Pulse launches low-voltage power modules

The family features output powers of up to 150W, with 200W expected to be available later in the year.

Standard input voltages will be 28V and 48V, and outputs can be single, dual or triple with voltages of 12V, 15V and 24V available in the debut modules.

The full range is expected to span from 3.3-48V (output).

Unlike other power modules, which tend to be just enclosed DC/DC power boards, Cheetah II family members also include input conditioning boards.

Here, the conditioning includes differential and common-mode filtering, input current limiting, input reverse protection and transient ride-through.

This last feature has given the Cheetah II modules a wide (input) dynamic range: from 15V to 120V.

Alarm signals, all of which are opto-coupled, included in the new modules are: 'output voltage good'; 'input voltage good' and 'over-temperature'.

The modules feature Pulse Electronics' Planar Technology, which sees transformers formed within the layers of the PCB - as opposed to having traditional wound components fixed to the circuit board.

The benefits of Planar include improved EMC characteristics, reduced PCB skyline and greater tolerance to physical shock and vibration.

Each module in the range weighs less than 100g.

In a standard [internal] configuration, in which the conditioning circuitry board is located above the power board, a module has a quarter-size PCB footprint; measuring 40 x 20 x 70mm.

However, in applications where a low profile is required, the conditioning and power boards can be placed side-by-side, which lowers the height to around 10mm (while increasing the module's width to about 80mm).

The modules have passed MIL-STD-461E (EMC) for aircraft use and environmental test passes include shock, vibration and acceleration to MIL-STD-810E.

Typical operating temperatures range from -40C to 70C, though thermal protection can be provided for up to 115C at the base plate.

While targeted at aerospace and defence applications, the Cheetah II modules are also suitable for other embedded applications - including medical and telecommunications.

In addition, a module evaluation card is available that can accept any Cheetah II low-voltage module plus hold-up capacitors (if required).

Input and output voltages, plus alarm signals, are brought to D-type edge-connectors of the evaluation card.