AC/DC-power supply ups power density with innovative magnetics, digitally controlled modules
By Margery Conner, Technical Editor -- EDN, September 15, 2008
Incorporating a new dual-function-transformer design, digitally controlled modules, and an online product configurator, a new series of digitally controlled power modules joins Lambda’s NV-Power line. The modules feature a magnet device comprising two transformers on one core. The device alternates as a transformer and an inductor and is integral to the supply’s synchronous-rectification process. Lambda claims that the transformer is 20% smaller and delivers 30% more power than conventional designs.
The digitally controlled modules allow customization based on an application’s requirements, such as modified current-limit or start-up characteristics. Using the NV-Power configurator, designers can create their own configuration online, and the tool checks the configuration and suggests the optimal approach. The series uses an 8-bit Atmel microcontroller to handle housekeeping routines and replace many of the comparators, op amps, and other otherwise-necessary discrete components, resulting in a 50% parts-count reduction. Power density for the series is as high as 19W/in.3. All units operate with an input range of 90 to 264V ac.
The NV-350 series provides as much as 350W of output power with less-than-180V-ac mains and as much as 660W continuous, or 740W peak for 10 seconds, with greater-than-180V-ac mains. As many as six user-selectable outputs fit into a 1.6×3.75×10.8-in. package. The NV-700 series provides as much as 700W of output power with less than 150V-ac mains and as much as 1150W continuous, or 1450W peak for 10 seconds, with greater-than-150V-ac mains. As many as eight user-selectable outputs fit into a 1.6×4.92×10.8-in. package.
The series targets the instrumentation, medical-equipment, server, and security-network markets and is available now with prices starting at $214 each (100) depending upon the configuration.
