Quarter-brick DC/DC converter boosts power rating

Flex Power Modules has released an enhanced version of its BMR350 non-isolated quarter-brick DC/DC bus converter. With the new BMR350 x250/531 DC/DC converter, the continuous power rating is increased from 860 W to 1300 W, with a peak power capability of 1700 W.

Flex Power Modules attributes the increased rating to an additional bottom side cooling plate along with doubling up the output connector pins.

Like the original BMR350, the new device is housed in the same footprint, measuring 58.4 × 36.8 × 12 mm, and offers the same input range of 40-60 VDC (80 V/100 ms). Output is set at nominal 12.12 VDC, now rated at 108 A continuous (170 A peak), and is adjustable from 8 V to 13.2 V.

The BMR350 x250/531 DC/DC converter is suited as an intermediate bus converter for powering processors and ASICs with high peak power demands. Features include a transformer-coupled, non-isolated topology, which reduces component count and current stress and delivers an efficiency level peaking at 97.7% at 54-V input, said the company.

Derating for the product is characterized by Flex Power Modules’ 3D thermal data graphs that specify available output power for given real-world pin and baseplate temperatures. Active current sharing is available to support paralleled modules for higher power levels.

The BMR350 x250/531 meets EMI standard EN 55032/FCC part 15J ‘Class B’ when used with a recommended external filter. The DC/DC converter includes protection against output over-voltage, over-current, and module over-temperature.

A PMBus interface provides remote control and monitoring, supported by the Flex Power Designer software tool. A key feature is an ‘event data recorder’ that can be interrogated even after a converter shutdown for analysis of any specific stress or fault conditions. The new BMR350 variant will be available in OEM quantities in May 2022.