Software configures modular power systems from source to PoL

Grappling with complicated power requirements

Complex and compact electronic products and systems have driven demand for ever smaller, more efficient and cost-effective power systems. In attempting to come up with the 'best' power system solution, power designers have been forced to analyse topologies, architectures and products. Each alternative design approach requires performance calculations, data sheet searches, manual simulations, thermal projections, layout and packaging studies, BoM generation and cost analysis.

To address this challenge, a variety of power design tools have been developed. These tools, however, do not allow analysis of the complete power system. Rather, the 'front-end', which filters and conditions power received from an AC or a DC source, must be configured and analysed separately from the plurality of downstream regulators that generate the voltages required by system loads. Also, these tools do not provide a complete modular solution: the generated power system solutions combine a limited number of modular power devices with several 'discrete' circuit solutions, each requiring dozens of parts.Thus, power density is compromised and the designer is challenged with figuring out the right combination of front end and DC/DC power trains and dealing with the complexities of discrete power circuit layout, thermal management, packaging and cost.

Simplifying the complexity of power design

The Power System Designer online design tool simplifies and accelerates the creation of compact, multi-output, modular power systems all the way from the input source – either AC or DC – to system loads. Engineers specify the AC or DC input source and operating range, and required output voltages and respective power (or current), regulation and isolation specifications and the tool automatically generates and identifies the best alternative solutions, each solution characterised by figures of merit including highest operating efficiency, lowest component count, lowest cost, footprint and recommended best fit.

The resulting options can be viewed, analysed and optimised using the company's Whiteboard tool. For any selected design, the tool can display a visual representation of the mechanical layout of the system and generate a complete BoM along with ordering and pricing information. The families of field-proven, high density modular power components address virtually any front end or power train requirement, says the company.

The design tool enables specification, analysis and configuration of complete, multi-output, power systems, with unprecedented performance, efficiency and density, in just a matter of minutes.

Power Component Design Methodology

The company’s Power Component Design Methodology enables power system designers to reap all of the benefits of modular power component design, namely predictable component and system functionality and reliability, fast design cycles, and easy system configurability, re-configurability and scaling, says the company, while achieving system operating efficiency, power density and economy. Another benefit, says the company, is the minimising of the possibility of last-minute surprises and delays that can occur with conventional or custom design methodologies.

The tool displays distributors Mouser and Digi-Key's stocks for immediate ordering, or the selected power components can be purchased directly from the company. All power designs are saved for future reference. 

Take the 90 second challenge

Try the Power System Designer today and see for yourself how fast and efficient it is to create power chains and launch your next project. To get started, visit the Power System Designer overview page.