Good overview of the basics, thanks!

Just used a converter module yesterday and faced all the drawbacks discussed in this video the hard way, every one of them😂. Still doesn't mean that we shouldn't use them at all. I use them in designs that need robust power supplies with good protection. (maybe b/c I don't trust myself;)

Hi thanks for the video, another advantage of a brick converter is (imo) resistance to shock and vibration makes them suitable for avionic and railway applications.

@Zachariah-Peterson

Ай бұрын

That's a good point, normally you would need to simulate or measure it. In fact I notice that a lot of bricks are marketed specifically for railroad systems.

Using TDK Lambda bricks. Cool stuff, i7a series does 500W in 1/16 brick

@Zachariah-Peterson

Ай бұрын

I think TDK bricks are awesome, especially those 1/16 bricks, those and CUI 1/8th brick isolated are go-to for me.

I didn't understand the point about additional components. So are they mandatory or optional? I'm always confused with datasheets which don't mention any external components, but point out that product is "low noise".

@ARKTech49

Ай бұрын

External Capacitors at both input and output is mandatory, as its function is to reduce ripple current

@Zachariah-Peterson

Ай бұрын

Some external capacitance will be requried on input and output. The additional points with large stabilizing capacitors, common-mode chokes, etc. all depends on the specific brick module you are working with, and sometimes those are optional.

You're going to have to add EMI & bulk capacitance to your own design also, so those components are a wash in the scale of the supply. Additionally, never underestimate the time, effort, and cost to get a custom design certified. A space-rated brick that costs $3000 is cheap compared to designing and certifying your own, especially since you rarely build more than a few identical products for space applications.

@Zachariah-Peterson

Ай бұрын

Yeah I would agree, it's all a balancing act. For the component form factor size, I think it's a matter of scale, which is why I brought up the Murata brick. You don't need as much additional stuff with a different brick or with a custom board and yet you can still get to similar power outputs.

Someone give the person who made this a medal!

Quite vigorous youtube video. But you forgot the important thing. The selection of off-the-shelf transformers is slim, compared to the variety of input voltages, output voltages, output currents, power, switching frequency. The higher the power the scarcer the off-the-shelf transformers. So is one willing to design a custom transformer? Then wait for a magnetics supplier to wind it? Or do a planar transformer on a PCB with lots of layers, blind vias? If yes, then one should roll the custom isolated DC-DC.

@Starwalk-in

2 ай бұрын

Can you explain more: you mean building a custom one is not as easy as we might think ?

@Zachariah-Peterson

Ай бұрын

I've done custom transformers with off-the-shelf core and bobbin and with not much lead time, main challenge is cost if producing it in the US. You can test the transformer design from a US prototype and then produce in China. Also I've found Wurth to be a good option for transformers, they have a good selection and they can do custom transformers for volume orders.

@NickAlexeev

Ай бұрын

@@Zachariah-Peterson A custom transformer is design hurdle and a supply chain (logistics) hurdle. When would these hurdles be worth jumping? Only when consuming these power supplies in large quantities. The break-even quantities around few thousand would be my rough guess. Did you mention that in your video? Nope. My comment is about the uncautious tone of your videos [plural]. Less youtuber, more EE street smarts, please, Zach. ; )