Pulsiv Limited, a Cambridge (UK) innovator of power electronics technology, announces the release of the world’s most efficient 65 W USB-C GaN optimized reference design developed to address the complex challenges associated with thermal performance in power supplies. This ground-breaking and highly anticipated development is set to revolutionize the USB-C fast charging space by offering a unique combination of features & benefits not seen in other designs.
The PSV-RDAD-65USB reference design combines Pulsiv OSMIUM technology with an industry-standard QR Flyback and highly optimized, ultra-compact magnetics. It represents the first in a series of designs aimed at pushing the boundaries of power conversion by drastically lowering operating temperatures, minimizing losses, and reducing size to create a sustainable platform for the USB-C standard.
Pulsiv’s Chief Product Officer, Dr Tim Moore has been managing the development of this design and comments:
“Our mantra has always been focused on developing solutions that “do more while using less” and this design demonstrates how Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can deliver fast charging without the associated complexity of managing high temperatures. The demand for more power and faster charging of cordless products is rapidly increasing which impacts everything from mobile phones to power tools. This means more power is needed in a small form factor which is even more critical when developing in-wall/desk solutions that are sensitive to heat. With 30% lower component temperatures, no inrush current, and high efficiency, we enable designs to become safer, smaller, and more reliable.”
Key specifications
- Input Voltage Range: 90 - 265 VAC (No input voltage derating)
- Output Voltage: 5 - 20 VDC supporting PD3.0, QC4.0, BC1.2, & PPS (Fast Charging)
- Output Power: 65 W max
- Transformer Temperature: 30.3°C above ambient
- Operating Frequency: 125 kHz
- Peak Efficiency: 96%
- Average Efficiency: 95%
- Half-Active Bridge: Included
- Line Currents: 0.5 Amax
- Inrush Current: Eliminated
- GaN Optimised: Yes
- DC-DC Converter: Quasi-resonant (QR) Flyback
Taking ultra-cool operation & fast charging to a whole new level
The Pulsiv OSMIUM reference design demonstrates a significant improvement in thermal performance and reduces critical component temperatures by more than 30% compared to other designs. At full load, the Flyback transformer reaches an impressive 33.9°C at 230 VAC and 30.3°C at 265 V above an ambient temperature of 26.1°C. This incredible achievement is likely to set a new benchmark and enable 65 W fast charging in space-constrained environments and/or heat-sensitive applications such as in-wall plug sockets that incorporate USB-C connectivity.
Optimize efficiency and space with a half-active bridge
Pulsiv OSMIUM technology senses AC line voltage and frequency to adjust capacitor charging time, therefore the circuit draws no line current at the AC zero voltage crossing. This enables a simple half-active bridge implementation to increase efficiency, especially at low-line conditions. MOSFETs in the lower half of the AC to DC bridge are carefully controlled, in combination with high-side diodes. The half-active bridge in this design strikes the delicate balance between efficiency, cost, and complexity and supports universal input with efficiency gains of 0.7% at full load from a 115 V AC supply.
Innovative magnetics reduce transformer size by 20%
Pulsiv OSMIUM technology generates an HVDC output that varies between the peak AC input and 150 V to drive the QR Flyback at maximum efficiency. The wider voltage range significantly reduces primary side inductance to enable the use of an EQ20 transformer which was developed in partnership with magnetics experts Frenetic.
Their CEO Chema Molina comments:
“Our team of magnetics experts has demonstrated that Pulsiv OSMIUM technology maximizes efficiency and reduces the size of the Flyback Transformer to a level we’ve not seen before. This significant development will enable customers to improve performance, reduce size, and lower the cost of their design and we’re excited to be part of such an innovative solution”.
This results in a 20% size reduction & 50% efficiency improvement compared to an RM8 core typically used in other designs.
Minimize losses with GaN optimization
GaN Transistors from Innoscience have lowered the RDSon and parasitic capacitance to reduce losses and optimize cost in both the flyback and synchronous rectifier sub-systems. General Manager for Innoscience EMEA Denis Marcon adds:
“We’ve demonstrated that GaN technology is perfectly suited to increasing efficiency, reducing losses, and optimizing cost but Pulsiv OSMIUM technology adds further benefits by significantly improving the overall performance and reducing energy waste. Their technology is truly game-changing, and I’m delighted that Pulsiv has chosen to incorporate Innoscience GaN devices in this reference design.”
