PMBUS CONVERTER: A
DC/DC CONVERTER FOR APPLICATIONS DEMANDING 100% CONTROL
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ABOUT THOSE SEEMINGLY OMNIPRESENT "100% ORGANIC"
PRODUCTS? SHOULD WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT'S ON THE LABEL? FOR THAT MATTER, WHY SHOULD ANYONE
BELIEVE THE LABEL "100% CONTROL" ABOVE? WELL, THE LATTER IS EASIER TO ANSWER,
SINCE THE PRODUCT QUESTION COMES FROM ARTESYN, AND THEY HAVE LAUNCHED A NEW DC-DC
CONVERTER SERIES THAT TRULY OFFERS EASE OF CONTROL VIA THE PMBus AND THE HELP OF
"EASY-TO-DIGEST" SOFTWARE.
The DPL20C series of 20A POL converters can be digitally configured, controlled and
diagnosed using open standard protocol, and it features the ability to store all
configuration and set-up data in a non-volatile memory. In fact, the pre-programmed
default settings alone are able to power up these converters (i.e., no need for additional
power controllers). The new devices are available with factory settings, but can also be
set up with little fuss after delivery using the PC Interface and Windows-based GUI
software. In addition, ARTESYN's DPL20C enables the programming of 45 PMBus commands in
fact, it is the very first PMBus-compatible converter solution available on the market!
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Just as importantly, there are no
signs of hardware constraints that might limit the flexibility gained through programming,
as the flexibility of the hardware during operation is equally impressive. Operating
according to the step-down principle, the DPL20C offers a wide input voltage range of 4.5
to 13.8VDC. It thus accommodates a variety of different bus supply voltages. The
programmable output voltage can be set between 0.6 and 5.5VDC, and the series is equipped
with remote sensing to compensate line losses. The ambient operating temperature range
extends from 0° to +70°C in a forced-air environment, where the DPL20C POL converter
delivers up to
20A, or, alternatively, can function as a 20-A sink when a reverse voltage is present at
the output prior to powering up the converter.
This initial PMBus-programmable ARTESYN product is designed for applications that require
a diverse range of functionality such as sequencing, tracking and margining in an
easy-to-implement solution, and for which the output voltage must correspond to
pre-defined settings (interval and simultaneity). The series supports real-time monitoring
of the output voltage and current, while even the automatic current limiting and warning
signal (e.g., overtemperature) thresholds are programmable.
Note: ARTESYN will be adding more PMBus-compatible POL converters to the lineup soon and a
variety of different configurations, sizes and output voltages are planned!
DPL20C SPECIFICATIONS/FEATURES:
• Wide input range: 4.5 to 13.8V
DC
• Programmable output: 0.6 to 5.5V DC
• Current: source/sink for 20 A of load current
• Ambient operating temp.: 0° to +70° C (forced air)
• Remote sensing
• Programmable sequencing, tracking and margining
• Real-time monitoring of current, voltage and temperature
• Programmable warning signals and limits
• PMBus library: 45 commands
• PC Interface: Windows GUI
To order evaluation boards and data sheets, or to simply find out more about the DPL20C
converter, please contact:
Michael Schrutka, EXT 31
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