Online design toolset complements transformer specs

STMicroelectronics has linked its eDesignSuite with the web-based Smart Transformer Selector published by Wurth Elektronik to overcome challenges related to ordering custom parts and saving bill-of-materials (BOM) costs and turnaround time.

There are online design tools that generate the transformer specification, but they leave designers to figure out the best way to satisfy specs, often by ordering a custom component. And that adds to cost and turnaround time.

The collaboration will enable power-supply designers to automate selection of a suitable off-the-shelf transformer while still working in the eDesignSuite online environment. That, in turn, will allow engineers to complete system designs for switch-mode power supplies (SMPSes), LED lighting, filters, and motor drives quickly and cost-effectively.

According to Alessandro Cremonesi, group vice president of Central Labs at STMicro, the new feature introduced in eDesignSuite facilitates the final part of the power design process. “It enables engineers to get a prototype up and running on the bench in a couple of days instead of waiting several days or weeks to procure a custom transformer.”

Dean Huumala, product marketing and development manager at Wurth Elektronik, added that Smart Transformer Selector (STS) helps designers search the company’s portfolio to find the right transformer quickly and efficiently. “Bringing STS together with ST’s eDesignSuite enables our mutual customers to complete their bill of materials with transformers that have already been designed, tested, and released for production.”

eDesignSuite can be accessed at www.st.com/eDesignSuite .