Designing High-Voltage Input Power Converters

June 23, 2005

How do you define "high-voltage" input for power converter ICs?

For most power-management subsystem ICs, "high-voltage" input is 30 up to 100 V. The 100-V maximum input rating ensures reliable and safe operation of 48-V bus telecommunication power converters, 42-V automotive systems, and other industrial systems that operate at similar voltages. The normal voltage range is lower than 100 V. However, parasitic inductances and peak noise transients can cause voltage spikes that approach 100 V. The higher-voltage rating provides additional reliability insurance.

What does the IC manufacturer have to do to obtain a highvoltage input rating?

High-voltage ICs require specialized wafer technologies and device designs that increase the breakdown voltage of certain transistors. Most high-voltage ICs integrate high-voltage devices with low-voltage logic and control circuits. The high-voltage devices use deeper junctions and larger dimensions than the standard low-voltage devices.

Click here to download the PDF version of this entire article.

Sponsored Recommendations

Article: Meeting the challenges of power conversion in e-bikes

March 18, 2024
Managing electrical noise in a compact and lightweight vehicle is a perpetual obstacle

Power modules provide high-efficiency conversion between 400V and 800V systems for electric vehicles

March 18, 2024
Porsche, Hyundai and GMC all are converting 400 – 800V today in very different ways. Learn more about how power modules stack up to these discrete designs.

Bidirectional power for EVs: The practical and creative opportunities using power modules

March 18, 2024
Bidirectional power modules enable vehicle-to-grid energy flow and other imaginative power opportunities. Learn more about Vicor power modules for EVs

Article: Tesla commits to 48V automotive electrics

March 18, 2024
48V is soon to be the new 12V according to Tesla. Size and weight reduction and enhanced power efficiency are a few of the benefits.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!