This paper proposes spread-spectrum clock modulation algorithms for EMI reduction in digitally-controlled DC-DC converters. In switching regulators using PWM, switching noise and harmonic noise concentrated in a narrow spectrum around the switching frequency can cause severe EMI. Spread-spectrum clock modulation can be used to minimize EMI. In conventional switching regulators using analog control it is very difficult to realize complex spread-spectrum clocking, however this paper shows that it is relatively easy to implement spread-spectrum EMI-reduction using digital control. The proposed algorithm was verified using a power converter simulator (SCAT).

This letter presents an analysis of characteristics of multiphase buck converters with coupled inductors. We derive equivalent inductances that provide both low per-phase steady-state ripple current and fast transient response. The characteristics of coupled-inductor circuits--low per-phase ripple current and fast response--were examined and verified by circuit simulation and experiments.

A novel 400-Gb/s (100-Gb/s4) physical-layer architecture for the next-generation Ethernet – using 100-Gb/s serial (optical single-wavelength) transmission – is proposed. As for the next-generation 400-Gb/s Ethernet, additional requirements from the market, such as power reduction and further miniaturization in addition to attaining even higher transmission speed, must be satisfied. To satisfy these requirements, a 100-Gb/s4 Ethernet physical-layer architecture is proposed. This architecture uses a 100-Gb/s serial (optical single-wavelength) transmission Ethernet and low-power technologies for a multi-lane transmission Ethernet. These technologies are implemented on a 100-Gb/s serial (optical single wavelength) transmission Ethernet using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Experimental evaluation of this implementation demonstrates the feasibility of low-power 400-Gb/s Ethernet.

This paper describes a simple, inexpensive technique for intentionally broadening and flattening the spectrum of a DC-DC converter (switching regulator) to reduce Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI). This noise spectrum broadening technique involves intentionally introducing pseudo-random dithering of control clock timing, which can be achieved by adding simple digital circuitry. This technique can significantly reduce noise power spectrum peaks at the DC-DC converter output. For our test case circuit, measurements showed that noise power was reduced by 5.7 dBm at the main peak, by 15.6 dBm at the second peak and by 12.8 dBm at the third peak. This simple, inexpensive technique can be applied to most conventional switching regulators by adding simple digital circuitry, and without any modification of the design of other parts.