Flex Power module releases industry-leading isolated DC-DC converters

     To meet the growing demand for higher levels of energy efficiency in data centers and cloud computing infrastructure, Flex Power Modules is now offering its first generation of direct conversion products. The new BMR481 DC-DC converter is designed for 48-54V nominal power supplies with an input range of 40-60V and offers a programmable output of 0.5-1.35V. The "main" module, in a 12mm x 27.7mm package, offers a maximum output current of 70A and also integrates digital interfaces for monitoring, configuration and control purposes. This main device can then have up to five additional "satellite" modules, so the total constant current value can reach 420A.

     The traditional two-stage intermediate bus converter (IBC) and point-of-load (POL) architectures require an extra level of conversion, which takes up more space and affects performance. The single-stage BMR481 offers an attractive alternative to this. In contrast, this new and innovative direct conversion module offers engineers a more simplified and economical solution. It is capable of achieving up to 92% efficiency at 53V input and 1V output - a 2-3% improvement over equivalent IBC-based designs. It can also reduce the board area by up to 50%. The mean time to failure (MTBF) of the main module exceeds 8.7Mh.

     Optimized efficiency can be achieved because the phase/accessory modules can be automatically enabled and disabled according to the required load, and the dynamic voltage adjustment function provides the optimal power rail for the connected IC. Due to the zero voltage/zero current switch, the output ripple and noise are extremely low, usually 1mVp-p. Load and line regulation is usually maintained at 1mV. At 53V input and 0.5V output, the main module can provide a full output current of 70A for ambient temperatures over 75 ° C and airflow speeds of 0.5m/s, as well as temperatures over 90 ° C and airflow speeds of only 2m/s. Full digital control is implemented with PMBus v1.3 interface conforming to PMBus or AVS/SVID. Isolation level 1500VDC (functional).

     Olle Hellgren, director of Product management and business Development for Power modules at Flex, commented: "Direct conversion technology is essential to stop the escalating capital and operating costs of the data center and to meet increasingly stringent energy efficiency guidelines. This can be achieved by eliminating the 12V intermediate level conversion stage, thereby increasing efficiency while reducing board space usage. With the introduction of the BMR 481, Flex will push the envelope on direct conversion technology and demonstrate the potential of this new power conversion architecture."