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Category: Power ICs
Finalist: C2470 offline ac/dc controller (CamSemi)
 CamSemi’s new low-cost approach to offline-ac/dc conversion uses an innovative mixed-signal controller and novel topology to offer 10-times-better no-load power and as much three-times-greater average efficiency that other implementations. The part is the first to apply forward-converter architecture to a low-power application. It uses “dynamic resonance” to maintain 0V switching as the load changes. This approach delivers power-conversion efficiencies higher than any other power supply in the 6 to 40W range. In keeping with the part’s intended use in low-cost applications, the design uses an intelligent integral switch-control loop with active feedback to ensure “edge-of-saturation” operation that optimizes the switching of a bipolar transistor. This approach enables the use of low-cost bipolar transistors, rather than MOSFETs, but without degrading the switching-time-to-on-resistance trade-off.
Unlike other forward converters, the part needs no freewheeling diode or energy-storage inductor on the secondary side. Because low-power applications have less rigorous regulation needs than do high-power system, the part uses an innovative primary-side- sensing controller that monitors di/dt and eliminates the need for optocoupler circuitry. In addition, circuits employing the part need fewer suppression components because the combination of 0V switching and a resonant waveform delivers low EMI (electromagnetic interference).
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