AC/DC conversion eliminates a PFC inductor
Pulsiv has introduced a front end solution which enables flybacks to replace conventional LLC designs in power supply and battery charging applications.
The Osmium method for converting AC to DC that involves charging/discharging a small storage capacitor without the need for a PFC inductor. It delivers high power factor, consistently high efficiency and a compact system design, said Pulsiv. The Osmium technology can be used to improve overall system efficiency, said the company.
The Pulsiv Osmium microcontroller family and supporting components can be combined with commodity flyback DC/DC converters to displace expensive LLC solutions.
Pulsiv has demonstrated a universal input, single switch 150W flyback power supply design that delivers 97.5 per cent average (99.5 per cent peak) front end efficiency while maintaining 90 per cent at just 2W. A 240W interleaved flyback is currently being developed and work is underway to showcase reference designs with even higher power capability.
Pulsiv Osmium microcontrollers, the PSV-AD-150 and PSV-AD-250 are sampling now. They do not directly determine output power, confirmed Pulsiv and can be used as a platform for any application requiring 1.0W to 10kW, by adjusting only three system components and connecting a suitable DC/DC converter.
Critical components in a Pulsiv Osmium circuit operate at low temperatures to extend the expected operating life, even under convection cooling. By regulating the flow of mains through a charging capacitor, Pulsiv has eliminated inrush current, meaning that manufacturers of industrial power supplies and LED lighting products can simplify designs and reduce the cost of system installation.
The Osmium technology supports active bridge control, configurable hold-up, x-cap discharge, HVDC output selection, a power consumption indicator and grid failure detection. These optional features can be selected to meet the needs of different end applications.
Pulsiv’s CEO Darrel Kingham said: “Tackling the global energy crisis and delivering ambitious sustainability targets will require the electronics industry to embrace technology innovation and challenge conventional thinking. Pulsiv Osmium . . . [reduces] …. the amount of energy consumed by AC/DC power supplies and battery chargers under all operating conditions. By delivering consistently high efficiency without compromising system cost, sustainable product design will become the default choice,” he said.
The PSV-AD-250-DS development system can evaluate Pulsiv Osmium technology and connect a suitable DC/DC converter to produce a complete power supply prototype.
Full reference designs are available via the company’s website, to showcase the Osmium combined with a selected DC/DC converter.
Engineering samples of the Pulsiv Osmium microcontrollers will be made available through a network of distribution partners.
