Date: 24/08/2010

Two new digitally controlled DC/DC converter reference designs from Microchip

Microchip has released two new digitally controlled DC/DC converter reference designs with advanced topologies. The design reference materials such as software, Gerber files, MATLAB models, Webinars and application notes-can be freely downloadable from Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/get/BRN2, for both thereference designs. These reference designs are designed for applications such as server, telecom, industrial, medical and aerospace markets.

The reference designs are designed using Microchip's dsPIC33F 'GS' series of digital-power Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), which according to Microchip provide fully digital control of the power-conversion and system-management functions. As demonstrated in these reference designs, the dsPIC33F 'GS' DSCs allow designers to easily and cost effectively create products using advanced topologies, such as LLC resonant, which lower switching losses and boost efficiencies as high as 95%.

"Microchip's new reference designs enable our customers to develop the most advanced, fully digital DC/DC converters quickly and economically," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's High Performance Microcontroller Division. "By using the features in the dsPIC33F 'GS' series of DSCs, designers can improve the efficiency and lower the cost of their DC/DC converter products, while lowering carbon footprints and easing the burden on the worlds strained power grids."

Both reference designs support intelligent control of the power converter and serial system communication, enabling remote control and monitoring. The designs also include full fault protection, and can be easily configured for operating specifications and custom features, via the fully programmable dsPIC33F 'GS' DSC.

The key features of reference designs:

1. Quarter Brick DC/DC Converter Reference Design include:

--Quarter Brick Size

--Phase Shift Full Bridge (PSFB) Topology

--200W Output Power

-- Input Voltage 36-76 Vdc, Output Voltage 12V

--Greater than 93% Efficiency

2. DC/DC LLC Converter Reference Design include:

--LLC Resonant Topology

--200W Output Power

--Input Voltage 350-420 Vdc, Output Voltage 12V

--Greater than 95% Efficiency