PKM4516 500 W Quarter-Brick DC/DC Converter

Flex Power Modules’ PKM4516 platform consists of two product variants, the PKM4516AD and the PKM4516HD, which were both developed for radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) applications in the telecom market.

The PKM4516 platform is a high power density industry-standard DC/DC converter in a quarter-brick package that saves valuable board space. The PKM4516AD has a nominal output of 28 V at 18 A and is power limited to 504 W. The PKM4516HD has a nominal output of 50 V at 10 A and is power limited to 500 W. Both have an input voltage range of 36 V to 75 V and are ideal for 50 V laterally diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) and 28 V gallium nitride (GaN) based RFPA applications.

These converters deliver efficiency levels up to 95.5% and have a wide output voltage adjustment range of 14 V to 35 V for the PKM4516AD and 25 V to 55 V for the PKM4516HD. This output adjust range allows for easy optimization of the customer's connected RF design.

Comprehensive protection is provided, including short-circuit, overload, overtemperature, output overvoltage, and input undervoltage. These modules are designed to start-up into pre-biased loads, and the isolation rating is 2250 V_DC from primary to secondary. A remote on/off control is also provided with optional positive or negative logic.

The modules are fitted with a baseplate for conduction cooling and provide excellent performance, for example when operating inside a sealed enclosure with no airflow, which is a typical environment for RFPA applications. For instance, the PKM4516AD can provide its full-rated power of 504 W at +85°C ambient temperatures in a sealed enclosure. The full operating temperature range for the series is -40°C to +125°C.

The half-bridge design of the PKM4516AD features the latest PWM controller technology and synchronous rectification with a high level of integration. This provides a low-cost, high-reliability solution with a mean time between failure (MTBF) up to 7.9 million hours. The converter meets safety requirements according to IEC/EN/UL 62368-1.

The PKM4516 platform is designed and manufactured to deliver the exceptional levels of quality and performance that power system designers have come to expect from Flex Power Modules. This product comes in an industry-standard quarter-brick format measuring 58.4 mm x 36.8 mm x 13.2 mm (2.3” x 1.45” x 0.52”).