In modern computing and consumer electronics, efficiency has seen remarkable progress, particularly in AC/DC conversion processes. However, with standards like 80 PLUS, Climate Savers, and EnergyStar 5 emerging, engineers are starting to recognize the importance of improving both AC/DC and DC/DC power systems. While the average efficiency of AC/DC systems stands around 65%, DC/DC systems achieve an impressive 80%. This explains why most attention has been focused on AC/DC systems. Yet, it’s now time to revisit the DC/DC systems to uncover innovative ways to boost efficiency further.
DC/DC converters play a crucial role in computing, communication, and consumer electronics, tasked with converting, managing, and distributing power to essential components like graphics cards, processor chips, and memory modules. With performance demands escalating, efficiency is becoming more critical than ever before. Researchers have been exploring advancements in MOSFETs and sophisticated thermal packaging technologies to enhance the efficiency of existing switching circuits and power transistor devices.
Selecting the right power components, especially synchronous buck converters, can greatly enhance the power density, efficiency, and thermal performance of new platforms. For instance, if 500,000 servers were fully compliant with 80 PLUS energy regulations, the energy savings would be enough to power over 377,000 households.
When examining circuit losses, the buck or synchronous buck circuit remains a vital part of all low-voltage DC/DC power management systems. The primary power loss in these circuits stems from the switching and conduction losses of the MOSFETs.
A typical voltage regulator module (VRM) can be found in any desktop computer, providing more than 25A of current at 1.2V under full load. Thus, one MOSFET will be placed in the main or high-side position, while two parallel MOSFETs will be in the flyback or low-side position. The 12V input is stepped down to a 1.2V output, resulting in a duty cycle of 10%. This configuration ensures that the high-side MOSFET regulates to minimize switching losses, whereas the low-side MOSFET pair reduces RDS(ON) to cut down on conduction losses.
Figure 4 VR11.1 (Intel motherboard power supply specification) VCORE tube efficiency comparison
Figure 4 illustrates the actual efficiency plot, taken from the desktop power VRM phase column. These four curves represent the results of two different MOSFET devices tested at 300 kHz and 550 kHz, respectively. We can observe the efficiency across the entire load current range.
Notice the two curves above. At full load (30A), the latest devices show a 1.5% improvement in efficiency. Similarly, at light loads (15A), there’s a 0.69% improvement. When integrated across the entire load range, using the latest MOSFET devices can reduce average power losses by 8% to 10% compared to today’s common solutions. Even at the higher switching frequency of 541 kHz, the system efficiency remains above 80% at light loads and exceeds 70% at full load. As the frequency increases further, switching losses escalate dramatically.
The optimal operating frequency for most DC/DC converters lies between 250 kHz and 300 kHz, as these frequencies strike a balance between manageable switching losses, conduction losses, and low ripple output to the load. Efficiency is slightly higher below 250 kHz, but the voltage output might be insufficient to power the Pentium chipset.
The same principle applies to laptop processor power supplies, gaming consoles, and even set-top boxes in consumer electronics, despite their lower current demands. Each milliwatt saved seems trivial, yet collectively, they contribute to addressing global environmental issues. Small improvements across multiple methods yield significant impacts.
With the growing emphasis on sustainability and energy conservation, engineers must continue to explore ways to optimize DC/DC converters. Whether through component selection, circuit design, or operational parameters, every effort counts towards creating a more efficient and eco-friendly future. As technology evolves, so too will the strategies to maximize efficiency in power management systems.
Electric pole, also known as a telephone pole or telegraph pole, is a tall structure used to support overhead power lines and other utilities, such as telephone and cable lines. These poles, typically made of wood, metal or concrete, are installed along roadsides, in residential and rural areas to deliver electricity and other services to homes and businesses. The height and design of poles can vary depending on the specific requirements of the utility company and the location of the poles.
Electric Pole,Distribution Steel Pole,Utility Pole,Electricity Pole
JIANGSU HONGGUANG STEEL POLE CO., LTD. , https://www.hgsteelpoles.com