DC/DC Converters feature 300 A/µs transient response.

Press Release Summary:



Typhoon(TM) SMT15F Point-Of-Load Converters, capable of delivering up to 15 A output current, include 4 models with nominal output voltages of 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 V. Intended for use on boards employing intermediate bus architectures, units offer input voltage of 10.8-13.2 V. Surface-mount, non-isolated modules use synchronous buck regulator topology and switching frequency of 1 MHz to maximize conversion efficiency. Standard footprint is 1.3 x 0.53 in.



Original Press Release:



Artesyn Launches World's Fastest Point-Of-Load Converter Modules



Ultra-fast, 300A/µs, transient response sets new performance benchmark

Compact surface-mount module provides complete, all-in-one silicon power solution

Framingham, MA, April 22, 2004 --- Artesyn Technologies (Nasdaq:ATSN) has launched a series of 15A non-isolated point-of-load DC/DC converter modules that set a new performance benchmark for the industry. Developed specifically for applications demanding exceptionally fast transient response capabilities, the new Typhoon(TM) SMT15F modules can accommodate step load changes in excess of 300A/µs, which is several orders of magnitude faster than any comparable point-of-load (POL) converter on the market. The converters are the latest additions to Artesyn's new F class line of POL products, all of which are designed to power advanced silicon devices that demand high currents and switch at very fast speeds, such as network and communication processors, and latest-generation high performance ASICs, FPGAs and DSPs.

A further unique advantage of SMT15F series modules is that they are completely self-contained, drop-in power solutions, requiring no additional components to achieve their unprecedented transient response performance. Virtually all competitive POL converters have a hidden cost element, demanding a relatively large number of bulk storage capacitors and a variety of high-, mid- and low-frequency decoupling capacitors to improve dynamic performance. Designers using these products face increased build costs and are forced to allocate extra board space, which is invariably at a premium. The trend towards lower silicon operating voltages is compounding the problem, since even more capacitance is needed for a given amount of energy storage. Artesyn's SMT15F modules completely dispense with the need for extra capacitors, simplifying design-in and making them a much more cost-effective, technically superior power solution.

The SMT15F series initially comprises four models with nominal output voltages of 1.0, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8V. The output voltage can be trimmed by ±10% of nominal to suit the exact needs of the load, and each converter is capable of delivering up to 15A output current. The converters have a wide input voltage range of 10.8 to 13.2V, and are designed primarily for use on boards employing intermediate bus architectures (IBA). Typically, these advanced POL converters would be used as elements in IBA-based board designs, deriving their supply from an intermediate voltage bus produced by a conventional isolated brick converter or low-cost intermediate bus converter. Designers will particularly appreciate the benefit of being able to use a single high efficiency converter to step from voltages as high as 13V down to as low as 1.0V.

SMT15F series converter modules use a synchronous buck regulator topology and a very high switching frequency of 1MHz to maximize conversion efficiency. The 1.8V output model, for example, has a typical efficiency of 88%. This results in extremely low internal power dissipation and high levels of useable power, and is exceptional for a DC/DC converter capable of operating over such a wide input/output voltage ratio.

The SMT15F modules are based on highly integrated silicon, using novel circuit design and component layout techniques that cater for very fast load transients. These include wide-bandwidth error amplifiers, special regulation circuits to predict load response, low inductance filters and ultra low impedance output capacitors. The net result is that SMT15F series converters have a very low output impedance under all load conditions and maintain tight regulation in the presence of extremely fast load transients. The output of the 1.2V model, for example, deviates by less than 43mV for a 5A change in load current at a rate of 100A/µs, with full recovery in under 5µs.

Designed for surface mounting, SMT15F POL converter modules are exceptionally compact, having an industry-standard footprint of just 1.3 x 0.53 inches (33 x 13.5 mm), and an installed height of only 0.3 inches (7.6 mm). The modules can consequently be easily co-located with the devices that they are powering - even on densely-packed boards - and their low profile makes them ideal for applications that use tight inter-board rack spacing to minimize system size. They employ a single board construction to minimize cost and weight, make extensive use of surface-mount components, and are designed for fully-automated assembly to help keep manufacturing costs as low as possible.

SMT15F POL converters feature remote sense and remote on/off facilities, have no minimum load requirement, and are comprehensively protected against over-temperature and short-circuit conditions, with automatic recovery. They accommodate a wide operational temperature range of -40°C to +85°C ambient, without de-rating.

Artesyn's SMT15F POL converters carry a full set of international safety approvals - including EN60950 (TÃœV Product Service) and UL/cUL60950. The converters form the latest additions to the company's rapidly-growing Typhoon(TM) family of high-performance DC/DC board-mounted power conversion products.

Sample quantities of Artesyn's SMT15F POL converters are available for immediate delivery, and production quantities will be supplied in 30-piece tray carriers. Pricing for 1,000-piece quantities is US$19.93, and the standard lead time is stock to 8 weeks.

About Artesyn Technologies, Inc.
Artesyn Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, FL., is a world leader in designing and manufacturing power conversion solutions for industry-leading OEMs in communications and IT infrastructure markets and is one of the foremost providers of controllers and WAN/protocol software for worldwide telecom and datacom systems and real-time communication applications. The Company has a global sales reach with design and manufacturing facilities in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Artesyn is a public company whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol ATSN. For more information about Artesyn Technologies and its products, please visit the Company's web site at artesyn.com.

Product Manager
Mark O'Sullivan
Artesyn Technologies
Springfield Industrial Estate
Youghal, Co. Cork
Ireland
Tel: +353 24 25342
Fax: +353 24 25407
mark.o'sullivan@artesyn.com

Marketing Communications
Ms. Pat Lopez
Artesyn Technologies
1331 California Circle
Milpitas, CA 95035
USA
Tel: 408 518 6450
Fax: 408 518 6401
pat.lopez@artesyn.com

All Topics