CUI has introduced the NQB Series isolated DC/DC quarter brick based on its patented Solus Power Topology. The 720W intermediate bus converter will initially support an input range of 36 to 60V with an output of 12V and and eventually support a wider input range as well as an output of 9.6V, claims the company. Additional features include DOSA (distributed-power open standards alliance) first or second generation footprint compatibility, remote on or off, and load share capability. According to the company, the brick has a power density of 445W/in3 across the 36 to 60V input range. The topology integrates a conventional buck converter into a SEPIC (single-ended primary inductor converter) converter to form a SEPIC-fed buck converter, a patented single stage topology with one magnetic element, one control switch and two commutation switches that are controlled by PWM. According to the company, the topology can minimise switching turn-on losses by 75% and turn-off losses by 99% on the control FET when it is coupled with an inherent GCE (gate charge extraction). It is also claimed to increase total efficiency by distributing the energy delivery into multiple paths, minimising circuit conduction losses by 50%.
