Power supplies deliver high power density

TDK-Lambda has announced the EFE Series of embedded front-end power supplies designed to deliver high power density, high efficiency and enhanced reliability.

The first products in the range are the 300W EFE-300 and the 400W EFE-400 single output supplies that deliver 133 per cent peak power capability for 10 seconds and offer an efficiency of up to 90 per cent.

The EFE Series employs an 8bit microcontroller for full digital control of the output and to handle housekeeping routines.

This brings a 25 per cent parts count reduction to achieve a 45 per cent smaller and up to 56 per cent lighter design when compared to similar competitive products, said TDK-Lambda.

Power densities of up to 22W/in3 are achieved under peak load conditions and 16.6W/in3 under continuous loading.

Compact dimensions and a 1U profile (the EFE-300 is 127 x 76 x 34mm and the EFE-400 is 152 x 76 x 34mm) allow the EFE Series to be incorporated in designs where space is limited.

Typical markets include broadcast, instrumentation and industrial, plus other applications, such as ATE, automation, routers, servers and security networks.

The digitally-controlled power supplies incorporate many design features such as an integrated magnetics transformer that increases efficiency by up to 1 per cent.

The digital control allows the power supply's performance, such as current limit and start-up characteristics, to be optimised.

A low-cost, primary side control topology is used, supervised by the microcontroller.

This results in fewer parts and higher efficiency without sacrificing load regulation performance.

Furthermore, the need for an opto-isolator is eliminated - a device which is undesirable for long-life power supply designs.

The EFE-300 delivers 300W continuous power (400W peak for 10 seconds) with nominal outputs of 12V/25A or 24V/12.5A, and the EFE-400 delivers 400W continuous power (530W peak for 10 seconds) with nominal outputs of 12V/33.3A or 24V/16.7A.

All models can be precisely factory programmed to accommodate non-standard system voltages.

An additional 12V/0.25A fan supply is also available and all models operate from 90 - 264V AC input with dual fusing as standard.

Active power factor correction ensures EN61000-3-2 compliance.

Other EMC design features, such as the use of SiC diodes, ensure curve B EMC performance with a significant margin.

The EFE Series meets TDK-Lambda's design brief for environmentally responsible products by consuming less energy in manufacture and use, having fewer parts, weighing less and having a long life expectancy .

The Series is available in a variety of case options, either open frame or enclosed.

The use of low-profile output connectors allows maximum airflow for optimised cooling efficiency.

All products in the EFE Series are approved to IEC/EN/UL/CSA 60950-1 for general purpose applications and IEC/EN 61010-1 for laboratory and process control applications.

In addition, the units carry the CE mark according to the LV Directive and come with a three-year warranty.

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