94% Efficient Sixteenth Bricks for RF Power Amplifiers or PoE
Flex Power Modules has introduced the PKU4611A and PKU4617A, two new isolated dc-dc converters in the sixteenth-brick form factor. The new converters are suited for low-power radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) requirements within small cell radios and microwave applications. The converters can also be used for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. They offer a wide output trim range, which the company optimized for the needs of low-power radio designs that require a 5V to 7V supply.
According to Flex Power Modules, for cost-sensitive and high-volume applications, the converters provide an excellent price-performance ratio. The converters' design also provides a relatively flat component landscape, which aids cooling within sealed box environments using thermal pads - and also simplifies manufacturing, thus further contributing to lower total system cost.
The converters' efficiency boasts typical efficiency of 94% at half load and 5V output voltage. With an input voltage range of 36V to 60V, both variants deliver up to 60W output power: the PKU4611A at up to 5V/12A, and the PKU4617A at up to 6V/10A.
The company is targeting the new devices at small cell and microwave applications requiring a 5V to 7V bus with up to 60W and 2250V isolation, in a sealed box environment. In particular, the converters are well suited to small cell applications for in-building wireless access, and outdoor microwave equipment that supports mobile broadband such as 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Olle Hellgren, Director of Product Management and Business Development at Flex Power Modules, said, "With these new converters, Flex Power Modules has focused our attention on optimizing cost wherever possible - delivering a cost-efficient solution, without any compromise on quality, thermal performance or reliability."
The converters come in a low-profile sixteenth-brick form factor, measuring 33.02mm by 22.86mm by 8.4mm (1.30" by .90" by .33").
They deliver 2250Vdc input-to-output isolation, and satisfy safety requirements according to IEC/EN/UL 62368-1. Flex Power Modules says its highly automated manufacturing processes, with certification to ISO 9001/14001, ensures consistent quality, and the converters offer a MTBF of 5.2 million hours. The PKU-A series is available in OEM quantities.
