Artesyn Technologies has launched two series of compact 30-A nonisolated, point-of-load converter modules (POLs) for use on densely packed PCBs. The SIL30E vertical-mount POL converter features a single-in-line package with a footprint of just 2.0 × 0.31in and a height of 0.5 in. Its surface-mount counterpart, the SMT30E, measures 1.3-in. × 0.53-in. footprint with an above-board height of only 0.32 in. Both series of products feature exceptional current densities—the SMT30E, for example, achieves in excess of 136A/in3.
These POLs generate output voltages from 0.8 V to 3.63 V while delivering up to 30 A. Intended primarily for boards that use distributed power architectures with an intermediate 12-V bus, these POLs have a wide input voltage range of 8 V to 14 V. The converters form the latest additions to Artesyn’s family of Point-Of-Load Alliance (POLA) products, which are fully compatible with similar products produced by other members of POLA.
Their design is based on a 2-phase synchronous buck topology, using interleaving to achieve a very high equivalent switching frequency of up to 2 MHz. The advanced driver circuitry and power switches for each phase are contained in highly-integrated multi-chip packages, and use the latest-generation Trench MOSFETs. The driver control circuits are optimized to provide very tight interphase synchronization, and particular attention has been paid to the converters’ layout to ensure even heat distribution between the two phases. The overall effect of the converters’ topology is to maximize efficiency and useable power: Both series of converters achieve 92% at 12-V input and 3.3-V out.
Both series of converters are suitable for forced-air or convection-cooled environments and accommodate a wide operational temperature range of -40°C to +85°C ambient, with derating. The SIL30E, for example, can deliver its full 30-A output current at temperatures up to 60°C, subject to 200 LFM of airflow.
Artesyn’s SIL30E and SMT30E POL converters feature remote sense and remote on/off facilities, and have no minimum load requirement. In OEM quantities of 1000, unit prices are $23 for both the vertical-mount SIL30E and the surface-mount SMT30E.
For more information, visit www.artesyn.com/powergroup/new_pola_pth_launch.htm .
