NetPower Offers Switching Frequency Synchronization For Point-of-Load Converters

NetPower Technologies has added a switching frequency synchronization option to some of its non-isolated POL converters. Synchronizing the switching frequency of a POL to an outside clock allows system designers to optimize system performance, and avoid frequency-related noise issues in sensitive electronic systems. The first products with the synchronization option from NetPower are its NAT Series of SIP POLs.

The synchronization feature allows all POLs in a system to operate at the same switching frequency, thus eliminating the beat frequency phenomenon. And, if the clocks are phase-shifted, multiple converters can operate in an interleaved mode to further reduce the magnitude of the switching frequency noise. Also, this feature enables designers to avoid critical frequencies, which may interfere with the system’s operation, or modulate the switching frequency to better manage the EMC of the system. This synchronization feature can improve a system’s performance and robustness, while reducing system cost by simplifying the filtering design.

Frequency synchronization is well-suited for medical, instrumentation, communication, and other applications where noise is a significant concern.