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Components Showcase: Power Sources


Power supplies generate up to 30 kV.

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L and M power-supply lines offer output voltages ranging from 1 to 30 kV and have either positive or negative polarity. The Series M features tight line, load, and ripple specifications for high-quality displays. Series L units are for general-purpose applications. The 24V-dc-powered supplies are available with an optional second output rail that tracks the main output and is rated 500V/1 mA or 1000V/0.5 mA at full main-output voltage, depending on the model. From $205 (Series L) and $255 (Series M) in OEM quantities. Advance Power Inc, Solon, OH. (216) 349-0755.






98% efficiency for dc/dc converter.

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This 300W dc/dc converter is up to 98% efficient at 10A with a fully rated output. The converter module has an input range of 18 to 31V dc and an adjustable output that can be set between 1.5 to 30V dc by using an external potentiometer or fixed resistor. Input and output have low ripple and noise, typically only 8 mV p-p (20 mV p-p maximum). Module dimensions are 5.0x4.9x1.6 in. The converter, which operates over a temperature range of –40 to +85°C, costs $295 in small quantities. Automated Business Phones, Rockville, MD. (301) 424-1760.



DC/DC converter supplies up to 120W.

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By accepting inputs of 10 to 80V dc, the LCM120 dc/dc converter can extend the input voltage range for components downstream. Up to 120W of output power is available in any of three operating modes. The LCM120 boosts the output to 24V dc with input ranges from 10 to 24V dc in boost mode. In throughput mode, the 24- to 36V-dc input is connected directly to the output, and in buck mode, when the input is between 36 and 80V dc, the converter delivers an output of 36V dc. The LCM120 protects against input voltage surges to 80V and sags to 10V. From $845. Interpoint Corp, Redmond, WA. (206) 882-3100.


UPS systems deliver 650 to 1400 VA.

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Three models join the Opti-UPS Enhanced series of uninterruptible power supplies: the 650, 1000, and 1400E, with model numbers representing each unit’s capacity in VA. Designed for both network and stand-alone PC use, all units include EMI/RFI filters and are TUV, UL, or CLU listed. They also exceed ANSI 62.41 (IEEE 587) class A and B test standards for lightning and surge protection. The series has a typical transfer time of 2 msec with a stepped sine-wave output. Respective prices for the 650, 1000, and 1400E are $349, $549, and $699. Optiquest Inc, Walnut, CA. (909) 468-3750.







PowerFactor correctors attenuate ac-line harmonics.

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The PowerMiser line of stand-alone power-factor correctors allow existing systems to comply with IEC 555-2, EN 60555-2, and DoD STD 1399 specifications for line harmonics, while reducing ac-input requirements by 30%. Offering output power ranging from 500 to 4000W, the PowerMiser modules provide 98% conversion efficiency. An optional line filter complies with level B of FCC Docket 20780 and VDE 0871 regulations. A variety of input and output terminations is available. From $299. HC Power Inc, Irvine, CA. (714) 261-2200.



DC/DC converter manages 500W from compact package.

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Delivering 500W of isolated, highly regulated power, the DJ80 dc/dc converter yields a power density of >90W/in.3 from an industry-standard package size of 4.6×2.4×0.5 in. The DJ80 achieves high power density by using a continuous flyback-converter topology with active clamping circuitry that operates at 500 kHz with zero-voltage switching. Efficiency is rated at 90% or better. The converter costs $260 (50). Astec America Inc, Carlsbad, CA. (619) 757-1880.




Low-profile dc/dc converters have high power density.

Housed in an industry-standard 1.5×3-in. footprint, the NB series dc/dc converters are 3/8 in. thick. The NB50SI and NB50SM are rated for industrial and military applications, respectively. Each series offers power densities approaching 30W/in.3 and operates at better than 90% efficiency. The converters accept 28V-dc input with a range from 14 to 40V dc and supply outputs of 2, 3.3, 5, 5.2, 12, 15, 24, and 28V dc, with maximum output of 10, 10, 10, 9.6, 4.2, 3.3, 2.1, and 1.8A, respectively. All units can withstand 50V-dc input transients for up to 0.1 sec and recover to regulated levels within 200 ºsec. Prices start at about $280 for commercial versions and $375 for screened military units. Abbott Electronics Inc, Los Angeles, CA. (310) 202-8820.




Switching regulators furnish ±12 and ±15V outputs.

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Integrated switching regulators convert 5V to either ±12 or ±15V. The PT5020 (positive-to-negative) and the PT5040 (boost) series come in vertical through-hole, horizontal through-hole, or three-pin single-in-line surface-mount packages. PT5020 converters accept input voltages from 4.5 to 7V and use a buck-boost topology with a switching frequency of 1 MHz. Laser-trimmed outputs include –3, –5, –9, –12, and –15V, with output currents as high as 1.0A. With a switching frequency of 650 kHz, PT5040 step-up converters accept inputs from 4.5 to 11V and provide laser-trimmed outputs of 12 and 15V, with output currents of up to 1.0A. Units cost $10.55 (1000). Power Trends Inc, Batavia, IL. (708) 406-0900.



Wide-input dc/dc converters provide up to 110W.

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The PD110 series of dc/dc converters consists of 14 standard models with single outputs of 5, 12, 15, 24, and 30V dc; dual outputs of 5 and 12V dc; triple outputs of 5 and ±12V dc or 5 and ±15V dc; and quad outputs of ±5 and ±12V dc, ±5 and ±15V dc, or 5, ±12, and 24V dc. Input ranges for the 110W converters include 10 to 20V dc, 18 to 36V dc, and 36 to 72V dc. Other specifications include efficiencies of 60 to 70%, line regulation of ±0.5%, and ripple of 1% p-p maximum. Units are priced under $90 in OEM quantities. International Power Sources Inc, Ashland, MA. (508) 881-7434.


12W converters stand just 0.45 in. high.

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Rated for continuous operation over an input range from 8 to 26V dc, the SGA/D series of dc/dc converters supplies 12W of power in a pc-board-mounted package that’s only 1.9×1.0×0.45 in. An efficiency rating of up to 87% enables the SGA/D series to operate over a temperature range of –40 to +70°C without derating. The converters are in fully shielded cases and have outputs of 5 and 3.3V dc and cost $73 (100). Dinexcom Industrial Electronics Corp, Lowell, MA. (508) 446-7820.





Switching regulators hit 96% efficiency.

The high efficiency of the phase-shift keying (PSK) family of positive switching regulators allows them to operate at up to 71°C ambient in a fully enclosed case without additional heat sinking, cooling, or derating. The single-output, switch-mode converters come in low-cost benign, industrial, and ruggedized versions, operating over temperature ranges of 0 to 50°C and –25 to +71°C. Ruggedized models have a maximum input voltage of 144V dc and withstand 100G shock and 10G continuous vibration. Prices start at $458 (industrial class, up to 36V/20A) in units of 100. Melcher Inc, Chelmsford, MA. (508) 256-1812.


UPS boasts diagnostic and power-management functions.

The Perfect Power 110 and 220 series of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) offer remote monitoring and control capabilities through a bidirectional RS-232C interface. An alarm function constantly monitors the devices for specified conditions and sends a message over modem when an alarm is triggered. Through remote addressable diagnostics, you can access power information, perform diagnostic tests, and reconfigure the UPS. Models in the two series have power ratings from 1 to 3 kVA and nominal input and output voltages of 120 and 220V ac. A 1-kVA supply costs $1399. Perfect Power Inc, Danbury, CT. (203) 748-7001.



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