Designing High-Voltage Input Power Converters

June 23, 2005

How do you define "high-voltage" input for power converter ICs?

For most power-management subsystem ICs, "high-voltage" input is 30 up to 100 V. The 100-V maximum input rating ensures reliable and safe operation of 48-V bus telecommunication power converters, 42-V automotive systems, and other industrial systems that operate at similar voltages. The normal voltage range is lower than 100 V. However, parasitic inductances and peak noise transients can cause voltage spikes that approach 100 V. The higher-voltage rating provides additional reliability insurance.

What does the IC manufacturer have to do to obtain a highvoltage input rating?

High-voltage ICs require specialized wafer technologies and device designs that increase the breakdown voltage of certain transistors. Most high-voltage ICs integrate high-voltage devices with low-voltage logic and control circuits. The high-voltage devices use deeper junctions and larger dimensions than the standard low-voltage devices.

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About the Author

Sam Davis 2

Sam Davis was the editor-in-chief of Power Electronics Technology magazine and website that is now part of Electronic Design. He has 18 years experience in electronic engineering design and management, six years in public relations and 25 years as a trade press editor. He holds a BSEE from Case-Western Reserve University, and did graduate work at the same school and UCLA. Sam was the editor for PCIM, the predecessor to Power Electronics Technology, from 1984 to 2004. His engineering experience includes circuit and system design for Litton Systems, Bunker-Ramo, Rocketdyne, and Clevite Corporation. Design tasks included analog circuits, display systems, power supplies, underwater ordnance systems, and test systems. He also served as a program manager for a Litton Systems Navy program.

Sam is the author of Computer Data Displays, a book published by Prentice-Hall in the U.S. and Japan in 1969. He also authored the book Managing Electric Vehicle Power. He is also a recipient of the Jesse Neal Award for trade press editorial excellence, and has one patent for naval ship construction that simplifies electronic system integration.

You can also check out additional articles on his other author page.