Targeting emerging direct conversion market with class-leading isolated DC-DC converter

Flex Power Modules has introduced its first generation of Direct Conversion products to meet the expanding need for higher energy efficiency levels in data centre and cloud computing infrastructures. The new BMR481 DC-DC converter provides an input range of 40-60V aimed at 48-54V nominal supplies, and a programmable 0.5-1.35V output. The 12mm x 27.7mm footprint ‘main’ module offers a maximum output current of 70A and also includes a digital interface for monitoring, configuration and control purposes. This main unit can then be supported by up to five extra ‘satellite’ modules, ending in a total current rating that reaches 420A. The single-stage BMR481 provides an attractive alternative to the conventional two-stage IBC and POL architecture – where an extra conversion step is needed, which takes up greater space and affects operational performance. In contrast, this new module gives engineers a considerably more streamlined and economical solution. It can achieve up to 92% efficiency from a 1V output at 53V in – which is 2-3% higher than an equivalent IBC-based deployment delivery. It also provides a reduction in board area of up to 50%. MTBF is more than 8.7Mhrs for the main module. ? Olle Hellgren, director product management and business development at Flex Power Modules, commented: “Direct Conversion will be pivotal in stopping data centre capital and operational costs from spiralling, as well as enabling increasingly stringent energy efficiency guidelines to be met. This is being made possible by eliminating the 12V intermediate level conversion stage to boost efficiency, along with utilizing less board space. With the BMR 481, Flex is pushing forward the proliferation of Direct Conversion, and demonstrating the huge potential of this new power conversion architecture.”