IR HiRel DC-DC Converter Family Increases Robustness with Added Input Protection and Reduced Internal Component Count for Military and Aerospace Applications

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — February 2006 -- International Rectifier, IR® (NYSE: IRF), a world leader in power management technology, today introduced the high-reliability (HiRel) AHP line of high power, high density hybrid DC-DC converters for digital and analog circuits that require a well-regulated power source. The AHP converter family features an added over-voltage protection circuit on the input of the device while maintaining backward compatibility to the IR HiRel AFL converter series and other industry-standard converters. Building on the merits of IR’s AFL series converters, the AHP series offers as high as 87 percent efficiency and a power density of as much as 84W per cubic inch.

The new series of converters utilizes 25% less internal components, increasing reliability compared to the AFL series. The AHP series converters are designed to function continuously in rugged environments typically encountered in military and aerospace applications.

The AHP input over-voltage protection will shut down the converter at 110% of the maximum-rated input voltage and will re-start when the input voltage drops below this threshold. The AHP converters also feature high power density with no de-rating over the temperature range of -55ºC to +125ºC. This series is offered as part of a complete family of converters providing single and dual output voltages and operating from nominal 270V DC input and outputs of 3.3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, 28, ±5, ±12, and ±15 volts and power ratings from 80 to 120 watts.

For applications requiring higher output power, individual converters can be operated in parallel. The internal current sharing circuits assure equal current distribution among the paralleled converters. This series incorporates IR’s proprietary magnetic pulse feedback technology that provides optimum dynamic line and load regulation response. This feedback system samples the output voltage at the pulse-width modulator fixed clock frequency, nominally 550kHz. Multiple converters can be synchronized to a system clock in the 500kHz to 700kHz range or to the synchronization output of one converter.

Under-voltage lockout, primary and secondary referenced inhibit, soft start and load fault protection are provided on all modules. These converters are hermetically packaged in two enclosure variations, utilizing copper core pins to minimize resistive DC losses. Three lead configurations are available. IR’s rugged ceramic lead-to-package seal and low profile (0.380") welded seam package assures hermeticity for long-term reliability in harsh environments.

“The AHP converter line increases robustness improving customer power designs. Being form, fit and function to industry standard converters, like IR’s own AFL family, further enables an engineer to take advantage of these new devices in existing designs,” said Rick Furtney, International Rectifier Vice President, HiRel Sector Business Unit.

The AHP converters are available in four screening grades to satisfy a wide range of requirements including CH grade, which is fully-compliant to the requirements of MIL-H-38534 for class H. Variations in electrical, mechanical and screening can be accommodated.

New International Rectifier AHP High-Reliability Hybrid DC-DC Converters
Part Number Output Voltage
(V)
Output Power
(W)
Output Current
(A)
AHP27003R3S 3.3 66 20
AHP27005S 5.0 80 16
AHP27006S 6.0 81 13.5
AHP27009S 9.0 90 10
AHP27012S 12 108 9
AHP27015S 15 120 8
AHP27028S 28 112 4
AHP27005D ±5 80 12.8
AHP27012D ±12 96 6.4
AHP27015D ±15 100 5.3

Availability and Pricing

The new modules are available immediately. Pricing is in the high $700 range each device in quantities of 100. Prices are subject to change. This product is subject to applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations.