The new MAX13256 from Maxim is an H-bridge transformer driver with a wide input voltage range for isolated power supplies. It is designed to allow engineers to quickly design a highly efficient (up to 90%) isolated DC-DC converter.
The chip drives a transformer’s primary coil with up to 300 mA of current from an 8 V to 36 V d.c. supply which can deliver up to 10 W of isolated power. Users can choose their own transformer winding ratio which defines the output voltage, thus allowing the selection of virtually any isolated output voltage. This robust supply range eliminates external voltage regulation. Integrated protection features prevent system-level failures. These capabilities make the driver suitable for creating isolated power supplies in smart grid metering applications and industrial and medical equipment.
Smart grid applications utilising wired interface communications require isolated power to protect against high-voltage mains that can damage both the installer and the power meter’s internal electronics. The isolated power is typically generated with a transformer and discrete components which increase the solution size and add cost. The MAX13256 drives the transformer that acts as the additional form of isolation from high-voltage mains.
A smart grid has different requirements for input voltage and output power that vary based on the type of interface used to communicate with the smart meter. The MAX13256’s 8 V to 36 V input voltage range addresses these diverse power supply input requirements. It also eliminates external voltage regulation and enables flexible transformer options to satisfy a wide range of power output requirements.
Adjustable current limiting allows indirect limiting of secondary side load currents. An over-current limit is set by an external resistor over the 215 mA to 650 mA range. An active-low FAULT output asserts when the device detects an over-temperature or over-current condition.
Power efficiency and robustness in electronics design
Power Electronics / Power Management
Mouser Electronics recently announced a new eBook in collaboration with Analog Devices highlighting essential strategies for optimising power systems.
Read more...USB Type-C-powered controllers Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
Diodes Incorporated has released two USB Type-C PD 3.1 extended power range sink controllers that can be embedded into battery-powered devices.
Read more...Multicell battery monitoring Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The LTC6811 from Analog Devices is a multicell battery stack monitor that measures up to 12 series connected battery cells with a total measurement error of less than 1,2 mV.
Read more...Full telemetry in tiny DC-DC converters RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
The FS160* series of µPOL DC-DC converters from TDK all offer full telemetry, provide increased performance, and are remarkable for extraordinary power density in the smallest sizes.
Read more...Power IC supplies 1650 W EBV Electrolink
Power Electronics / Power Management
Power Integrations has announced a two-fold increase in power output from the HiperLCS-2 chipset with the new device now being able to deliver up to 1650 W of continuous output power.
Read more...High-voltage step-down DC-DC converter Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The MAX17793 is a high-efficiency, high-voltage, synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated MOSFETs operating over an input voltage range of 3 to 80 V.
Read more...High-voltage contactors RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has announced two new additions to its high-voltage contactor portfolio for harsh environments: the HVC43MC with integrated mirror contact and the HVC45 with enhanced short-circuit current handling capability.
Read more...Chokes rated at 36 A RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has launched the EPCOS SurfIND series, a new range of current-compensated ring core double chokes for high currents and surface mounting.
Read more...RF arrestor provides robust protection RFiber Solutions
Power Electronics / Power Management
NexTek’s range of coaxial RF surge and lightning arrestors are designed and built to provide robust protection for any radio or coaxial RF transmission application.
Read more...Wide-Bandgap Developer Forum 2025
Power Electronics / Power Management
To give designers the ultimate in design flexibility, the entire range of WBG power semiconductors will be provided including discretes, modules, and highly integrated solutions ranging from 40 V to 700 V for GaN and 400 V to 3,3 kV for SiC.
printer friendly version