Power Alliance to Standardize POL Modules

6/18/2003 ,i>By Ashok Bindra, Editor, PETech

Power Alliance to Standardize POL Modules

To stimulate the growth of nonisolated point-of-load (POL) converters in distributed power architecture, DSP leader Texas Instruments has inked a second source licensing agreement with Artesyn Technologies, and Astec Power, a subsidiary of Emerson. This alliance between three dc-dc converter suppliers—Artesyn, Astec Power and TI—is aimed at standardizing high performance POL modules to ensure interoperability and customer design flexibility. It will offer users pin-compatible footprints that provide the same functionality and form factors. All three companies will manufacture products with the same electrical designs that ensure interoperability and true second sourcing.

Under the terms of this agreement, Artesyn and Astec will second source TI’s recently launched PTHxx series (see photo, left, for the PTHxx family of products). “As industry demand increases for a standard footprint and multiple sources for advanced point of load power solutions, this agreement with TI gives our customers what they desire,” said Todd Hendrix, vice president of worldwide marketing for Artesyn. “We are excited about the customer benefits and the potential growth that will occur in the point of load market.” “By combining our complementary strengths, Astec Power, Artesyn and TI are uniquely positioned to stimulate the rapid growth of this market by offering pin-compatible modules," said Mark Rice, vice president of worldwide marketing for Astec Power. "This alliance signifies a new commitment among rivals in the power industry to offer flexibility for our customers."

“The aim of this alliance is to make TI’s POL products as standards in the market,” said Don Matthiesen, product marketing manager for TI’s plug-in products. This license is only for the PTHxx series, stated Matthiesen. This product was chosen for its advanced features like auto-tracking, and is 70% smaller than previous TI modules, added Matthiesen. He continued, “Although we are creating competitors, the expansion will be much greater to help the productline.”

The agreement is not exclusive. And there are no restrictions for the partners in terms of regions and markets, said TI. Embedded in this agreement is the plan to jointly develop new silicon for future solutions. Hence, the second generation PTHxx part will be a joint development effort between the three partners. This work is expected to begin in the second half of this year. Meanwhile, three of the 15 members of TI’s PTHxx family are in production, with the remaining slated for production by the end of third quarter.

For more information, visit www.artesyn.com, www.gotoemerson.com, and www.ti.com.