AMPLE 2-phase power card

#1 · 2019-08-23, 12:27

Currently I'm making a prototype of a small power card capable of outputting 40-50A, if it works well enough and there's interest I may produce a smaller quantity of them. The estimated price would be 35-40 USD.

Planned specifications:

PCI-E 6-pin as power input
- Standard 12V source
- Up to 27A input current
- Over 300W input power
NCP81276 controller
- Up to 4-phase operation (2 phases used)
- 250 kHz to 1.2 MHz switching frequency
- 0.8-2.0V output voltage
- Digital monitoring and FSW/LL/OCP control
SiC631 power stages
- 50A continuous output current (electrically limited)
- 20-30A continuous output current (thermally limited)
STM32F042 MCU
- USB2.0 interface (micro-USB)
- Real-time monitoring (voltage/current/power/temperature/faults)
- On-the-fly and boot setting adjustments (voltage/switching frequency, load-line, OCP, OTP)

Prototype renders:

PieterTW, Sheppix and hiwapouri have reacted to this post.

#2 · 2019-08-28, 01:16

I am lovin it, Would be good to open a pre order with payment.

#3 · 2019-08-28, 11:51

I prefer not to do pre-orders. Prototype PCB just arrived:

Sheppix and hiwapouri have reacted to this post.

#4 · 2019-08-29, 19:48

I would like having one but is a 2v upper limit really necessary? I would use one not only for moderan graphic cards but also for retro P3 boards (where mobo power section is always an issue and 2ph 50A external power supply will make the difference). Another option is to use it as a replacement for OCZ booster and co with bh5 etc. So, imho, a limit should be 4v at least.

#5 · 2019-08-29, 20:19

Quote from TerraRaptor on 2019-08-29, 19:48

I would like having one but is a 2v upper limit really necessary? I would use one not only for moderan graphic cards but also for retro P3 boards (where mobo power section is always an issue and 2ph 50A external power supply will make the difference). Another option is to use it as a replacement for OCZ booster and co with bh5 etc. So, imho, a limit should be 4v at least.

It's a limit of the controller, at least according to spec. I haven't found any alternative at a reasonable price. It might be possible to get a bit higher with this one, but 4V is quite an ask.

#6 · 2019-08-30, 01:04

Awesome project man!!

@TerraRaptor Does make a very good point, but I think 4v is a bit unrealistic. Often times when this type of power card is needed, it will be for legacy GPU's on the memory rail. I could easily see the need to provide up to about 2.6v...especially if you are trying to keep the memory warm and avoid cold bugs.

#7 · 2019-09-02, 11:33

Quote from elmor on 2019-08-29, 20:19

It's a limit of the controller, at least according to spec. I haven't found any alternative at a reasonable price. It might be possible to get a bit higher with this one, but 4V is quite an ask.

Okay, thanks. Anyway, should be worth having it even with lower limit.

PS. I have older epower prototype from TiN (it was Untouchables project then) and I blew 30% of tantalum caps there trying to go over 3v. That's why I'm conscious now about limits:)

#8 · 2020-06-08, 12:08

Hello elmor. This item is available on backorder in webshop. When can I expect it to be shipped if I order it?

#9 · 2020-06-09, 00:55

Quote from TerraRaptor on 2020-06-08, 12:08

Hello elmor. This item is available on backorder in webshop. When can I expect it to be shipped if I order it?

Best case next week, but most likely in 2 weeks. Order is placed with the factory.