Small form factor PoL regulator offers high efficiency

24th March 2021

Flex

Alex Lynn

0 0

Flex Power Modules announces the PNA series, an analogue non-isolated PoL regulator (point of load) that offers excellent efficiency and thermal performance in a small form factor. Its compact size and wide input voltage range of nine to 36V mean that it is suited for a range of industrial applications, including robotics, factory automation and process control, and that it is suitable for both 12 and 24V power systems.

The regulator has high efficiency of 95.5% at 12 Vin and 5.5 Vout, at full load. This reduces power losses and heat dissipation. It delivers an adjustable output of 0.9 to 5.5V, at up to 6A output current, which translates to a maximum power output of 33W.

The PNA series provides good thermal performance, and can operate at full load in ambient temperatures above 100°C. It has an operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C.

To save board space, the PNA series is provided in a small form factor, measuring 13x12.35x6.2mm. This supports bottom-side PCB mounting, thus further reducing space requirements. The regulator is available at a competitive cost, and provides an attractive price/performance ratio. It offers a mean time between failures (MTBF) of up to 71.84 million hours.

A voltage tracking function enables one regulator to use the output voltage of another as a reference to follow its turn-on and turn-off behaviour. This simplifies the design required to make each device power-up in the correct sequence. The regulator also includes a power good (PG) function, for further control of sequencing, and supports soft start with time-based sequencing.

The PNA series can be synchronised to an external clock, which means that it eliminates beat frequencies reflected back to the input supply rail.

The first device in the series, the PNA2405S3S, will be available in Q2/2021.