High-density convertors for RF power

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 27, 2007

Fully featured convertors offer designers high quality and a cost-effective solution for demanding RF power amplifier applications.

Bringing higher power to its award-winning PKJ 4000 series of DC/DC convertors, Ericsson Power Modules' PKJ 4316 API is rated at a high 350W.

The fully featured convertor offers designers high quality and a cost-effective solution for demanding RFPA applications.

In total, three new convertors have been added to the PKJ 4000 range.

The aforementioned 48V-input 350W-rated unit (28.2V/12.4A) is joined by the 48V-input 310W-rated PKJ 4316 P (28.2V/11A), and the 48V-input 250W-rated PKJ 4216N PI (30.2V/8.3A).

Available in the industry-standard half-brick format, these high-power, cost-efficient, high-efficiency units operate over an input voltage range of 35 to 75V DC.

Factors driving demand for this type of product are the need for high power, high efficiency, good thermal performance, cost efficiency, and high reliability in RFPA (radio frequency power amplifier) applications.

The truly environmentally friendly units are RoHS compliant and are based on a mechanical design using metal to metal to attach the base plate, giving high thermal conductivity, good electrical isolation and excellent mechanical strength.

The convertors feature the standard RFPA height of 12.7mm.

The fully featured convertors include output overvoltage, input undervoltage, overtemperature and output short-circuit protection, together with soft-start, remote sensing, remote control and output voltage adjust functions.

Keeping radiated EMI to a minimum, the convertors include a ground plane in the PCB area under the DC/DC convertor.

This approach returns switching noise to ground as directly as possible, with improvements to both emissions and susceptibility.

With 1500V DC input-to-output isolation, the convertors meet isolation requirements equivalent to basic insulation according to IEC/EN/UL60950; offering high reliability, they have a predicted MTBF (mean time between failure) of 3 million hours.

Offering excellent performance and quality at a competitive price, the convertors are designed according to mobile network RFPA requirements.

Ericsson Power Modules' philosophy and manufacturing processes embrace conservative design rules, design reviews and product qualifications, plus the high competence of a committed workforce.

Early failures in the products are screened out and they are subjected to ATE-based final tests.