Magnetic packaging technology for power modules cuts power solution size in half

Texas Instruments has introduced six new power modules developed to improve power density, improve efficiency and lower EMI. These power modules leverage the company’s proprietary MagPack integrated magnetic packaging technology, shrinking the size by up to 23% compared to competing modules, allowing designers of industrial, enterprise and communications applications to accomplish previously impossible performance levels. Three of the six new devices, the TPSM82866A, TPSM82866C and TPSM82816, are the industry’s smallest 6A power modules, supplying an industry-leading power density of nearly 1A per 1mm2 of area.

“Designers turn to power modules to save on time, complexity, size and component count, but these benefits have required a compromise on performance – until now,” said Jeff Morroni, director of power management research and development at Texas Instruments’ Kilby Labs. “After nearly a decade in the making, TI’s integrated magnetic packaging technology enables power designers to meet the defining power trend that has shaped our industry – pushing more power in smaller spaces efficiently and cost-effectively.”

In power design, size matters. Power modules simplify power designs and save valuable board space by combining a power chip with a transformer or inductor in one package. By leveraging the company’s exclusive 3D package moulding process, MagPack packaging technology maximises the height, width and depth of the power modules to push more power in a smaller space.

The magnetic packaging technology includes an integrated power inductor with proprietary, newly engineered material. As a result, engineers can now accomplish best-in-class power density and reduce temperature and radiated emissions while minimising board space and system power losses. These benefits are especially important in applications such as data centers, where electricity is the biggest cost factor, with some analysts predicting a 100% increase in demand for power by the end of the decade.