PMBus Revision Expands Spec To AC-DC Power Supplies

Feb 28, 2007 11:56 AM
By David Morrison, Editor, Power Electronics Technology

Version 1.1 of the PMBus spec is compatible with version 1.0 except for the implementation of direct mode translation, one of two formats used for reporting data. Literal mode, the other data reporting format, retains compatibility between the two versions of the spec.

One of several working groups within the PMBus Implementers Forum, a working group focused on PMBus Command Profiling is developing sets of recommended PMBus commands that PMBus implementers will be encouraged to adopt in particular application areas. For example, this working group is building consensus on a recommended command set of approximately 20 to 30 commands needed in servers.

By supporting those recommended commands, suppliers of power converters will be able to claim PMBus compliance for server applications. That compliance will be certified by a third-party testing laboratory to be designated by the PMBus Implementers Forum.

That approach to compliance differs markedly from the existing criteria for general PMBus compliance. Currently, suppliers of power conversion products can claim PMBus compliance if they meet the electrical specifications for timing and implement at least one, nonmanufacturing-related command. That’s just one command out of the 100+ commands in the specification.

For more information, see www.pmbus.org. This website was recently redesigned to enable easy access to technical specifications and the latest information on all PMBus-based solutions.

Table. New Commands in PMBus Version 1.1

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© 2007 Penton Media, Inc.