of

computer systems using Intel microprocessors. It does not attempt to define a specific voltage

regulator module (VRM) implementation. VRM requirements will vary according to the needs

of different computer systems, including the range of processors a specific VRM is expected to

support in a system. The “VRM” designation may refer to a voltage regulator on a system board,

as well as to the module defined in Section 2.

The VRM 9.0 definition is specifically intended to meet the needs of systems based on the Intel

Xeon™ and Pentium

4 processors.

Each guideline is placed into one of three categories. The category immediately follows the

section heading and is one of the following:

REQUIRED: An essential part of the design—necessary to meet processor voltage and

current specifications and follow processor layout guidelines.

EXPECTED: Part of Intel’s processor power definitions; necessary for consistency

among the designs of many systems and power devices. May be specified

or expanded by system OEMs.

PROPOSED: Normally met by this type of DC-to-DC converter and, therefore, included

as a design target. May be specified or expanded by system OEMs.