Power Integrations introduces MinE-CAP ics for high-power density, general-purpose input AC-DC converters

     Power Integrations, a leading company in the field of energy-efficient power conversion for high voltage integrated circuits, announces MinE-CAP? For high power density, universal input AC-DC converters. IC. The new IC halves the size of high-voltage, high-capacity electrolytic capacitors required for off-line power supplies, reducing the size of the adapter by up to 40 percent. MinE-CAP devices also significantly reduce inrush current, which helps eliminate NTC thermistors, improve system efficiency, and reduce heat dissipation.

     Chris Lee, Director of product Marketing at Power Integrations, said: "MinE-CAP is a game changer for compact chargers and adapters. Electrolytic capacitors are relatively large, accounting for a large portion of the internal volume, and often limit the form factor choice of the adapter design, especially the minimum thickness. MinE-CAP ics allow designers to use primarily low-voltage rated capacitors for a large portion of energy storage, which allows the volume of these components to shrink linearly with voltage. USB PD technology has provided a huge boost to the widespread adoption of small 65W chargers in the market, and many companies are looking for ways to reduce the size of flyback transformers by increasing the switching frequency. "MinE-CAP provides greater volume savings than doubling the switching frequency, while improving system efficiency."

     Can MinE-CAP devices be used with PowiGaN? The small size and low RDSon of gallium nitride transistors enable active, automatic connection and disconnection of various parts of a high-capacity capacitor network, depending on AC input voltage conditions. Designers using MinE-CAP can select the minimum high-rated high-capacity capacitors required for high AC input voltages and allocate most of the energy storage to low-voltage capacitors, which are protected by MinE-CAP until needed at low AC input voltages. This approach dramatically reduces the size of the input high-capacity capacitance without affecting output ripple, efficiency, or the need to redesign the transformer.

     Traditional power conversion solutions use smaller transformers by increasing the switching frequency, thereby reducing the size of the power supply. The innovative MinE-CAP IC not only dramatically reduces the overall size of the power supply, but also reduces the number of components, reduces EMI, and avoids the challenges of increased transformer/clamp losses associated with high frequency designs. Its applications include smartphone chargers, home appliances, power tools, lighting and automobiles.

     Bhaskar Thiagaragan, Sales Director, Power Integrations India, said, "The MinE-CAP IC supports a wide range of input voltages and is suitable for almost all regions. In India, our designs are generally suitable for the 90VAC to 350VAC input voltage range, with sufficient surge derating based on this. Engineers here often complain about the need to use a variety of expensive high-voltage capacitors. "MinE-CAP dramatically reduces the number of high-voltage energy storage components and insulates low-voltage capacitors from wild fluctuations in grid voltage, thereby greatly enhancing durability while reducing system maintenance and product rework."

     The new device comes in a miniature MinSOP-16A package that can be integrated with Power Integrations' InnoSwitch? Series power ics work seamlessly with minimal external components. The MinE-CAP MIN1072M IC is available now and can be ordered at any time from PI offices and franchised distributors at a unit price of $1.75 based on an order quantity of 10,000 pieces. At the same time, two new Design example Reports (DER) were launched, both using MinE-CAP ics and Power Integrations' InnoSwitch3-Pro series PowiGaN ics (Model INN3370C-H302). The DER-626 is a 65W USB PD 3.0 power supply with 3.3V-21V PPS output for mobile phone/laptop chargers. The DER-822 is a 60W USB PD 3.0 power supply for USB PD/PPS power adapters designed using the INN3379C-H302.