POLs pack power punch

Artesyn Technologies' ultracompact SIL30E and SMT30E point-of-load (POL) converter modules deliver up to 30A at 0.8V to 3.63V for densely packed asics, dspeed launches firmware for TSP3 net processors" target=_blank>network processor and DSP applications. That's 75 percent more current than provided by comparably sized products, according to the company.

The two-phase, 2MHz synchronous buck converters, for use in distributed power architectures with an 8V to 14V intermediate bus, are fully compatible with similar products from members of the Point-Of-Load Alliance (POLA), which includes Texas Instruments, Astec Power and Ericsson Power Modules.

The SIL30E features a small footprint; the SMT30E features a low profile. The former has a footprint of less than 4cm? (50.8-by-7.8mm), while the latter measures 33-by-13.5mm and has a 8.1mm height. Corresponding current density for the SMT30E is 8.3A/cm³, and efficiency is 92 percent (12V in, 3.3V out model). The new 30A model, in place of two traditional 15A POLs, is designed to cut board real estate requirements in half and reduce the BoM by up to 40 percent. The converters' small size and low internal power dissipation enable designers to place them immediately adjacent to the load, even on very densely packed boards.

Both series, rated for operation over -40°C to 85°C, are suited to forced air or convection cooled environments. The SIL30E can deliver its full 30A output at up to 60°C for 200lfm airflow. These 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. The converters carry a full set of international safety approvals including EN60950 and UL/cUL60950.

The converters are priced at $23 each in 1,000-unit quantities. Standard lead-time for both models is stock to 6-8 weeks.

- Vincent Biancomano
eeProductCenter