
2
Introduction
AMD-K6
 Processor Power Supply Design
21103G/0—February 1999
processors. The goal is to design a solution that works over a
wide voltage range and a 5.8amps (A) to 14A current range.
(Previously, the suggested range was 5.8A to 10A. This change
allows motherboard designers to prepare for the next
generation of processors.) This application note also provides
basic guidelines on circuit decoupling for reduction of noise
generated by fast current transients.
The core voltage for the 0.25-
μ
m process is 2.2V/2.4V. However,
AMD encourages designers to provide flexibility to support
multiple voltages in their designs. This flexibility may entail a
resistor-value change or changing the location of a zero-ohm
resistor or a jumper. By providing flexibility in the power
design, future lower voltage parts may be able to be used with
little or no changes to the motherboard. As process geometries
continue to shrink, the core voltages are planned to drop. An
easy way to prepare for this is to use controllers that implement
the 5-bit VID code. For core voltage specifications for the
following AMD-K6 processors, refer to:
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Models 6 and 7 
— 
AMD-K6
 Processor Data Sheet
, order#
20695 
Model 8 
— 
AMD-K6
-2
 Processor Data Sheet
, order# 21850
Model 9 — 
AMD-K6
-III
 Processor Data Sheet
, order# 21918
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This document contains the following sections:
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Power Supply Specification on page 5
—Gives an overview of
power supply design considerations. This section describes
the basic elements of a power supply and the constraints of
different design approaches.
Decoupling and Layout Recommendations on page 11
—
Describes the decoupling and layout recommendations of
the power supply design. Proper decoupling is required in
order to deliver a reliable power source across the power
planes and to reduce the noise generated from the fast
current transients. 
Power Supply Solutions on page 27
—Describes several
voltage regulator circuits that are designed by voltage
regulator vendors. These circuits can be used to generate the
proper core and I/O voltages for the processor. Because the
information provided is preliminary, AMD recommends that
board designers consult with the voltage regulator vendors
to obtain the most up-to-date information.
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