High-power-density DC/DC converters offer wide input range

By Heather Hamilton, contributing writer

XP Power unveiled two new series of DC/DC converters that feature a wide input range and high power density for railway traction and rolling stock applications. Thanks to the wide input ranges, which reduce inventory requirements, the converters may be used in a wide range of applications.

These DC/DC converters target train-borne applications in traction and rolling stock including door control, safety monitors, communication systems, video surveillance, access and ticketing machines, drive controls, power controls, information systems, lighting, passenger device-charging USB ports, HVAC systems, sanitation control, infotainment, system monitoring, and telemetry. They also may be used in other rugged-environment applications.

The 20-W rated RDE20 series offers a 4:1 input range, which covers 24, 37.5, and 48 VDC nominal on the 13- to 70-VDC input versions and 72 and 110 VDC nominal on the 42- to 176-VDC versions. The 25-W rated RDF25 series supplies an ultra-wide 10:1 input range of 16−160 VDC, which covers nominal inputs from 24 to 110 VDC.

The DC/DC converters offer a very high power density compared to similar devices in the industry, using few external filtering components. The high power density makes them suitable for space-constrained applications, particularly the RDE20 with a 1 × 1-inch package size, said XP Power.

The RDE20 and RDF25 converters’ high efficiency reduces cooling requirements, while their remote on/off facility allows for lower power consumption in the off condition. The converters provide output short circuit, overload, and overvoltage protection. Their 3-kV input/output isolation isolates the equipment from the supply. The devices operate over the ambient temperature range of −40°C to 100°C, and they provide full power output at 55°C.

Both converters are certified to EN50155 and EN50121-3-2, meeting safety and EMC requirements for railway applications. They are also designed to EN45545-2 to meet fire protection standards.

The RDE20 and RDF25 converters are priced at $35.93 and $53.11, respectively, in quantities of 500. Both come with a three-year warranty. They are available direct and through the company’s regional distributors — Allied Electronics, Digi-Key, element14, Farnell, Newark, and RS Components.