TDK-Lambda News

Part of the Tarka range of non-isolated DC-DC converters, Lambda’s new PL15 combines a 5V input and a 15A output in a compact single-in-line package. The PL15 is aimed at ‘point-of-load’ (POL) applications, providing ‘tailored’ power to the very latest generations of DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs and microcontrollers found in today’s distributed power architectures, communications equipment, workstations and servers.

For added flexibility Lambda is offering designers a choice of two models, one with customer-selectable output voltages the other with factory set output voltage. With the customer-selectable output modules, output voltage is set by a fixed resistor allowing the designer to configure the PL15 to any voltage between 0.9 and 3.3V. Factory set models can have fixed outputs between 0.9 and 3.3V.

Transient response is a key factor when choosing a POL converter. Through careful design the transient response achieved by the PL15 is excellent and with the added bonus that no external capacitors are required Line and load regulation is also very tight.

In DC-DC converter design, setting the switching frequency creates a trade off between desired efficiency and undesired ripple voltage. Lambda has optimised the switching frequency at 300kHz. Combined with synchronous rectifier technology this gives efficiencies of up to 96.5%.

The PL15 has built-in current limit and short-circuit protection (hiccup mode and auto-restart), as well as over temperature protection. Input logic shutdown is also provided as is a positive remote sense pin.

Operating over a wide -40º to 85ºC temperature range, the new LP15 carries UL/BSI EN60950 approvals.