Fully integrated DC-DC converters feature ultra-compact and high-efficiency design

Employing a multi-patented design that greatly lowers the footprint and height of power-conversion circuitry, Murata has introduced the UltraBK family of compact, low-profile, fully-integrated DC-DC converters.

The converters are targeted at space-constrained applications, including IT and network infrastructure equipment. As well as unprecedented space savings, they provide high energy efficiency, high reliability, exceptional low-noise performance, and fast transient response.

The converters accomplish their exceptionally low height and compact footprint utilising an innovative two-stage design. This design merges a switched-capacitor charge pump followed by a smaller buck or boost converter with lower-voltage power MOSFETs and reduced output inductance in comparison to conventional designs. The capacitor network offers almost lossless conversion of the input voltage at any ratio, allowing overall operating efficiency as high as 90.5%. The output inductor is approximately ten times smaller than a comparable conventional circuit, enabling the entire converter to fit in a 10.5mm x 9mm LGA package only 2.1mm high. Moreover, EMI is typically 20dB lower.

“Conventional power converters can occupy 30-50% of circuit-board real estate and typically require large, tall inductors that pose layout challenges and can interfere with cooling airflow,” said Shuji Mikami, Power Modules Division, Low Power Products Department, Murata. “Our UltraBK family changes everything for designers, simplifying board design and thermal management while also raising power density and delivering excellent energy efficiency, transient performance, and low noise emission.”

The new family offers four buck converters that deliver a choice of 4A and 6A output ratings and the option of a built-in I2C port to enable digital configuration and control. The converters have a wide input voltage range of 6V to 14.4V, with programmable output voltage from 0.7V to 1.8V.