Ericsson’s Full-Brick DC-DC Converter Is ‘Drop-In’ Replacement for New and Old Designs
Ericsson Power Modules announced its latest dc-dc converter platform, the PKY4716PI, which utilizes the industry standard full-brick format and footprint, which the company claims makes it an excellent drop-in replacement for enhanced performance. The device, aimed at the telecoms 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 optimized topology and advanced rectification techniques (patent pending). The device will handle both 48 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 features an ultra-wide output voltage trimming range that can be adjusted down to 10V, making the PKY4716PI 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 100°C. The device delivers full power at 100°C base plate temperature, and uses only high-reliability ceramic capacitors. Fully current-limit-protected, the device has over-voltage protection on input and output connections. The PKY4716PI fully meets ROHS requirements.
Ericsson Power Modules’ PKY4716PI is claimed to have a greater efficiency than other similar products on the market, and can handle dual system voltages. The very high control-loop bandwidth in the converter 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. 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 1 watt of power loss at board level is worth about USD $10 (USD $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 converter with 91% efficiency (the normal figure on the market today), the energy cost savings alone would account for about USD $150 over a five-year period, assuming 70 % average output power and USD 0.1/kWh.
