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Power Integrations? PI Expert" Software Now Supports High-Power Resonant Power Supplies with Power Factor Correction


Published on 2009-02-17 14:13:49, Last Modified on 2009-02-17 14:14:52 - Market Wire
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SAN JOSE, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Power Integrations (Nasdaq:POWI), the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, today introduced an updated version of its popular power supply design software, [ PI Expert ] Suite v7.1.4. The newly released module, which supports Power Integrations' new [ HiperPLC ] controller IC, speeds the design of resonant LLC power supplies with power factor correction (PFC) by eliminating tedious iterative magnetic design.

HiperPLC combines PFC and LLC controllers in a single IC. Targeting high-efficiency offline converters from 200 to 600 watts, HiperPLC minimizes the cost of magnetic components and high-voltage bulk storage capacitors by synchronizing the PFC and LLC converter stages. Applications for HiperPLC include LCD TVs, PC power supplies up to 80+ Gold (92% efficiency), LED street lights, telecom power systems, and a wide range of industrial applications.

PI Expert Suite v7.1.4 features the automatic selection of series and parallel resonant element values from user-defined output load requirements and nominal switching frequency. The software also insures zero-voltage switching (ZVS) under all LLC load conditions. PI Expert automatically calculates losses in key power elements of the PFC and LLC power stages and performs PFC boost choke power loss and magnetic field intensity (H) calculations for the PFC choke design. The new software provides a visualization tool which graphically illustrates a design's switching frequency versus output power, enabling the designer to specify appropriate verification experiments to confirm reliable operation of the final product under a wide range of operating conditions.

Explains Doug Bailey, Power Integrations' vice president of marketing: "High-power applications such as LED street lighting, 80+ Silver and Gold PC-main power supplies, and the new generation of slim LCD TVs, require resonant power supplies to meet very high efficiency targets – in excess of 92% in some cases." Continues Bailey: "PI Expert Suite v7.1.4 provides an estimate of the power-loss budget attributable to the major components in the design – information which speeds electrical design decisions and eliminates the guesswork from layout, heatsink budgeting, and power component package selection."

PI ExpertSuite v7.1.4, with fully supported English and simplified Chinese versions, can be downloaded at [ http://www.powerint.com/pi-expert ]. Transformer prototypes resulting from the use of this software can be ordered through PI's Rapid Transformer Sample Service (RTSS); a quick-start guide describing how to create a compatible design file is available at [ http://www.powerint.com/rtss ].

About Power Integrations

Power Integrations is the leading supplier of high-voltage analog integrated circuits used in energy-efficient power conversion. The company's innovative technology enables compact, energy-efficient power supplies in a wide range of electronic products, in AC-DC, DC-DC and LED lighting applications. Since its introduction in 1998, Power Integrations' EcoSmart® energy-efficiency technology has saved an estimated $3.1 billion of standby energy waste and prevented millions of tons of CO2 emissions. The company's [ Green Room ] web site provides a wealth of information about "energy vampires" and the issue of standby energy waste, along with a comprehensive guide to energy-efficiency standards around the world. Reflecting the environmental benefits of EcoSmart technology, Power Integrations is included in clean-technology stock indices sponsored by the [ Cleantech Group ] (Amex:CTIUS) and [ Clean Edge ] (Nasdaq:CELS). For more information, please visit [ www.powerint.com ].

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