Planar transformers offer standard solutions

Two new standard series of planar transformers aim to eliminate the need for custom transformers in high performance DC/DC power supplies.

Two new standard series of planar transformers aim to eliminate the need for custom transformers in high performance DC/DC power supplies.

The PA08XX 140W and PA09XX 250W planar transformer series are over 98% efficient, have a power density of 600W/in3, and profiles of only 8.636 and 9.144mm, respectively.

The two series consist of 45 off-the-shelf catalogue parts that can be arranged in 293 different winding configurations.

Adding a primary auxiliary winding or a small gap to the transformer expands the number of possible configurations to over 1000.

The PA08XX and PA09XX series are intended for use with forward, full-bridge, half-bridge and push-pull topologies in applications with input voltage between 18 and 75V and output voltages from 52 down to 1V.

The high-efficiency and high-power density of the Pulse transformers are due to an optimised core and winding geometry.

This geometry allows for minimum direct current resistance (DCR) losses, low core losses due to Pulse's proprietary design, and low alternating current (AC) losses due to the interleaving of primary and secondary windings which minimise high-frequency proximity effects.

Planar transformers typically have twice the power density, a 40% lower profile, and exhibit more repeatable leakage inductance and capacitance than conventional wire-wound transformers.

"In the past the only option for end-customers who required high-density isolated DC/DC power supplies was to purchase a module from a power supply company", explained John Gallagher, Field Applications Engineer for the Power Division of Pulse.

"In an effort to reduce cost and increase flexibility, many end-customers are now designing their own discrete power supplies using third party IC (integrated circuit) reference designs".

"High-density, discrete power supplies benefit by using Pulse planar transformers because each power supply design requires and new transformer winding configuration".

"These transformers have typically been custom products".

"Now, Pulse's PA08XX and PA09XX series give designers off-the-shelf catalogue products that can be configured for any application".

The PA08XX and PA09XX planar transformers are available in tape-and-reel packaging.

Lead-time is four to six weeks.

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