Power Integrations updates its power supply design software

Doug Bailey and the great folks over at Power Integrations have released a new version of PI Expert, their free software program that helps you design power supplies. Version 7.1 will also help you design LED drivers that work from line voltages (85-265 volts ac). From their press release:

PI Expert Suite v7.1 consists of three components:

• PI Expert: An interactive program that takes a designer’s power supply specifications and automatically generates the electrical design and selects the critical components required to build a cost-effective switched-mode power supply. The tool also provides a detailed electrical and mechanical transformer design using PI’s proprietary eShield™ EMI reduction techniques. Optimization choices stressing cost and efficiency are included to help designers target specific needs. The program reduces design time from days to minutes.
• PI Xls Designer: A hands-on approach to power supply design for advanced users and those who prefer a spreadsheet interface, along with support for recently introduced products not yet included in PI Expert. The tool generates detailed engineering and mechanical designs to assist users in prototyping the transformer.
• PI Viewer: A tool for viewing design files created with older versions of PI Expert.

There is also a version of the software in simplified Chinese. Power Integrations has done a really great job in the off-line and standby power supply business. They have a great web page showing all the environmental standards for power supplies. Their TopSwitch and LinkSwitch parts can be used in many different supply topologies and they are not afraid to compete in the low-cost consumer market. The best thing about Power Integrations is their applications focus. They are not a bunch of IC designers that toss a part over a wall and say “Good luck” They have a huge applications engineering effort and have made reference designs for just about every type of off-line power supply you can think of. As a former applications person, it is great to see a company focused on making their customer’s job easier.