Brick power module optimises 5V bus voltage to match load requirement
1 min read
Ericsson's BMR454 0002/004 is described as having a typical efficiency of 94% at 50% load and 93.5% at 100% load. Due to digitally controlled dead-time optimisation combined with a power-train, the BMR454 0002/004's flat efficiency curve is designed to reduce power losses to a minimum, making it possible to pack as much power into an eight-brick format, as would normally only be possible in a quarter-brick module.
In addition to lower power consumption, the PMBus interface makes it possible to monitor and control DC/DC converter parameters and to forward operational information such as output-voltage and current, power-status, temperature and many other parameters making it possible for system architects to integrate the converters into their global energy management monitoring systems and optimise energy consumption down to single board level.
Factors driving the demand for this type of product are the need for increased performance levels embracing lower power consumption, reduced heat generated by power conversion stages, reduced environmental impact and total cost of ownership, and forthcoming regulations requiring energy data measurement.
Ericsson's BMR454 0002/004 delivers 38A at 5V, or a maximum output power of 190W across its operational range of 36 to 75V.
To minimise power losses at application level, through the PMBus the output voltage can be dynamically adjusted in the range of 3.0 to 6.7V, accommodating intermediate bus voltages to the most optimised condition required by point-of-load, or FPGA, ASIC and others, without unwanted energy losses in the conversion process.
For fixed voltage applications, the BMR454 0002/004's output voltage can be set externally by an additional resistor, and a pre-trimmed 3.3V output version, BMR454 0002/003 is also available. This version delivers 3.3V/40A, 132W.
The BMR454 is pin compatible with the quarter-brick BMR453, making it easy for designers to upgrade to higher power when upgrading boards with new functionalities.
Ericsson says the most important application areas for the BMR454 0002/004 are 48V information and communication technology applications such as radio base stations, servers, routers and also a range of systems powered by 48V DC migrating to a 5V intermediate bus voltage, or straightforward conversion from 48V system bus voltage to load, eliminating an unnecessary point-of-load device in the conversion chain.
