DC-DCs announced with major technology upgrades

RECOM launches multiple product upgrades. Many modular low-power DC-DCs on the market have been developed to fit manual, low-cost assembly, which only suits the most straightforward circuits with inherent performance limitations. The company has broken this mould by launching drop-in upgrades to many of its product ranges, attaining considerable performance improvements utilising advanced circuit and automation techniques without a price premium. Some products will be lower cost than earlier versions for volume purchases.

Designated with a ‘K’ suffix, the new products comprise the already-announced R-78K-xx series, drop-in replacements for three-terminal linear regulators, but now with a wider input range and more output voltage options. The 0.5A and 1A versions offer smaller case sizes, lower weight, and better efficiency.

Another introduction is the new RKK series, an upgrade to the current RKE and RFMM series, a 1W isolated SIP-7 DC-DC. The RKK now provides lower EMI, operates to 105C with no derating, continuous short-circuit protection, and higher efficiency than the RKE series, maintained to light loads. Eliminating potting saves cost and weight, almost halving to 1.7g, adding to its ‘green’ credentials. Versions with a fully regulated output and identical performance enhancements are offered as the new RYK series upgrades to the existing RY series.

The regulated 4:1 input RSO product has also been upgraded to the RSOK series, now featuring 3kV/1min agency-rated ‘basic’ grade isolation compared with 2kVDC/1 second ‘functional’ grade, lower isolation capacitance at 50pF, higher operating temperature to 88C without derating, and no minimum load conditions.

Similar improvements have been made to the RSE series with the new RSK-RUW, which provides 3kVDC/1 min isolation, up from 2kVDC/1 second, 88.5% compared with 79% efficiency, 8:1 input range compared with 4:1, lower isolation capacitance at 50pF and operation to 85C without derating, up 10C from the RSE series.

Another noteworthy new product is the 3W SIP8 RS3K-Z series upgrading the RS3E series. The -K version has a 4:1 input range and 3kV ‘basic’ isolation compared with 2:1 input and 3kV ‘functional’ isolation for the -E series. The RS3K-Z also has a wider operating temperature range to +80C without derating, lower isolation capacitance, and better efficiency.

New techniques used in the -K upgrades include eradicating potting, synchronous rectification for high efficiency and planar transformers for automated assembly with high repeatability.

Matthew Dauterive, MSc, DC-DC product manager of RECOM, comments: “Low power DC-DCs are finally able to utilise latest circuit techniques for advanced performance without a cost penalty, using our advanced and flexible manufacturing automation.”