TI Introduces Three New Digital Power Development Kits Based on Piccolo Microcontrollers
Claiming to be bringing new efficiency and performance capabilities to digital power supplies, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) announced three new development kits that further expand its TMS320C2000™ microcontroller (MCU) digital power portfolio of software, tools and training. The new kits enable and simplify the more complex power supply functions that are currently in high demand, such as bridgeless design and Peak Current Mode Control (PCMC) with Slope Compensation. Programming challenges have been greatly reduced due to TI’s free controlSUITE™ platform that includes more than 25 modular digital power software blocks. With its new offering, TI says that developers can harness the efficiency and reliability benefits of digital power in applications such as servers, telecom rectifiers, lighting, renewable energy, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Each kit is based on a single C2000™ Piccolo™ MCU with integrated high-performance analog, PWMs and other control-oriented peripherals to reduce system cost. Software configurable tuning allows for more flexibility to adjust power stages to support multiple end-product requirements, as opposed to time-intensive redesign of system hardware. The kits include all of the hardware and software required to be up and running in 10 minutes or less. Additionally, the onboard isolated XDS100 USB JTAG emulation simplifies debugging and programming.
The Bridgeless PFC AC-DC Developer’s Kit features and benefits include: robust hardware and software enables designers to increase overall system efficiency with higher power factor and lower total harmonic distortion through flexible, digital control of an ac Rectifier stage; configurable for Adaptive Current Control and Non-Linear Voltage Control loop modes, as well as output over-voltage protection and inrush current limiting; and uto-ranging ac input supports voltages from 100 to 220Vac and outputs 380 to 400Vdc up to 300W.
The Phase Shifted Isolated Full Bridge DC-DC Developer’s Kit features and benefits include: Peak Current Mode Control with on-chip slope compensation allows designers to jump start Isolated dc-dc power supply designs without additional external circuitry; peak efficiencies of up to 95%, with 90+% efficiency from 10 to 90% of rated power; and support for input voltages from 380 to 400Vdc with a regulated 12Vdc output capable of supporting up to 600W.
The Resonant LLC Isolated Half Bridge DC-DC Developer’s Kit features and benefits include: complete hardware and software allows designers to quickly evaluate a digitally controlled isolated dc-dc power supply; and an input range supporting 380-400Vdc with a regulated output of 12Vdc, supporting up to 300W at a peak efficiency of 93.7%.
These new Piccolo-based development kits are immediately available for order and priced as follows: High Efficiency Bridgeless PFC AC-DC Developer’s Kit at $450; Phase Shifted Isolated Full Bridge DC-DC Developer’s Kit at $550; and the Resonant LLC Isolated Half Bridge DC-DC Developer’s Kit at $400.
