DC/DC advanced bus converter delivers up to 97% efficiency

4th December 2017

Flex

Alice Matthews

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A new DC/DC advanced bus converter that targets high-end and high-power applications and can handle 1,000W of power and 96.2A of peak current has been launched by Flex Power Modules, the BMR480. Coming in an industry-standard and low-profile quarter-brick-format with dimensions of 58.4x36.8x12.19mm (2.30x1.45x0.48"), the BMR480 operates from a wide 40-60V input voltage range and offers multiple tightly regulated (±2.5%) pre-programmed outputs at 10.4, 12 and 12.5V but can be factory configured at any voltage between 9-13.2V.

The BMR480 module employs Flex’s leading edge Hybrid Regulated Ratio (HRR) technology, which enables better utilisation of the powertrain to deliver high-power conversion across its wide input voltage range. In addition, delivering performance for applications that operate in high ambient temperatures with limited airflow, the module offers power conversion of up to 97% efficiency – at 53V and half load – while also keeping power losses low.

As well as being suitable for intermediate bus conversion (IBC), dynamic bus voltage (DBV) and distributed power architectures (DPA), the new BMR480 power module has been designed to power high-end and high-power applications powered by multi-cell batteries or rectifiers that are commonly used in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) applications. Other important market sectors include networking and telecommunications equipment, industrial equipment, and server and storage applications.

Delivering higher useable power in high ambient temperature and limited-airflow environments means the BMR480 can offer high reliability. Although the module comes with a standard baseplate, it can also be connected to a heatsink or coldplate for the most extremely challenging thermal environments.

Key features for power designers and power system architects include dynamic load compensation and support for the latest version (v1.3) of the PMBus communication specification and the Ericsson Power Designer software tool. Other product features of the BMR480 include droop load sharing capability, 1,500V input/output isolation, monotonic start-up, remote control, and a range of protection capabilities including over-temperature, output-short-circuit and output-over-voltage.

“The new BMR480 meets the demands of customers that are developing solutions based on industry leading power system designs and architectures,” said Olle Hellgren, Head of Business and Product Management at Flex Power Modules. “Able to handle very high power envelopes and peak currents up to 96A, this new advanced bus converter delivers on many different levels, in terms of high power, high efficiency and excellent thermal performance.”