Intermediate Bus Converters offer 300 W output capability.

Press Release Summary:




Eighth-brick Typhoon(TM) IBC25A fixed-ratio DC transformer model generates isolated, unregulated 12 V/25 A output with input range of 42-53 Vdc, full load efficiency of 96%, and power density in excess of 362 W/in³. Two semi-regulated 1/8th-brick IBCs are available with wide 36-75 Vdc input and narrower 48 Vdc ±10% input. Both generate isolated 12 Vdc output; wide input version delivers up to 17 A of output current, while narrow input version offers 20 A.



Original Press Release:



Artesyn Leads The Market With 300W Eighth-Brick Intermediate Bus Converter



New Typhoon(TM) IBCs include fixed ratio DC transformer, plus semi-regulated models

Product line-up includes 96% efficient 12V@25A model with power density in excess of 362W/in3

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., March 8, 2005 --- Artesyn Technologies (Nasdaq:ATSN) has once again raised the performance bar in high efficiency power conversion, by being the first to launch an eighth-brick intermediate bus converter (IBC) with a 300W output capability. The new IBC25A fixed ratio DC transformer model generates an isolated, unregulated 12V/25A output with an exceptionally high full load efficiency of 96%. Capable of generating 23% more useable output power than any competitive product on the market, it has an unprecedented power density in excess of 362W/in3. In addition to this, the company is introducing two eighth-brick IBCs with semi-regulated outputs, featuring input voltage ranges optimized for telecom and computing applications.

Artesyn launched its first generation IBCs exactly one year ago - these have a quarter-brick form factor, and at the time set new performance standards in their own right. The new eighth-brick IBCs are the result of an extensive ongoing R&D program, have similar or higher output power ratings to their quarter-brick predecessors, yet occupy 40% less board space. They are intended primarily for powering multiple downstream non-isolated point-of-load (POL) converters in distributed power systems with 12V intermediate bus architectures, where they are ideal low-cost replacements for standard quarter- and half-brick DC/DC converters. Forming the latest additions to Artesyn's expanding Typhoon(TM) family of high performance board-mount DC/DC converters, these second generation IBCs are targeted at the telecommunications, networking, computing and industrial electronics markets.

The fixed ratio model has an input range of 42 to 53VDC, generates an isolated, unregulated 12V output, and is capable of delivering up to 25A. Line regulation is specified at +10 and -12.5% over the range of input voltages, and load regulation is maintained to within ±1.5% for all load currents within the range 0 to 25A. This model is the most cost-effective solution for applications with well regulated 48V input voltages, or for feeding general purpose wide input POL converters which can tolerate some supply variation. Typically, fixed ratio IBCs are used for cost-sensitive datacom applications in the computer, storage and server markets.

The semi-regulated eighth-brick IBCs are available with a wide industry-standard 36 to 75VDC input for telecom applications, and a narrower 48VDC±10% input for datacom applications that do not have a well regulated card supply voltage. These IBCs are ideal for use with ultra high performance, narrow input POL converters, which require more tightly controlled supply voltages than their wide input counterparts. Both models generate an isolated 12VDC output; the wide input version can deliver up to 17A of output current, while the narrow input version has an even higher 20A capability. The narrow input semi-regulated IBC has a set point accuracy of ±0.25% and maintains line and load regulation to within ±0.3% and ±1.5%, respectively. The wide input version IBC also has a set point accuracy of ±0.25%, but maintains line and load regulation to within ±1.0% and ±1.5%, respectively.

All three eighth-brick IBCs use an advanced full bridge conversion topology, with a primary side microprocessor supervising the PWM (pulse width modulated) controller to maximize performance. This proprietary technology was developed by Artesyn as part of the research and development program for its latest-generation Typhoon(TM) family of DC/DC converters. The topology also employs a 'driven synchronous system', in which all power switches are directly controlled by the PWM controller. Compared to the traditional self-driven synchronous rectifier approach, this provides much tighter timing control of the secondary side switches, resulting in higher efficiency and better output voltage regulation. All three IBCs also feature a novel distributed power train, using two power cores instead of just one, which increases overall efficiency and improves thermal management and reliability by dispersing heat evenly across the entire module.

Like all Typhoon(TM) eighth-brick DC/DC converters, the new IBCs have an industry-standard pin-out and 0.9 x 2.3in footprint, and are based on an open-frame, single-board package designed for through-hole board mounting. There is a choice of three pin lengths to accommodate different board thickness. Designed for fully automated assembly to help reduce manufacturing costs, the modules are constructed entirely from surface-mount components, using planar, in-the-board transformer structures to minimize profile. They have an installed height of just 0.40in, making them ideal for system racks with very tight card pitches.

Artesyn's eighth-brick IBCs use advanced component layout and thermal design techniques to maximize efficiency, power density and reliability. All three models are designed for operation over a wide ambient temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius without a heatsink, and are suitable for both convection cooled and forced air environments. They are comprehensively protected against overtemperature and overcurrent conditions and also feature undervoltage lockout and non-latching overvoltage protection.

These IBCs carry a full set of international safety approvals, including UL/cUL60950-1 and EN60950-1 VDE. They also meet the rigorous EN61000-4-6 EMC standard for conducted emissions and the telecom-standard input transient rating of 100V for 100ms, which helps customers reduce system qualification time and accelerate time-to-market. A fixed 600kHz switching frequency is employed to maximize efficiency and minimize EMC issues, and the IBCs also feature 1500VDC basic insulation and require no minimum load capacitance for stable operation.

IBCs provide designers with an extremely energy-efficient, cost-effective solution for the principal on-board DC power source in distributed power systems with intermediate bus architectures. As Todd Hendrix, VP of Worldwide Marketing for Artesyn, points out, "IBCs can yield a cost per watt figure which is one-fifth that of fully regulated brick type DC/DC converters, and push efficiency percentages into the upper 90s. Our latest 'Ultra' series of fully regulated 100W eighth-brick converters, for example, are some of the best on the market, with efficiencies of up to 92% and power densities in excess of 160W/in3. Yet the new eighth-brick IBCs we are launching today include 300W models that are 96% efficient with a 362W/in3 power density - more than twice that of their regulated counterparts."

Artesyn's Typhoon eighth-brick IBCs are available for immediate delivery. In OEM quantities of 1000, unit prices are US$39.95 for the 25A fixed ratio model, US$45.00 for the 20A narrow-input model and US$49.00 for the wide-input 17A model. Standard lead-time on all three products is stock to 8-10 weeks ARO. For further information about Artesyn's new Typhoon eighth-brick IBCs please visit: http://artesyn.com/powergroup/new_ibc_launch.htm

Marketing Communications
Jackie Day
Artesyn Technologies
Springfield Industrial Estate
Youghal, Co. Cork
Ireland
Tel: +353 24 25388
Fax: +353 24 25407
jackie.day@artesyn.com

Product Manager, Isolated bricks
Jon Firth
Artesyn Technologies
125 Newbury Street, Suite 100
Framingham, MA 01701
USA
Tel: 508 424 2848
Fax: 508 424 2770
jon.firth@artesyn.com

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.

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