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Meeting the Power and Magnetic Design Challenges of Ultra-Thin, High-Power Density 48 V DC-DC Converters for Ultra-Thin Computing Applications

September 1, 2021 by Michael de Rooij and Quentin Laidebeur

Images of phones, computers and tablets.
WIND TURBINES—©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/METAMORWORKS, 5G—©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/THE MASTERPLAN STD

Over the past decade computers, displays, smart phones and other consumer electronics systems have become thinner while also becoming more powerful. As a result, the market continues to increase its demand for thinner power supply solutions with greater power density. This article examines the feasibility of adopting various non-isolated dc-dc step-down topologies for an ultra-thin 48 V to 20 V rated to 250 W. It examines the pros and cons of various non-isolated topologies and how the topology impacts the choice of the power transistors and magnetics, specifically the inductors, as these two components account for the bulk of the losses in a converter. The article also undertakes a detailed analysis of the challenges to design thin inductors for these applications, including examining the factors that drive inductor losses, inductor size, and the design tradeoffs, including the impact on EMI. For this work, an ultra-thin multilevel converter topology was selected, built, and tested. The experimental results obtained from this converter were used to further refine the operating setting and component selections that resulted in a peak efficiency exceeding 98%.

For more about this article see link below.
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https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9536479

Filed Under: Past Features Tagged With: Buck converters, Magnetics, Power electronics, Power supplies, Power system measurements, Power transistors, Topology

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About the Magazine

IEEE Power Electronics Magazine publishes peer-reviewed articles related to power electronics and its applications which encompass the effective use of electronic components, application of control theory and circuit design techniques, and the development of analytical tools used in efficient and effective energy conversion, control, utilization, and conditioning of electric power.

The IEEE Power Electronics Magazine is limited to the field of interest of the IEEE Power Electronics Society. Topics also include publication of new trend technologies that are being pursued by industry, design practices and case studies, significant amount of state of the art surveys tutorials, and non-technical contributions: news about society activities, interviews, and historical articles.

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To educate, inform, and entertain our community of IEEE Power Electronics Society members on technology, events, industry news, and general topics relating to consumer electronics and to further serve and support our Members in professional career development through tutorials and raising awareness of engineering tools and technologies.

The magazine is archived in IEEE Xplore, and articles from all issues are available for download.

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