Artesyn Launches SMT15E Series DC/DC Converters

Artesyn Technologies Inc. (Boca Raton, FL) introduced its new SMT15E Series of 15A, non-isolated, point-of-load, dc/dc converters designed for surface mounting, which have an industry-standard footprint of 1.3in x 0.53in, and an above-board height of 0.32in. The new converters include models capable of 95-percent conversion efficiency, yielding a power density in excess of 222W/in³.The SMT15E Series are the first of a new generation of surface-mount, non-isolated, point-of-load products that Artesyn is developing for high-end applications in the telecommunications and data communications markets.

The converters are designed for use with standard low-voltage 3.3V and 5.0V on-board bus levels, enabling the power stage to operate with optimized duty cycles for maximum conversion efficiency; and employ synchronous-buck topology, using fixed-frequency (300kHz) switching and ultra-low on-resistance MOSFETs. The SMT15E Series comprises two models, offering fixed outputs of 2.5V and 3.3V. The series will include six fixed-output models in the near future, offering voltages of 0.8V, 1.0V, 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V and 2.0V. All eight of these converters can accommodate any input voltage in the range 3.0V to 5.5V. The company is also introducing a wide output trim model that requires a 4.5V to 5.5V input; however, the output can be adjusted from 0.8V to 3.6V using a single resistor.

The SMT15E converters employ an open-frame, single-board construction to minimize cost and weight and simplify thermal management. The devices are constructed entirely from surface-mount components, including the magnetic devices, and are designed for fully automated assembly to help keep manufacturing costs low. The converters accommodate a wide operational temperature range of -40 to +100 degrees C ambient, and are expressly designed as high-reliability products, using very conservative component de-rating criteria. The SMT15E converters feature remote sense and remote on/off facilities, have no minimum load requirement, and are comprehensively protected against over-temperature and short-circuit conditions. The converters are optionally available without the remote sense and/or trim surface-mount connectors, for customers who wish to adopt a single PCB pad layout that will facilitate second-sourcing of converters.

The SMT15E Series carry a full set of international safety approvals, including EN60950 (TÜV product service) and UL/cUL60950. Pricing for 10,000-piece quantities is $16.85, and the standard lead time is stock to six to eight weeks.