Digital Power Development Kits Simplify Complex Power Supply Functions

Bringing new efficiency and performance capabilities to digital power supplies, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) has announced three new development kits that further expand its TMS320C2000 microcontroller (MCU) digital power portfolio of software, tools and training. The new kits enable and simplify the more complex power supply functions that are currently in high demand, such as bridgeless design and Peak Current Mode Control (PCMC) with Slope Compensation. Programming challenges have been greatly reduced due to TI’s free controlSUITE platform that includes more than 25 modular digital power software blocks. With TI’s new offering, developers can harness the efficiency and reliability benefits of digital power in applications such as servers, telecom rectifiers, lighting, renewable energy, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles.

Each kit is based on a single C2000 Piccolo MCU with integrated high-performance analog, PWMs and other control-oriented peripherals to reduce system cost. Software configurable tuning allows for more flexibility to adjust power stages to support multiple end-product requirements, as opposed to time-intensive redesign of system hardware. The kits include all of the hardware and software required to be up and running in 10 minutes or less. Additionally, the onboard isolated XDS100 USB JTAG emulation simplifies debugging and programming.

The Bridgeless PFC AC/DC Developer’s Kit features robust hardware and software that enable designers to increase overall system efficiency with higher power factor and lower total harmonic distortion through flexible, digital control of an AC Rectifier stage. It is also configurable for Adaptive Current Control and Non-Linear Voltage Control loop modes, and has output over-voltage protection and inrush current limiting. The kit's auto-ranging AC input supports voltages from 100V AC to 220V AC and outputs 380V DC to 400V DC up to 300W.

The Phase-shifted Isolated Full Bridge DC/DC Developer’s Kit features a Peak Current Mode Control with on-chip slope compensation that allows designers to jump start isolated DC/DC power supply designs without additional external circuitry. It features peak efficiencies up to 95 percent, with 90+ percent efficiency from 10 to 90 percent of rated power. The kit supports input voltages from 380VDC to 400VDC with a regulated 12VDC output capable of supporting up to 600W.

The Resonant LLC Isolated Half Bridge DC/DC Developer’s Kit features complete hardware and software that allows designers to quickly evaluate a digitally controlled isolated DC/DC power supply. The kit's input ratings range from 380VDC-400VDC with a regulated output of 12VDC, supporting up to 300W at a peak efficiency of 93.7 percent.

TI’s C2000 MCU digital power portfolio also includes additional kits, such as the High Voltage PFC AC/DC Developer’s Kit that provides complete hardware and software for two phase interleaved power factor correction.

Texas Instruments