Convertor has high efficiency for comms market

A drop-in replacement DC/DC convertor platform, the PKY4716PI, makes use of the industry standard full-brick format and footprint, making it an excellent drop-in replacement for enhanced performance.

Ericsson Power Modules' latest DC/DC convertor platform, the PKY4716PI, makes use of the industry standard full-brick format and footprint, making it a drop-in replacement for enhanced performance.

The device, aimed at the telecomms market and customers developing base transceiver stations in cellular radio networks where high efficiency and reliability are required, is also suitable for many industrial applications.

The PKY4716PI delivers 700W output power and typically exceeds 94% efficiency.

The device's efficiency curve is virtually flat from 30% to 100% load.

This level of performance is achieved by using a specially optimised topology and advanced rectification techniques.

The device will handle both 48V and 60V system voltages and has an input voltage range of 36-75V.

For safety and availability, it can withstand up to 100V input continuously.

The device has an ultra-wide output voltage trimming range that can be adjusted down to 10V, making it extremely flexible and useful for different RF power-amplifier technologies and applications, as well as other applications with varying supply voltage requirements.

The PKY4716PI has a typical 20mV load and line regulation with +/-1% set voltage over a base-plate temperature range of -40 to 100C.

The device delivers full power at 100C base plate temperature, and uses only high-reliability ceramic capacitors.

Fully current-limit protected, the device has overvoltage protection on input and output connections.

The PKY4716PI meets ROHS requirements and, with its low component count, offers high reliability.

Ericsson Power Modules' PKY4716PI has greater efficiency than other similar products on the market, and can handle dual system voltages.

The very high control-loop bandwidth in the convertor means that a minimum of external filter components are needed, resulting in greater economy and real estate savings for new RF power amplifier designs.

In use, normally an input filter is not necessary if the input feeding impedance is low enough to the PKY4716PI.

Ericsson's and Ericsson Power Modules' lengthy experience and extensive know-how of DC/DC convertor design and system knowledge are fully used in the PKY4716PI to optimise all aspects of performance and meet market needs in terms of cost and performance.

The novel use of magnetic, planar technology, switching technology and new advanced synchronous rectification make it very different to competitors' products.

The device's mechanical design has been refined to be cost-effective and offer very efficient thermal management to handle the extreme power levels of high-performance DC/DC convertors.

The latest mechanical platform combines robust and flexible design and good thermal management together with manufacturing design that results in a very cost-efficient unit ensuring low life-cycle costs for the end user.

Factors driving demand for this type of device include applications where higher output power is required, such as in WCDMA base transceiver stations.

Higher output power means increased demands on efficiency to reduce power losses and energy usage.

It is estimated that 1W of power loss at board level is worth about US $10 ($6-15 depending on the cooling principle and system architecture) over a five-year period.

In addition, investments in central power equipment, standby batteries, cooling, floor space, and other areas are directly proportional to the power and energy consumption.

Comparing the PKY4716PI with its 94% efficiency with a convertor with 91% efficiency (the normal figure on the market today), the energy cost savings alone would account for about $ 150 over a five-year period, assuming 70% average output power and USD 0.1/kWh.

This is for one single convertor.

A base transceiver station, or radio base station, contains several RF power amplifiers and DC/DC convertors, so nationwide deployment would result in huge annual savings.

So investing in PKY4716PI and higher efficiency is a good investment, both for the environment and the bottom line.

Ericsson Power Modules' PKY4716PI will guarantee that less energy is wasted, improving economies at all levels of industry and in society.

The device also meets and exceeds the technical performance level required for its use in telecomms and industrial applications.

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