48V-to-load DC technology halves board space requirements in data centres
The second generation direct conversion DC/DC converter from Flex Power Modules is designed for the high er power needs of data centres and cloud computing.
The BMR482 converts directly from a 48V supply to the load voltage without an intermediate stage. It delivers increased efficiency in a compact package and achieves up to 91.3 per cent efficiency with a 0.8V output at 53Vin. This is two to three per cent better than an equivalent solution based on an intermediate bus converter (IBC) and point of load (PoL), points out Flex.
The single-stage BMR482 also requires up to 50 per cent less board space than a conventional two-stage solution, helping reduce overall costs.
The DC/DC converter is available as a main unit, measuring just 30 x 12.7 x 16.8mm, which includes a digital interface for monitoring, configuration and control. It can deliver a maximum output current of 110A. If a higher output current is required, up to five satellite modules can be added – each measuring 30 x 12.7 x 15.4mm – to provide a maximum total output current of 660A. These are automatically enabled and disabled by the main unit depending on the output current drawn to optimise efficiency across the entire current range dynamically.
Designed for server applications, the BMR482 has an input range of 40 to 60V, enabling it to operate with supplies nominally rated at 48 or 54V. It has a programmable 0.5 to 1.35V output voltage, and the main power train has 1,500V isolation from input to output.
The BMR482 offers digital control and complies with the PMBus v1.3, AVSBus and Intel SVID interfaces. The company also offers the Flex Power Designer software tool for power system design.
The converter provides a fast load transient response and high current monitoring accuracy and is designed with optimal cooling in terms of terminals, footprint and component placement. Mean time between failure (MTBF) is over 13.1M hours.
Samples are available now, with full availability in July 2021.
