Latest News from Powerstax plc

Powerstax announces the availability of a range of DC Rectifiers for use in the etching process of printed circuit boards. Manufactured in the UK by DP Energy the rectifiers are built to exacting industry-standard specifications for the process of removing the Amonical or cupric (copper) from the solution used to etch PCB’s. This process enables the etchant solution to be re-used saving material costs and providing an ecologically sound manufacturing process.

During the PCB etching process unwanted copper is dissolved into the etchant solution decreasing its effectives over time. Spent etchant is a hazardous waste which is becoming increasingly expensive to deal with and is normally precipitated as Copper Oxide and discarded for landfill. Using an electrolytic recycling process powered by a suitable DP Energy rectifier not only greatly prolongs the life of the etchant but allows waste copper to be collected for recycling.

Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax comments, “Manufacturing industry is increasingly aware of the environmental impact of its processes and the costs involved of materials and recycling. Using an electrolytic process to keep PCB etchant free from waste copper improves the quality of the manufacturing process, eliminates chemical treatments and the need to store fresh and used etchant solution and leaves only copper as a waste product. This is a very green and cost effective solution to a problem faced by any large-scale electronic equipment manufacturer.”

The rectifiers are available in the range 4 to 8000A @ 10VDC depending on the scale of the PCB etching bath.

DP Energy systems are sold worldwide to original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers. Smaller versions of the rectifiers have been supplied for removal of trace metals from water for applications such as whisky distilleries. For more information on this range click here.

The D1000 modular power solution from Powerstax offers up to 1000W of DC power from vehicle or other mobile or static DC power sources. Powerstax, the Farnborough UK based designer of application rich power solutions, developed the D1000 to meet growing market demands for military, industrial and commercial communications and control systems powered from vehicle batteries or telecom supplies.

“The D1000 power conversion system is part of our market leading Flexistax series.” Says Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax. “It has been developed specifically for applications where standard off-the-shelf solutions do not exist. This field proven modular solution offers customers a faster time-to-market, reduced capital investment and minimises the risk often associated with custom designed power supply requirements.

D1000 power solutions are based on the industry leading high power F501 “full-brick” DC:DC Converters that form the core of Powerstax’s business. These patented, ultra-high efficiency and very flexible converters have been designed offer both conventional step-down conversion as well as the more unusual step-up conversion. The key to this is the unique “integrated magnetic” which combines all of the transformers and inductors required by the converter on to one core allowing custom voltage requirements to be provided with ease.

For the D1000 two F501 converters are packaged with connectors as required by the application. In addition, a custom developed boost-converter is integrated into the design to provide input voltage boost when conditions require it. Multiples of D1000 components may be run in N+1 redundant systems.

The D1000 operates from a very wide DC input of 11 to 36V and can be offered with outputs between 12 and 48VDC. The system offers up to 85% efficiency, maximising battery life and reducing thermal management requirements. The complete unit measures a compact 152 x 102 x 25mm. Prototypes can be supplied in just 4 weeks from Powerstax’s ISO9001 approved design, development and production facility in the UK and carry a two year warranty.

Typical applications include military and commercial mobile wireless and radar systems, telecomm infrastructure and security systems.

Powerstax announces the introduction of a new family of ultra-compact 275 watt switch mode power supplies. The N-0275 series units feature digital power management and optional PMBus™ capability. The N-0275 family has been designed for OEM applications such as industrial automation, telecommunications, gaming systems, security and surveillance systems and network servers. The compact, very low profile form-factor power supplies deliver 12.22 watts per inch³ power density at up to 90% efficiency.

“We believe our new N-0275 series packs more power and features into a smaller package than any other product currently on the market,” claims Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax. “The high efficiency design also reduces overall system power consumption and cooling requirements giving our OEM customers more design flexibility and a distinct competitive edge.

“Conventional power supplies are controlled and protected by analogue circuitry that is optimised for one set of conditions, such as cold start-up. This could compromise other operational characteristics such as coping with power line drop-outs or sudden load changes where the power supply response time is compromised by stored charges in components,” continues Worley. “The N-0275 series overcomes these problems by employing a dedicated digital micro-controller to continuously supervise the unit’s operation.”

The on-board micro-controller monitors a number of the power supply’s parameters, dc voltage on the bulk capacitor (supplied by the ac mains), output voltage, output current, auxiliary 12V output voltage, transformer temperature, ambient temperature, and fan tachometer. Unlike conventional analogue control circuitry, that can provide timing accuracies in the range of +/- 10%-20%, the micro-controller can provide timing accuracies in the 1% range and does not suffer from stored charge memory. It responds to changing conditions 500 times per second with knowledge of the past but without being slowed down by the analogue “memory”.

The micro-controller is responsible for enabling the main output whenever all of the required start-up conditions are met and shutting it down on command of the system controller, at loss of input power or whenever the power supply’s reliability is threatened by excessive loads or temperatures. It always provides the host system with advanced warning of an impending shutdown so that it may perform a controlled shutdown with no loss of data or damage to other system components.

To minimize acoustic noise, the micro-controller can turn a 12V fan on or off based upon actual load conditions and the amount of cooling air available. Because it’s programmable, the micro-controller code can be customised to fit the OEM’s specific requirements.

An optional I²C digital communications interface is also available to allow up to four N-0275 power supplies to communicate over the same bus using the PMBus™ protocol. This communications interface allows routine remote control of the main outputs and the 12V fans. It can also notify the host if a fan fails (via lost tachometer pulses). The host can also interrogate the micro-controller for its output voltage and current status and ambient and transformer temperatures.

The N-0275 Series incorporates industry leading features such as active power factor correction for reduced input power, built in or’ing diodes, active inrush current protection, remote on-off, and high efficiency, up to 90% in some models. All Powerstax power supplies meet a full range of international agency approvals, including UL, DEMKO, FCC Class B and are CE Marked.

Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax plc, comments, “Our new N series power supplies add a new dimension of high efficiency small footprint power supplies to our market leading product range. The 1U market continues to grow and our high efficiency products have space saving footprints and reduce heat emission. A winning combination for system developers.”

The Powerstax N series may be supplied with customer specific output voltages and with conformal coatings, mounting chassis and fan assemblies. Typical applications include instrumentation, industrial control, Telecomms and Datacomms.

For more information on this range click here click here

Powerstax provided one of their trademark added value systems comprised of a high efficiency, ultra-compact 10W AC to DC, universal input voltage, encapsulated power supply mounted on a PCB with a variable LED driver circuit to adjust the output in order to vary the intensity of the LED light. When in full production the whole unit will be a lead-in, lead-out “lump in a cord” design with a remote control interface.

Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax plc, comments ”This is a very typical project for our UK based design team which utilises the strength of our high efficiency, flexible core products and our ability to integrate them into bespoke solutions which meet our customers technical requirements and time scales.”

For more information on ECO-LED click here

Converting power into partnerships

Everyone builds business relationships — whether it is with your customer or your supply chain. As Electronics Buyer’s Mike Richardson discovered when he met with Powerstax CEO, Tim Worley, part of the reason why his company maintains its success is because it approaches the problem from an engineering standpoint. According to Tim, whatever the strategy or technology, it’s all about having the right people in place and building a competent and credible team.

click here to read the fully article.

In The Know:
his month, Powerstax CEO, Tim Worley explains what he feels are the most important issues the customer needs to consider, to successfully navigate the design and development process and ensure a “fit for purpose” solution. Ideally, your supplier needs to know the following:
What is the product trying to achieve? For example, high efficiency, sealed unit, cold face mounting, low-line conducted or radiated noise.
What market is the end product aimed at? For example, mission critical, high availability, harsh environment, or medical.
Are there any special requirements as this will provide a baseline about what sort of product we should be offering, such as hot swap, N+1 redundant, digital communication or control.
What are the design parameters: for example, will it be used is a mobile, airborne or a ground benign environment and do you expect to change any batteries regularly?
Finally, it’s all about getting a specification agreed. By engaging with their engineers, you’ll find out what they really want.“Wherever we can, we try to become an extension to our customers’ design team. I view this as an opportunity, because Powerstax is in the business of compact, high efficiency, high power density products. If the designer hasn’t left enough space in the final enclosure for the power supply to operate efficiently, there are few companies that can help, whereas Powerstax can help.

click here to read the fully article.

Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax plc, comments, “We set the standard for power and efficiency when we launched our F501, 500 watt converter. Our 350 watt step-up converter demonstrates our understanding of market trends and our commitment to produce high quality, value for money products to fulfil our customers emerging requirements.”

Manufactured and tested in a fully automated facility for reliability, the Powerstax F351 is suitable for applications such as IBA, automotive, transportation and traction and industrial controls.

Richard has been a major influence in the growth of power supply sales with a leading UK distributor and will now bring his expertise to Powerstax’s international business. Tim Worley, CEO of Powerstax plc, comments, “It have been clear for some time now that we needed a senior manager to run our growing day to day business and allow me to spend more time on strategic management and defining our development plans for the future. It has not been easy to find a candidate with the right skill set and experience and who would also be the right fit for our corporate culture. We are very pleased to have found the right person in Richard and are looking forward to him making a great contribution to our next phase of growth.”

Richard Ford has had close to 25 years experience in the electronics industry beginning in manufacturing and progressing to senior buyer positions with a battery charger manufacturer, a manufacturer of video monitors and one of the largest electronics OEM’s in the UK. Moving into sales with a major UK component and systems corporation Richard began working in the power supply market with a large UK manufacturer. Most recently a highly successful spell in power supply distribution has seen him manage sustained sales growth in the UK where he gained valuable experience working with market leading global brands and achieving award winning distribution sales success.

Established in 1986, Arch is an ISO-9001 approved organisation who manufacture their entire product range in their own factories. Arch products provide high quality and cost-effective solutions that are ideal for industrial, telecom and medical applications.

Arch power products provide enhanced flexibility with customised design and supply the high reliability expected for solutions sold by Powerstax.

The full range of Arch power products will be incorporated into the Powerstax product literature and website shortly. Should you require any specific information or have any general enquiry, please contact the Powerstax Sales Dept on +44 (0) 1252 407800 or e-mail.

The ARCH range is available immediately and details are available from Powerstax FREE from the Powerstax SALES at sales@powerstaxplc.com.

The 4 or 6 slot Multistax range has been specifically designed to allow easy and rapid configuration. This is achieved by employing an architecture based on simple plug-in power modules that convert the intermediate bus voltage to the specific output voltage required.

By selecting one of the three front end Power Units of either 700W, 1,000W or 1,200W and inserting the required Power Modules, Powerstax can provide same day despatch of the exact configuration the customer needs.

Each Power Unit can accommodates up to six fully floating Power Modules of up to 240W output power, which can be fitted in any combination, provided the total power output does not exceed the total power capacity of the front end. The range of eight plug-in DC output Power Modules covers DC output voltages from 1.5V to 58V and includes single and dual output versions as well as units that can provide up to 50A output current.

Flexibility is further enhanced by being able to adjust the output voltage over a wide range, via a screwdriver adjustable potentiometer, or remotely, using a resistive divider or voltage reference source. In addition, by using standard cross-connect links, output modules can be connected in parallel for increased current, or in series for increased voltage.

The distinctive green moulding reflects the excellent conversion efficiency of up to 90% which means the reduced system heat dissipation simplifies thermal management. The AC-DC Power units are fitted with field replaceable cooling fans and are rated for full power operation over an operating temperature range of -20°C to +60°C; they can also be used up to 70°C, with derating.

Ideal for use with the latest 1U-high rackmount equipment, the ultra low profile of 40.4 mm and a compact package size of 260mm × 127mm means the Multistax power supplies have a high power density of more than 15W/in3.

Featuring a universal input that accommodates 85V AC to 264V AC (47 Hz to 63 Hz) and 120V DC to 380V DC, the range includes built-in EMI filtering that ensures the units meet rigorous international EMC specifications, including EN55011, EN55022 and FCC level B for conducted and radiated emissions and EN61000-4-x level 3 for immunity to conducted and radiated RFI, electrostatic discharge, fast transients, line surges and voltage dips. Every Multistax Series Power Module provides better than ±0.1 percent line and ±0.2 percent load regulation, and holds output ripple and noise to less than 1 percent peak-peak.

Functions such an indicator LED confirms that the module is operating within normal ratings and an optional remote alarm provides signals for AC input failure, fan failure and over-temperature conditions. A 5V bias standby voltage is also provided

The Multistax range is available immediately and details are also available in the new Powerstax AC-DC shortform catalogue obtainable FREE from the Powerstax web site at www.powerstaxplc.com.