(1)FDK 8-amp POLs cite power-density edge for distributed-bus apps eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Citing a step increase in current delivery and power density over the traditional small-footprint point-of-load converter, FDK's FPMR12TR7508NA (0.9-by-0.4-by-0.195 inch SIP package) and the FPMR12SR7508NA (0.8-by-0.45-by-0.211 inch SMD package), in the company's Senpai series, deliver 8 amps for intermediate bus and distributed power applications. "
Readers say:
» "It's very helpful in my everyday work."
» "Impressive."
» "This product is the latest salvo in an ongoing competition for power density, efficiency and cost. Although its claims (if true) are notable, it will undoubtedly be surpassed in the marketplace within the next few months by a competitor's product. This doesn't make the performance less impressive now, but it certainly reduces the novelty."
» "Looks good -- would have to test to determine use."
» "I am quite impressed."
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» "This device addressed 2 concerns: packing in the watts in a small space (everybody wants small) and packing it in with high efficiency (everybody wants efficiency these days, not just the battery-powered crowd but also the automotive and wall-plug crowds). Not quite revolutionary, but a good evolutionary step in POL converters."
» "Nice Small Package, what is the air circulation requirements to keep it within it's OP?"
» "Very interesting...
» "Packs a lot of punch!"
» "Love it."
» "Nice Clean Design, Low component count, I like that!"
» "Size & footprint vs. power is excellent."
» "Best solution I've seen to date."
USABILITY RANK: 1
(2)MICROCHIP PIC controllers boost next-generation digital power eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Taking digital power supply technology to the next level, Microchip Technology's dsPIC digital signal controller (DSC) family is designed to maintain the generality and flexibility of a DSP solution (versus a dedicated controller) without the accompanying high cost."
Readers say:
» "Technically advanced design.
» "Nice...as usual PICs appear on the leading edge. Just curious, why did Motorola corporate just rollover and turn over entire micro market to PIC Microchip? Is the Harvard architecture just technically superior to Princeton?"
» "This looks like something I can use."
» "It would be good if the modules can be selected as module."
USABILITY RANK: 2
(3)LINEAR TECHNOLOGY Charger IC adds high-input port, 10 percent more efficiency eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Linear Technology's LTC4089, a 1.2-amp battery charger and USB power manager, offers high-voltage DC input capability and 10-12 percent higher operating efficiency over competing devices.
Key to the charger's operation (which succeeds the company's 4055 and 4066 first- and second-generaton lithium-ion chargers) is the LTC4089's Bat-Track adaptive output control technology, which tracks the battery's voltage in order to charge it at highest efficiency.
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Readers say:
» "LT does a good job of constantly improving their parts."
» "It's the wave of the future."
USABILITY RANK: 4
(4)MAXIM Digital power IC takes control of analog supplies eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Maxim Integrated Products' MAX8688 digital power supply IC works with any analog power supply to provide full control and monitoring.
In a quickly-evolving philosophy for digital power designs that's coming to exploit the best of both the analog and digital domains, Maxim's MAX8688 serves in the digital feedback loop (now the defining element of a digital-power design) for intelligent control, i.e., fine setting of output voltage, sequencing, tracking, margining and monitoring the status of the power supply. To facilitate that control, the MAX8688 is designed to simply tap into the enable, feedback, and reference inputs of the existing analog power supply.
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Readers say: USABILITY RANK: 3
(5)XP POWER AC/DC switcher packs 212 watts in a 3-by-5 package eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Touting a step advance in miniaturization, XP Power's EMA212 draws on a collection of design techniques and technologies to deliver what the company claims is the world's smallest 212-watt, single-output AC/DC switching supply. The open-frame 12-volt (or 48-VDC) single supply, with a 5-volt, 100-mA standby output and a 12-volt, 1-amp output for powering a fan, fits onto a 3-by-5 inch board and in a 1U format for networking equipment, voice over IP systems, wireless LANs, servers, storage area networks and post-production broadcast equipment.
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Readers say: USABILITY RANK: 8
(6)INTERNATIONAL RECTIFIER Motor control platform for front-loading washers saves energy eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "International Rectifier's IRMCS3041 motor controller platform, a 400-watt energy-saving reference design, extends the company's iMOTION family of products to front-loading washing machines.
"The application of direct-drive permanment magnet synchronous (PMS) motors in washing machines improves system dynamics and reduces overall system cost due to a simpler mechanical structure," said David Tam, vice president of the Energy-Saving Products Segment. "The iMOTION platform enables sensorless sinusoidal current control, completely eliminating Hall-effect sensors and delivering smooth torque over an extended speed range. The bottom line is that the iMOTION approach should accelerate deployment of energy-efficient motors, helping us to save a great deal of electricity."
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Readers say:
» "Great motor controller."
USABILITY RANK: 9
(7)APC Smart-UPS with InfraStruXure delivers for small data centers eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "American Power Conversion's first fully assembled InfraStruXure system using UPSes from the company's new Smart-UPS VT family is designed to bring new flexibility to small to medium data center applications in the 20-30 kVA range.
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(8)XP POWER 150-W AC/DC desktop claims best-in-class performance eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "XP Power says its AML150 series, a 150-watt AC/DC desktop power supply for portable equipment, has the best-in-class performance in the industry. Applications range from automation and industrial control to specialized portable equipment and communication systems.
With a power density of at 5.1 W/in3 and an operating efficiency of at least 88 percent, the single-output supplies (12, 15, 19, 20, 24 volts), measuring 6.73-by-2.83-by-1.57 inches, are smaller than many lower power units of this type yet need no internal or external fan to deliver full power at up to +40°C ambient and 60 percent of full power at +70°C.
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Readers say:
» "Cool!"
USABILITY RANK: 6
(9)ANALOGIC TECH DC/DC regulator is optimized for OLEDs eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Analogic Tech touts the AAT1230s's high transient response?i.e., the ability to accommodate a pulsing load profile for OLEDs?as leading edge. It's also suited to CCD and LCD bias circuitry, and for general use within mobile handsets, MP3 players, digital still cameras, and PDAs. "
Readers say:
» "Load switch is a needed addition!"
» "Love it."
» "Cool"
USABILITY RANK: 7
(10)ERICSSON Quarter-brick IBC packs up to 660 watts eeProductCenter's Vince Biancomano says: "Touting a new world's record in DC/DC conversion, Ericsson says its PKM4402NG intermediate bus converter (IBC) is the first of its kind to provide up to 660 watts in a quarter-brick package. It packs two quarter-bricks into the space of one, according to the company, thus providing twice the power of previous generation IBCs. The 5:1 IBC, working from a 38-55 volt input, can deliver up to 63 amps. These modules, for computing, storage area networks, industrial computers, routers and blade servers, can be connected in parallel without additional (external) circuitry.
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