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TI Introduces First 500 mW Isolated DC-DC Converter IC with Integrated Transformer

February 12, 2020 by Gary Elinoff

The UCC12050 accepts input voltages ranging from 4.5 V to 5.5 V and features 5.0 V or 3.3 V outputs.

Texas Instruments has announced a new IC that they claim is the first of its kind to be "developed with a new proprietary integrated transformer technology." The UCC12050 offers a 5-kVRMS reinforced isolation rating.

 

UCC12050

The UCC21050. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments
 

The unit provides well-regulated, isolated power with high efficiency and low EMI generation. 

 

Small Size, High Power Density

The UCC12050 takes up 10.3 mm by 10.3 mm by 2.65 mm of board space, which TI claims is a 60% improvement over competing devices and an 80% improvement when compared to solutions implemented with discrete devices. 

TI also maintains that the device offers twice the power density of competing devices, and at 60% efficiency, bests the competition by a factor of two.

 

Block diagram of the UCC21050

Block diagram of the UCC21050. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments
 

These factors, combined with the highly integrated nature of the unit, can decrease BOM, save board space, and simplify both layout and the manufacturing process.

 

"Industry's Lowest EMI"

The UCC12050’s internal transformer features low primary-to-secondary capacitance and is optimized for EMI performance.

The unit meets CISPR32 Class B EMI limits without requiring external filter components such as low-dropout regulators or ferrite beads. This further cuts down on design time and BOM.

 

Clocking

The converter features an internal oscillator that clocks the transformer at 8 MHz. If desired, designers can opt for an external clocking source. According to TI, the device's internal layout is optimized to minimize the clock’s radiated emissions.

 

Isolation Barriers

  • Isolation rating: 5 kVRMS
  • Surge capability: 10 kV peak 
  • Working voltage: 1.2 kVRMS
  • Common Mode Transient Immunity (CMT): rated at ±100 V/ns typical

 

Safety Protections

To protect the external devices that the UCC12040 is employed to provide power for, there are set points at which the device shuts off output power. These include temperatures exceeding 150℃ and input power greater than 1960 mW. The UCC12050 operates over a temperature range of -40℃ to +125℃.

The maximum input current when 5.5 V and 4.6 V output voltages are specified is 356 mA and 436 mA, respectively.

 

Designed for Industrial Settings

The UCC12040 was designed to supply well-regulated, electrically isolated power in industrial applications. Typical uses include medical equipment, patient monitoring, and isolated communications modules.

 

Typical application of the UCC12050

Typical application of the UCC12050 supplying well-regulated, isolated power to an isolated load. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments 

 

Target applications include industrial transport and grid infrastructure. The device is also well-suited for use with protection relays and smart breakers as well as with analog PLC input and output modules.

 

Support Tools

TI offers the UCC12050EVM-022 as an aid to help designers in their evaluation of the UCC12050DVE. 

 

UCC12050EVM-022

The UCC12050EVM-022 evaluation board. Image used courtesy of Texas Instruments 

 

This evaluation module allows designers to test functions such as enable and disable, select between output voltages, and synchronize the device with external clock sources.

 

Around the Industry

The ADUM520x from Analog Devices are isolated dual-channel DC-DC converters. Outputs are 3.3 V or 5 V. Power outputs are similar to TI’s device.

With 5 V input and 5 V or 3.3 V output, maximum output powers are 500 mW and 330 mW, respectively. With 3.3 V input and output, the power output is 200 mW.