The DE2-115 Altera FPGA development board uses "LM3150 Wide-VIN Synchronous Buck Controller" to generate two supply rails: 1) 1.2V/5A from a 12V rail 2) 3.3V/6A from a 12V rail
These switching regulators require quite a lot of external components to be used. Is this common with switching regulators? Why not use an "integrated version" of switching regulators which do not require such a large number of different types of external components.
Switching regulator components are sold in several configurations.
A switching regulator controller is an IC contains the control functions, and perhaps a gate-driver boost circuit. But it will require external inductors, external switching components (FETs), external capacitors, feedback resistors, etc.
A switching regulator IC often integrates the switching components (FETs) with the regulator controller. But it will still require an external inductor and capacitors.
A switching regulator module is typically a complete circuit with multiple components mounted on a small PCB. It usually includes an IC, inductor, some capacitors, etc. This can be a nearly complete solution in a single orderable part number.
Using a modular solution is a good idea when you do not want to devote resources to designing the regulator circuit, and when you can find a existing product that meets your needs.
A regulator IC is a good idea when you want more flexibility to tune the design to your requirements and can't find a modular solution that meets your needs. Cost might also be lower than for a modular solution.
A controller IC often allows handling higher load currents than an integrated regulator IC because the switches can be larger and not as much thermally coupled to each other and the rest of the circuit.
To add the the existing answers:
some components must be external to chip (and at some distance to other components) to keep ambient temperature as their characteristics may depend on the temp they operate in. If built into a single chip their operations features would suffer from heating;
chips in your example assume varying output in terms of voltage, thus some components (like feedback resistors) must be external in order for you to adjust output voltage/amperage to needed level;
some components are just too big to fit into the chip's casing.
If you would carefully look into the regulator's datasheet, you will most probably find the section explaining the best component layout on the PCB - and also how you should NOT lay them out. These recommendations focus on heat dissipation, EMI within regulator's circuit and crosstalk with other circuits, stability and reliability of the operation, and safety.
Is this common with switching regulators?
Yes
Why not use an "integrated version" of switching regulators which do not require such a large number of different types of external components.
In order to improve cross load regulator noise, separate converters are used.
Consider that every part has a design purpose that for better or worse was the most cost effective choice if the design is in high volume and has high quality specs. The design you show is one of the best buck regulators, a Half-Bridge feedback ratio variable voltage buck regulator with fixed parts.
In order to get the best bang for the buck, it is not feasible to combine all the parts into silicon.
The concepts start simple then get more complcated with low error and high power specs.
Small lithography analog and digital ASICs cannot do low RdsOn MOSFETs on the same wafer. Nor can they do large reactive parts or large current shunts.
Consider : high energy storage in LC reactive parts and high current in semiconductors, input transient OVP, output current limiting , output LC ripple filters.
Consider the specs for your DC-DC multiple output converter.
12Vin, Output 1.2V,3.3V, total 27W output <1% Voltage regulation <1% 50% load regulation error, < 2% ripple, crossload regulation error 0.5% , low EMI, etc etc.
Can you think of a better way? Look on your MOBO to see how little space it takes to supply all the internal voltages for RAM & CPU , all controlled by BIOS. Locate the coils near the CPU.
Then for AC to DC converters we have lightning transients and HIOT isolation requirements. Not every design is scaleable due to I^2R exponential demands.
But here is a simple AC-DC converter.
