Intermediate Bus Converters output up to 450 W power.

Press Release Summary:



Typhoon(TM) quarter-brick IBC series includes IBC38AQT unregulated, fixed ratio dc transformer for computing, which features 337 W/in.³ power density and over 95% efficiency. Series also includes 2 semi-regulated models with input voltage ranges optimized for telecom (IBC28AQW) and networking (IBC30AQS) applications. All models have isolated 12 V outputs and use full bridge conversion topology, with primary side microprocessor supervising PWM controller.



Original Press Release:



Artesyn 2nd Generation Intermediate Bus Converters Raise the Power Bar to 450 Watts



Latest Typhoon(TM) quarter-brick IBCs employ new conversion topology to dramatically increase performance - series includes fixed ratio DC transformer with 337W/in3 power density

Three application-optimized models with isolated 12V outputs and current ratings of 28, 30 & 37.5A

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., June 27, 2005 --- Artesyn Technologies (Nasdaq:ATSN) has launched a new series of ultra high efficiency Typhoon(TM) quarter-brick intermediate bus converters (IBCs) that generate up to 50% more useable power than previous generation models. The series includes the IBC38AQT unregulated, fixed ratio DC transformer for computing, and two semi-regulated models with input voltage ranges optimized for telecom (IBC28AQW) and networking (IBC30AQS) applications. All three IBCs employ a new, leading edge conversion topology to maximize efficiency and power density. The unregulated IBC38AQT, for example, can deliver up to 450W of output power - 150W more than its one-quarter brick predecessor - with an efficiency of over 95%, and has a power density in excess of 337W/in3.

These second-generation quarter-brick IBCs are the result of an intensive on-going development program in very high power density converters. Artesyn launched its first Typhoon quarter-brick IBCs less than 18 months ago, which at the time set an industry benchmark. The new models employ a radically improved conversion topology to maximize efficiency, thermal performance, power throughput and output voltage regulation, resulting in significantly higher performance. Each IBC generates a single isolated 12V output, intended primarily for powering multiple non-isolated point-of-load (POL) converters via an on-board intermediate voltage bus. The products have a significantly lower 'cost-per-watt' than standard brick type dc-dc converters, providing designers with highly cost-effective DC power sources for distributed power applications.

The IBC38AQT fixed ratio DC transformer has an input range of 42 to 53Vdc, and can generate up to 37.5A at 12V. This unregulated, open loop chopper-type converter has a minimal line regulation specification of +10% to -12.5%, but maintains load regulation to within ±1.5% from zero to full load. It provides a very cost-effective solution for applications with well-regulated 48V supply 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 applications in the computer, storage and server markets.

Artesyn is also introducing two application-optimized quarter-brick IBCs with semi-regulated outputs, primarily for boards that have an unregulated supply voltage, or for powering high performance POL converters, which tend to require more tightly controlled input voltages than general-purpose models. The IBC28AQW features a wide industry-standard 36 to 75Vdc input for telecom applications, while the IBC30AQS has a narrower 42 to 53Vdc input suitable for datacom applications. Both models generate an isolated 12VDC output with a setpoint accuracy of ±0.25%. The IBC28AQW can deliver up to 28A of output current, while the IBC30AQS has an even higher 30A capability, and either model can be paralleled for very high current applications. The IBC28AQW and IBC30AQS use closed loop control techniques to maintain output regulation to within ±2.0% for all load currents from zero to maximum rated output, and have line regulation figures of ±1.0% and ±0.3%, respectively.

All three second-generation quarter-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 patent-pending 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, the driven synchronous system provides much tighter timing control of the secondary side switches, resulting in higher efficiency and, in the case of the closed-loop, semi-regulated models, better output voltage regulation. All three IBCs also feature a novel distributed power train, using two power cores instead of one, which increases overall efficiency and improves thermal management and reliability by dispersing heat evenly across the entire module.

All Artesyn Typhoon quarter-brick IBCs have an industry-standard pin-out and 2.3 x 1.45in footprint and are based on an open-frame, single-board package designed for through-hole board mounting. There is a choice of two body heights and three pin lengths to accommodate different board layouts and 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. The low profile versions have an installed height of just 0.40in, making them ideal for system racks with very tight card pitches.

Advanced component layout and thermal design techniques are employed 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 short-circuit conditions, and also feature non-latching overvoltage protection and input undervoltage lockout.

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 400kHz 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.

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