Power design toolbox delivers board energy savings

June 27, 2012 // Paul Buckley

Ericsson has introduced the world's first 'toolbox' that enables systems architects to optimize power profiles and energy configuration prior to implementation in end equipment.

The 3E Design Toolbox includes a set of five modules that can be operated as stand-alone devices or interconnected to mirror complex applications requiring multiple power rails with specific configuration profiles such as sequencing, tracking, and load sharing and distribution. The toolbox also includes the Ericsson 3E software, which, via the USB/PMBus interface, can monitor, configure and control any Ericsson 3E or PMBus-compliant unit connected to the boards.

The Ericsson 3E Design Toolbox includes the ROA1285151 (PIM Module) which hosts a combined socket that is compatible with the industry-standard 400W PIM4300 series of power interface modules and the recently launched 800W PIM4800 series, including PMBus interface, hold-up capacitors and all the required circuitry to mirror the input stage that is commonly used in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) applications.

The ROA1283835 (ABC Module) has room for two Advanced Bus Converters (ABCs) from the FRIDA I series - the quarter-brick BMR453 and eighth-brick BMR454 - and the FRIDA II series' quarter-brick BMR456 and shortly available eighth-brick BMR457.

The ROA1283836 (3E POL PI Module) is equipped with six connectors making it able to host hole-through 3E Point-Of-Load (POL) converters. Two sockets are dedicated to the 40 A BMR464; four can host the 20 A BMR463; and additionally, two out the four can be used for the 12 A BMR462. For simple systems, each 3E POL can be tested independently from the others or, for more advanced power configuration, combined in different ways such as paralleling.

The ROA1285068 (3E POL SIP Module) offers the same possibilities as those offered by the previous board, the ROA1283836, but it is dedicated to the single-in-line version of the 3E POL, which is commonly used in high-density space-critical boards.

The toolbox also contains the ROA1285077 (3E POL Paralleling Module) is dedicated for high-power applications that require high current up to 280A. In addition it offers the flexibility to optimize energy consumption by turning off part of the set of 3E POLs under low-load conditions; and also, when the load demands maximum power, the ability to quickly switch on up to seven 3E POL BMR464s in parallel. The layout of the ROA1285077 module has also been optimized to reproduce end-user applications, simplifying the optimization of the configuration scheme when it is implemented into an end application.

Each module is furnished with high- and low-signal connectors, local filtering, and low-impedance sockets to host 3E Point-of-Load converters, Advanced Bus Converters and power interface modules. Comprehensive documentation includes user guide, application notes, design notes and various technical papers that can assist systems board designers to optimize the power configuration to reduce energy consumption. The Ericsson 3E Design Toolbox also includes the 3E Software and additional accessories such as the KEP91017 USB-to-PMBus adaptor.

Each board can be purchased separately as a stand-alone product. The 3E design boards are also available to power systems architects for free hire across the duration of their design period, via the Ericsson (Power Modules) 3E Design Registration process.

Visit Ericsson Power Modules at www.ericsson.com/powermodules

Technical papers     

• AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation Field Analyzers
• 16-Bit, 100 kSPS Low Power Successive Approximation ADC System
• Replacing the Candle in the Candelabra
• Adaptive Cell Converter Topology Enables Constant Efficiency in PFC Applications

December 15, 2011 | Texas instruments | 222901974

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