National Semiconductor has expanded its WEBENCH Designer tools with the introduction of WEBENCH Power Architect – a design tool that allows engineers to create, model and implement multiple-output, high-performance DC-DC power supplies for an entire system.

With this tool, system designers can optimise multiple power supplies across several performance parameters including topology, intermediate voltage rails, footprint, efficiency, component count and bill of materials cost.

Power Architect supports National’s new Simple Switcher power modules. They provide highly integrated and easy-to-use solutions for power supplies requiring low parts count, small footprint, thermal resistance and low electromagnetic interference (EMI). Using WEBENCH Power Architect’s library of 21 000 components from 110 manufacturers, designers have a wide range of system alternatives for creating large scale complex systems.

When engineers finish ‘dialling-in’ their preference for footprint, system BOM cost and power efficiency, Power Architect’s graphical analysis capability identifies major sources of power dissipation, cost and footprint area. It allows the user to edit individual power supplies and loads to further model and optimise the overall system for thermal and electrical performance design goals. When the design is complete, the tool generates a system summary report including schematics, BOMs and electrical operating values. To view a video demonstration or begin a design with the WEBENCH Power Architect, go to www.national.com/powerarchitect.

For more information contact EBV Electrolink, +27 (0)21 402 1940, capetown@ebv.com, www.ebv.com