Ericsson Adds Wide Input 380W Quarter Brick IBCs

Offering up to 380W in a quarter brick format, the PKM4000BPI series converters from Ericsson are claimed to be the world's first intermediate bus converters (IBC) to provide such a high power density and power level in combination with a wide input voltage range. Features include latching or non-latching protection, a baseplate with optional case ground pin, and N+1 parallel operation.

These modules offer a wide input voltage range of 36 to 75 Vdc and are aimed at all customers using 48/60V combined with a battery backup, and are especially suited to customers building systems using the Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA).

With a regulation of plus or minus 10% over all load and line changes, the modules are available in three ratings; the PKM4304BPI 33A/12V, PKM4204BPI 25A/12V, and the PKM4303BPI 40A/9V. The PKM4204BPI is offered at a lower price point to benefit those who do not need the higher current rating. Combined with the inherent better efficiency of the product, the 9V version improves system efficiency even further by better use of the POL when stepping down to lower outputs such as 1.2V.

Measuring just 57.9 x 36.8 x 12.7mm, the PKM4000BPI series offers a typical efficiency figure of 96% and has a 1500VDC input to output isolation figure. The modules meet safety requirements to IEC/EN/UL60950 (pending) and offer a MTBF of 1.82 million hours.

Ericsson is set to release similar products in 1/8th and 1/16th brick formats for lower power needs and additional board space savings. In combination with the wide input IBC program Ericsson Power Modules also offers the high current �fixed ratio' PKM4000N (1/4 brick) series. The company will soon release 1/8th bricks and 1/16th bricks for non-battery backup 48V systems, and also the high current �regulated' PKM4000C (1/4 brick), PKB4000 (1/8th brick) and PKU4000 (16th brick) series for customers needing fully regulated bus voltages.