New Industry Products

GE’s New Power Input Module Simplifies Telecom Board Design

September 11, 2013 by Jeff Shepard

GE’s Critical Power business today introduced its new PIM400 Power Input Module, simplifying the task of implementing dual redundant, hot-swappable -48-Vdc power distribution. Available in a quarter-brick design (2.3" by 1.45" by 0.54"), the PIM400’s reduced footprint enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to install additional components in the freed-up space on the board.

The PIM400 offers an optional I2C digital interface allowing a user to monitor and report critical module parameters. Together with GE’s Barracuda Series of bus converters and DLynx™ Series of point of load devices, the PIM400 modules provide a sophisticated and efficient power architecture solution for all advanced telecommunications computing architecture (ATCA) applications.

Key features and benefits of the PIM400 include: Supports ATCA blade’s power requirements. Supports wide range of input voltage—from 36 to 75 volts. Provides isolated management power (3.3-volt and 5-volt output). Optional I2C digital interface for monitoring and data reporting. Available in a quarter-brick form factor, providing higher power in a smaller footprint compared to previous generation products. Single module replaces numerous discrete components, performing complex low-level board power-management tasks while occupying minimal board space.

Potential applications include central office telecommunications infrastructure equipment, ATCA front board/blades, telecommunications servers, cloud/data-storage products and military applications. PIM400 pricing begins at $47.60 at OEM volumes.