While some are investigating the next migration toward the sixteenth brick, Mansfield, Mass. based Datel Inc. has already taken the first step in that direction. The company has proposed a footprint and pin spacing to make this standard feasible and workable. In addition, Datel designers are exploring planar magnetics, miniature components and novel topologies to pack a high-performance dc-dc converter into the newest brick format that’s half the previous eighth brick size (see thefigure, below). Unique topologies and clever circuit techniques will be combined with planar magnetics to achieve the end goals, stated Datel's marketing manager Bob Leonard.