Power electronics technology reduces energy consumption and system cost

Pulsiv has announced its new power electronics technology. Pulsiv OSMIUM employs a patented method for converting AC to DC that involves charging/discharging a small storage capacitor without needing a PFC inductor. This unique solution provides a high-power factor, consistently high efficiency and an ultra-compact system design. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can improve overall system efficiency, optimise cost and reduce global energy consumption.

The microcontroller family and supporting components may be combined with commodity flyback DC-DC converters to displace higher-cost LLC solutions. The company has demonstrated a universal input, single switch 150W flyback power supply design that provides 97.5% average (99.5% peak) front-end efficiency while maintaining 90% at only 2W.

Critical components in the product circuit function at low temperatures to extend expected operating life, even under convection cooling. By regulating the flow of mains via a charging capacitor, it has eradicated inrush current, meaning that manufacturers of industrial power supplies and LED lighting products can simplify their designs and lower the system installation cost. Finally, this 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 may be selected as needed to fulfil the demand of different end applications.

Explains CEO Darrel Kingham: “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 offers a unique way to reduce 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.”

Engineers can select the PSV-AD-250-DS development system to evaluate Pulsiv OSMIUM technology and connecting a suitable DC-DC converter will deliver a complete power supply prototype. Full reference designs are freely available from the company’s website to showcase what’s possible when the solution is combined with a carefully selected DC-DC converter.