what target z and why power delivery ac not dc altiumlive 2022

Introduction to Target Z and Power Delivery

In the world of electronics design, power delivery is a crucial aspect that requires careful consideration. With the increasing complexity of modern devices and the demand for efficient power management, engineers are constantly seeking innovative solutions. One such solution that has gained significant attention is the concept of Target Z and the use of Power Delivery AC (PD-AC) instead of the traditional Direct Current (DC) power delivery. In this article, we will explore what Target Z is, how it relates to power delivery, and why PD-AC is preferred over DC in certain applications, particularly in the context of Altium Live 2022.

What is Target Z?

Target Z, also known as the target impedance, is a key parameter in power delivery systems. It refers to the desired impedance that the power delivery network (PDN) should present to the load, such as an integrated circuit (IC) or a printed circuit board (PCB) component. The target impedance is typically expressed in ohms and is frequency-dependent.

The goal of power delivery design is to ensure that the PDN maintains the target impedance across the relevant frequency range, minimizing voltage fluctuations and ensuring stable power supply to the load. Achieving the target impedance requires careful design considerations, including the selection of appropriate components, the layout of the PCB, and the use of simulation tools to optimize the PDN.

The Importance of Power Delivery

Power delivery is a critical aspect of electronic systems, as it directly impacts the performance, reliability, and functionality of the connected devices. Poor power delivery can lead to a range of issues, such as:

1. Voltage fluctuations: Inadequate power delivery can cause voltage drops or spikes, which can affect the operation of sensitive components and lead to system instability.

2. Signal integrity issues: Power supply noise can couple into signal paths, causing signal integrity problems such as crosstalk, jitter, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

3. Reduced efficiency: Inefficient power delivery can result in power losses, increased heat generation, and reduced overall system efficiency.

4. Reliability concerns: Inconsistent power supply can stress components, leading to premature failures and reduced system reliability.

To mitigate these issues, designers must carefully consider the power delivery requirements of their systems and implement robust PDN designs that meet the target impedance across the relevant frequency range.

Power Delivery AC (PD-AC) vs. Direct Current (DC)

Traditionally, power delivery in electronic systems has relied on Direct Current (DC) power supplies. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in using Power Delivery AC (PD-AC) for certain applications. Let’s explore the differences between these two approaches and the advantages of PD-AC.

Direct Current (DC) Power Delivery

DC power delivery involves the use of a constant voltage source to supply power to the load. In this approach, the voltage remains constant over time, and the current varies depending on the load requirements. DC power supplies are widely used in electronic systems due to their simplicity, availability, and relatively low cost.

However, DC power delivery has some limitations:

1. Voltage drop: As the distance between the power supply and the load increases, the voltage drop across the conductors becomes more significant, leading to power losses and reduced efficiency.

2. Limited power capacity: DC power supplies have a fixed voltage and current rating, which limits the amount of power they can deliver to the load.

3. Electromagnetic interference (EMI): DC power supplies can generate high-frequency noise that can interfere with sensitive electronic components and cause EMI issues.

Power Delivery AC (PD-AC)

PD-AC is an alternative approach to power delivery that utilizes alternating current (AC) instead of DC. In PD-AC systems, the power is delivered using high-frequency AC signals, typically in the range of several megahertz to tens of megahertz.

The key advantages of PD-AC over DC power delivery include:

1. Reduced voltage drop: PD-AC systems can transmit power over longer distances with lower voltage drop compared to DC systems. This is because the high-frequency AC signals experience less resistance in the conductors.

2. Higher power capacity: PD-AC systems can deliver higher power levels compared to DC systems of similar size and weight. This is due to the ability to use resonant techniques and impedance matching to optimize power transfer.

3. Improved EMI performance: PD-AC systems can be designed to minimize EMI by using techniques such as spread-spectrum clocking and careful frequency selection. This helps to reduce the impact of power supply noise on sensitive electronic components.

4. Flexibility in power distribution: PD-AC allows for more flexible power distribution architectures, such as the ability to use multiple power transmitters and receivers in a single system. This enables advanced power management techniques and redundancy for improved reliability.

Target Z and PD-AC in Altium Live 2022

Altium Live is an annual event that brings together electronics design professionals, industry experts, and technology leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the field. In the 2022 edition of Altium Live, the topics of Target Z and PD-AC have garnered significant attention.

The Importance of Target Z in PD-AC Systems

In PD-AC systems, achieving the target impedance is crucial for optimal power delivery performance. The high-frequency nature of PD-AC signals makes the PDN design more challenging compared to DC systems. Designers must carefully consider factors such as the layout of the PCB, the placement of components, and the use of appropriate materials to minimize impedance discontinuities and reflections.

Altium Live 2022 has featured several sessions and workshops dedicated to Target Z and PD-AC design techniques. Experts have shared their insights on best practices for PDN design, including the use of simulation tools to optimize the impedance profile, the selection of suitable capacitors and inductors, and the implementation of advanced layout techniques.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

During Altium Live 2022, attendees have had the opportunity to learn from real-world case studies and applications of PD-AC technology. Engineers and designers from various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, have shared their experiences and challenges in implementing PD-AC systems.

One notable example is the use of PD-AC in electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. PD-AC allows for faster charging times and more efficient power transfer compared to traditional DC charging methods. By using high-frequency AC signals, EV charging systems can achieve higher power levels while reducing the size and weight of the charging infrastructure.

Another application highlighted at Altium Live 2022 is the use of PD-AC in data center power distribution. As data centers continue to grow in size and complexity, the demand for efficient and reliable power delivery becomes increasingly important. PD-AC enables more flexible power distribution architectures, allowing for better power management and redundancy in data center environments.

Tools and Resources for PD-AC Design

Altium Live 2022 has also showcased the latest tools and resources available for PD-AC design. Attendees have had the opportunity to explore advanced simulation software, such as Altium Designer, which provides powerful tools for PDN analysis and optimization.

In addition, there have been demonstrations of specialized components and materials optimized for PD-AC applications, such as high-frequency capacitors, low-loss inductors, and advanced PCB substrates. These tools and resources enable designers to effectively implement PD-AC systems and achieve the desired target impedance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main difference between PD-AC and DC power delivery?
   PD-AC uses high-frequency alternating current (AC) signals for power delivery, while DC power delivery uses a constant voltage source. PD-AC offers advantages such as reduced voltage drop, higher power capacity, and improved EMI performance compared to DC power delivery.

2. Why is achieving the target impedance important in PD-AC systems?
   Achieving the target impedance is crucial in PD-AC systems to ensure stable and efficient power delivery. The high-frequency nature of PD-AC signals makes the PDN design more challenging, and designers must carefully consider factors such as PCB layout, component placement, and material selection to minimize impedance discontinuities and reflections.

3. What are some real-world applications of PD-AC technology?
   PD-AC technology finds applications in various industries, such as automotive (e.g., electric vehicle charging systems), aerospace, and consumer electronics. It is also used in data center power distribution, where it enables more flexible power management and redundancy.

4. How can designers optimize their PDN design for PD-AC systems?
   Designers can optimize their PDN design for PD-AC systems by using simulation tools to analyze and optimize the impedance profile, selecting suitable components (e.g., high-frequency capacitors and low-loss inductors), implementing advanced layout techniques, and choosing appropriate PCB materials.

5. What resources are available for designers working on PD-AC projects?
   Designers working on PD-AC projects can leverage advanced simulation software, such as Altium Designer, which provides powerful tools for PDN analysis and optimization. They can also utilize specialized components and materials optimized for PD-AC applications, such as high-frequency capacitors, low-loss inductors, and advanced PCB substrates.

Conclusion

Target Z and Power Delivery AC (PD-AC) have emerged as key topics in the electronics design community, as evidenced by their prominence at Altium Live 2022. The increasing demand for efficient and reliable power delivery systems has driven the adoption of PD-AC technology, which offers several advantages over traditional DC power delivery.

By focusing on achieving the target impedance and utilizing advanced design techniques, engineers can create robust PD-AC systems that deliver stable and efficient power to complex electronic devices. The real-world applications showcased at Altium Live 2022, such as electric vehicle charging and data center power distribution, demonstrate the potential of PD-AC technology to revolutionize power delivery in various industries.

As designers continue to push the boundaries of electronics design, the importance of Target Z and PD-AC will only continue to grow. By staying informed about the latest tools, resources, and best practices, engineers can effectively implement PD-AC systems and ensure optimal power delivery performance in their projects.