Power ICs, Transformers & Discrete Solutions

Video Transcript

When it's time to put isolated DC/DC converters in your design, the question is, should you choose pre-built converter modules, or should you design the converters yourself with discrete components? It's tricky to balance cost, effort, and time to market. So, let's explore the trade-offs of an off-the-shelf pre-built converter module versus a discrete component solution and then dig into what options you have when it's time to make that DC/DC converter decision.

A converter module is a complete ready to-go solution that simply drops into your design. These pre-built modules give you a fast time to market and are pre-certified for performance and safety. Everything is documented and characterized and your bomb is simple. It's one part. Pre-built modules from RECOM also have some flexibility with pinouts, footprints, and input output voltage combinations. However, modules have a higher cost than a discrete component solution because you pay a little extra for the assembly and encapsulation.

DC/DC converters made with discrete components are more complicated to design and require sourcing multiple parts from multiple vendors, but they provide complete design flexibility and are significantly cheaper at higher volumes. It's not uncommon to do prototyping and early production runs with a pre-built module and then switch to a discrete solution as the project scales up. RECOM is the only major DC/DC converter manufacturer that offers you both pre-built modules and DIY component solutions. When it's time to implement your DC/DC converter, you have four options ranging from fully discrete solutions to fully pre-built options.

Option one is the discrete route. Order just the primary driver IC or secondary smart rectifier IC and implement the rest of the DC/DC converter on your own. This option is best for existing designs that currently use a module, but a cost down is needed. RECOM offers good value for money on the ICs in low to mid volumes.

Option two is to order just the transformer and implement the driver and rectifier on your own. This option is best when you already have a known driver solution from a previous design that you can use for this new design. Standard transformers are available ex-stock, so you can get them quickly.

Option three is to order a paired set of the power IC and transformer. This eliminates sourcing and design complexity and ensures compatibility between your two most critical power components.

Option four is a kitting solution of everything you need. A power IC, a matching transformer, and a secondary smart rectifier IC, giving you complete freedom to lay out a known good converter solution that meets your project needs.

For design prototyping and evaluation RECOM also offers readymade, fully assembled discrete solutions built to your specifications . Simply provide the standard part combinations online and a fully assembled PCB discrete solution can be on your desk for evaluation in 20 working days.

So, if you're optimizing for speed and simplicity, start with a converter module. If you're optimizing for a high volume unit cost or have unusual design specs, go with a discrete solution.

RECOM discrete and modular power solutions give you the best of both worlds.
Find your next power solution at recom-power.com.