Convertors step up to higher voltages

The APC500 is a 500W "full brick" DC/DC convertor that supplies compact, high-efficiency conversion (typically better than 90%) from lower DC voltages up to higher voltage output.

Extending the life of installed equipment while simultaneously providing the new 2.5G and 3G services must be the 'dream ticket' for telecomms service providers.

If the new 48V powered technologies can overlay the installed base of 24V powered 2G equipment, operators can protect and leverage this significant investment.

Providing one of the most cost-effective and flexible solutions to integrate new and legacy power systems, Advanced Power Conversion supplies high power density step-up DC/DC convertors as part of its standard range.

APC is unique in offering a 500W "full brick" DC/DC convertor that supplies compact, high-efficiency conversion (typically better than 90%) from lower DC voltages up to higher voltage output.

The versatility of the APC500 patented IFB3 (interleaved full-bridge boost buck) topology permits nominal input voltages of 24 or 28V DC to be boosted up to a regulated 28 or 48V DC in addition to the more usual step-down voltages.

The ability to provide the step-up conversion is inherent in the IFB3 design topology and is achieved by changing the turns ratio of the patented integrated magnetic component and by changing a small number of components.

Apart from the space saving advantages of a compact, low profile (116.8 x 61.0 x 12.7mm) and high power density package (5.53W/cm3), system integration is further assisted by many valuable and original features that have been designed into the APC500 module.

Low noise, low input and output ripple current and fixed frequency operation (300kHz) with an external synchronisation facility means that filter design can be simplified, thus reducing development time and lowering cost.

To further assist designers incorporating the APC500 into power systems, the APC convertors have a democratic share feature and true single wire parallel connection between modules.

This provides a straightforward, scalable and cost-effective solution to increased power requirements and the versatility needed for N+1 redundancy.

Another novel feature of the APC module is the ability to monitor the internal temperature of the module via the on/off pin voltage.

This could be used to give early warning of a system cooling fault or to control a variable speed cooling fan for optimum performance.

This feature is in addition to the normal protection functions such as overvoltage, undervoltage and short-circuit protection that ensure safe and continued operation of the power system without additional design input.

Already released to the market as part of the standard Advanced Power Conversion range, use of APC step-up DC/DC convertors means legacy equipment can now continue to be used in conjunction with the higher voltage new equipment without resort to an expensive overhaul of the complete system.

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