DC/DC converter launched by Ericsson

The BMR454 eighth-brick family delivers up to 240W with an efficiency rating up to 95 per cent at full load, and a PMBus interface is included.

The parameters of the BMR454 can be monitored via PMBus, and they can also be adjusted - by the customer or Ericsson - into an endless number of combinations.

The module can be used as an intermediate bus converter (IBC) in front of a range of regulators, or as a traditional DC/DC module powering applications such as hard drives, fans and others.

Important application areas are 48V information and communication technology applications such as radio base stations, servers, routers, and a range of systems powered by 48VDC.

The modules can be used for improved system efficiency, as output voltage and other parameters can be adjusted online to improve efficiency at specified load conditions.

Additionally, vital parameters such as input voltage, output voltage, output current and temperature can be monitored online.

The module's output voltage can be adjusted between 8.1V-13.2V with a tight output tolerance of +/- 2 per cent.

Offering a power density figure of more than 18W/cm2 (117W/in2), the BMR454 is pin-compatible with its big brother, the BMR453, making it possible for designers to upgrade to higher power when upgrading boards with new functionalities.

The module has a high efficiency figure of typically 95 per cent at 53V input and 12V output at full load of 20A.

The module also offers high efficiency from light-load to full-load conditions as a result of its flattened power curve.

For safety and reliability, the BMR454 features a 1,500VDC input to output isolation figure.

The modules are also offered without the PMBus connector, providing exactly the same footprint as a traditional IBC.

In such a configuration, the customer still has the benefits offered by the built-in digital controller, and high efficiency across the complete range of operation.

Factors driving the demand for this type of product are system flexibility, improved control and monitoring, high power density (240W/eightbrick size), and the need for good thermal derating.

By using PMBus, the module can be configured in a virtually endless number of combinations.

Almost all electrical parameters can be changed to exactly meet the customer's needs.

Output power delivered to the load is easily monitored through PMBus, making it easier for systems architects to monitor power consumption.

Improving time-to-market and time-to-customer, the module's configuration flexibility is the key.

A new configuration is easy to download and can be implemented both at the customer's site and in a manufacturing plant.

The electrical design is based on a full-bridge topology into a centre-tapped half-bridge topology.

Both transformer and output inductor are integrated into the PCB, which combined with the selection of low thermal impedance MOSFETs provides a good thermal performance.

Besides the high level electrical and thermal performances inherent in its original design, the combination of a built-in digital controller and PMBus interface position the BMR454 as suitable products for systems integrators when considering forthcoming regulations.

The BMR4540100/002 is rated at 9V/20A, the BMR4540000/001 is rated at 12V/20A and finally, the BMR4540001/001 is also rated at 12V/20A, but supplied without a digital interface.