Advanced Power Conversion

May 2005 Powerstax - Change of Name.

April 2005 New, rapid, high power Custom DC-DC solution range

February 2005 - Sales Team Expansion Continues at APC

December 2004 - New high efficiency DC-DC converter for Power-over-Ethernet application

November 2004 - Bigger, Better & Faster – New ATE for APC

October 2004 - New Quad Output DC-DC converter with 5 input Voltages.

August 2004 - New 1” x 2” DC-DC Converter with Largest Model Range.

June 2004 - New Isolated SIP8 DC-DC Converter range from Advanced Power Conversion

May 2004 - New DIP24 DC-DC Converter range from APC

February 2004 - New UK Regional Sales Partner for Advanced Power Conversion

January 2004 - APC announce new Ultra-low profile controller for bulk power systems

News Archive, Jan 2001-Dec 2003

Powerstax - Change of Name.

We are pleased to advise that with effect from the 18th May 2005, Advanced Power Conversion PLC has changed its name to: POWERSTAX plc

Please click here for a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name.

All other company details, including bank details are unaffected but please ensure all communications and documents are addressed to Powerstax plc.

Please amend your records accordingly. If you have any questions concerning this change, please contact the Marketing Department at POWERSTAX plc..

POWERSTAX plc offers standard, custom or bespoke solutions from individual power units as a component part of a system to complete AC and DC systems.

Officially launched at the Electronica 2004 exhibition in Munich, Germany, POWERSTAX is the new banner under which all the APC power products will be sold in the future.

The POWERSTAX range demonstrates our capability to build complete power systems using leading edge, high power density AC and/or DC products, intelligent controllers and power distribution panels

POWERSTAX plc - with STACKS OF EXPERIENCE IN POWER you know it is a name you can trust to provide the very best in power solutions.

For further information please contact:
Mark Carter of Powerstax plc
Unit B5, Armstrong Mall, Southwood Business Park, Farnborough, Hants. GU14 ONR.
England Tel. +44(0)1252 407800
Fax: ±44(0)1252 407810
e-mail: mark.carter@powerstaxplc.com

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Powerstax announces new, rapid, high power Custom DC-DC solution range.

Advanced Power Conversion PLC, announces the release of new product to complement its Powerstax custom power range. Units are specifically designed to meet the need of companies seeking to reduce their time-to-market, lessen capital investment and minimise the risk often associated with the outsourcing of their unique power supply requirements.

With prototypes available in just 4 weeks from APC’s own ISO9001 approved design, development and production facility at Farnborough, England the Flexistax D950 is a 950W DC-DC power conversion module developed specifically for applications where standard off-the–shelf solutions do not exisit.

The new Flexistax D950 dc-dc converter range designed for custom applications

This rapid design and delivery time is achieved using a modular approach, centred on the the versatile Powerstax F501 full brick DC-DC converters.

In a highly efficient arrangement, two of APC’s versatile Powerstax F501 full brick DC-DC converters of 500W are coupled with a custom 2 phase boost converter and customer specified connectors. (see fig 1) to present a complete bespoke solution.

The patented high efficiency topology and extremely flexible design of the F501 dc-dc converter modules means that standard items can be easily and quickly optimised for efficiency. This ensures system efficiency of 85% and a much lower level of heat dissipation, which allows the complete open construction unit (measuring 150mm x 100mm with a max height 25mm including connections) for use cold wall mounting with no forced air cooling required.

The new Flexistax D950 has a wide and variable 11 - 36Vdc input and constant output between 12 and 48V. Utilising a simple, custom developed boost converter integrated into the design provides the boost in input voltage when conditions require. The Flexistax D950 is ideal for use in vehicle mounted applications, the telecoms, automotive and industrial markets.

For further information please contact:
Mark Carter of Advanced Power Conversion PLC
Unit B5, Armstrong Mall, Southwood Summit Centre, Farnborough, Hants. GU14 ONR.
England Tel. +44(0)1252 407800
Fax: ±44(0)1252 407810
e-mail: mark.carter@apcuk.com

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Feb 2005 - Sales Team Expansion Continues at APC

Due to the continued sales growth at Advanced Power Conversion PLC of Farnborough, Hants. Hugh Wratten has been appointed to the new role of Sales Channel and Key Account Manager (EMEA).

“Hugh’s appointment has strengthened the sales team and in particular increased our focus on EMEA sales channels. In addition it facilitates a realignment of geographical responsibilities within the team” said Tim Worley, APC’s Chief Executive Officer.

In this role, Hugh brings considerable strategic planning and international sales expertise and will be responsible for developing the optimum sales channels for the Powerstax range of DC-DC, AC-DC Converters and power system solutions.

"APC’s rapid growth, clear business plan and wide product offering impressed me and I look forward to working with my new colleagues at APC” said Hugh Wratten.

Hugh Wratten - Sales Channel and Key Account Manager (EMEA)

Hugh’s extensive experience in the electronics and power industries has been developed over 15 years, most recently as European Sales Manager for Artesyn Technologies and before that in a range of other international roles within Texas Instruments and Unitrode Corp.

High efficiency DC-DC converter for Power-over-Ethernet application

New to the POWERSTAX range from Advanced Power Conversion PLC of Farnborough, England is the H201 series DC-DC converter, specially designed for Power-over-Ethernet applications.

Developed to comply with the IEEE 802.3af standard 2,250VDC isolation, the Powerstax H201 range provides up to 200W of power in an industry standard half-brick package size 61.0mm x 57.9mm x 12.7mm (2.40 x 2.30 x 0.40in).

The H201 series dc-dc converter designed for Power-over-Ethernet applications

Satisfying the low common-mode noise requirement of the IEEE specification, the Powerstax H201 series has an input voltage range of 35V to 75V and provides a precisely regulated 52.5V output. The very high efficiency of up to 92.5% at full load minimises power dissipation and helps simplify thermal management.

Operating on a Fixed Frequency with adjustable output voltage, the open frame module has a comprehensive range of features including Over temperature protection, Input undervoltage lockout and Output overcurrent protection. Other functions incorporate Output Overvoltage Protection and Remote sense & Remote on/off.

An operating temperature range of -40ºC to +85ºC and calculated MTBF of 2 million hours (80% of full load, Tc=40°C) means that the Powerstax H201 modules are ideal for a wide variety of Power-over-Ethernet applications.

Designed to meet UL60950, EN60950 and CE mark requirements the Powerstax H201 represents another leading edge DC-DC converter developed to meet the emerging Power-over-Ethernet market.

Click here to download Outline Product Specification on the H201 Power-over-Ethernet dc-dc converter: H201_from_APC.pdf

Nov 2004 - Bigger, Better & Faster – New ATE for APC

“Tested and approved” was the verdict when leading power supply company Advanced Power Conversion PLC of Farnborough commissioned a new Automated Test Equipment (ATE) station for its growing range of DC-DC Converters.

Handing over to Tim Worley CEO of APC (seen right) is Paul Dixon, Managing Director of Schnaffer Ltd with whom APC worked closely to ensure the new Test Equipment met the rigorous specification required in the development and testing of APCs’ high power density DC-DC converters.

Employing a custom test jig and latest test software the ATE interfaces to digitally controlled power supplies and electronic loads that allow comprehensive and versatile test sequences to be carried out across the whole 500W DC-DC converter range. The speed, flexibility and ease-of-use of the additional ATE make it an essential part of APC’s integrated manufacturing & test process by providing design characterisation, production test, safety test, and environmental test screening.

Paul Dixon, Managing Director of Schnaffer Ltd hands over to Tim Worley CEO of APC new Automatic Test Equipment

Tim Worley stated, “Both the R&D and Production functions based here in Farnborough will gain enormous benefit from the installation of further ATE capacity. It will help shorten the development cycle by providing faster design characterisation and testing of the many new standard and custom DC-DC converter modules, we are developing. It also ensures repeatability and enhances productivity to deliver our goal of 100% customer satisfaction."

Oct 2004 - New Quad Output DC-DC Converter with 5 input voltage ranges.

Advanced Power Conversion PLC introduces the R series DC-DC converter of up to 4 isolated outputs with 5 voltage input ranges to provide an exceptionally versatile and flexible package.

Output voltages from 3.3V right up to 24V are available from the Single, Dual, Triple and Quad variants, which provides an ideal solution for multi voltage requirements where space and flexibility are at a premium.

The R series dc-dc converter with up to Quad output, 5 input voltage ranges and 2 mounting options

Design-In flexibility is further enhanced with a further choice of 5 input voltages ranges. A nominal 12V (9 – 18Vdc), 24V (18 – 36Vdc) and 48V (36 – 75Vdc) plus two additional wide input voltage ranges of 10 – 30Vdc and 20 – 60Vdc.

With the wide variety of standard module variants supplying a maximum 100W, four isolated outputs and a typical efficiency of 84%, the R series offers savings in layout space, design time and inventory. In addition, with the option of either PCB mounting pins or screw & clamp fixing, the time-to-market can be still further reduced.

Measuring 98.9 x 140 x 22.8mm the thermally adept metal cased module has an operating temperature range of –25ºC to +85ºC with free air convection cooling.

A wide range of additional features include UL approval, Reverse Voltage protection and remote enable, plus an optional Trim function which means that the R series from APC provides a versatile, speedy and cost effective solution ideal for Distributed Power Systems, Telecoms, Aerospace, Defence, Industrial and Control applications..

Custom designs are also available.

Click here to download Outline Product Specification on the R series dc-dc converter ranges: R_series_from_APC.pdf

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August 2004 - New 1” x 2” DC-DC Converter with Largest Model Range.

Advanced Power Conversion PLC announces the new DH family of 1”x 2” DC-DC converters. Providing exceptional flexibility, high power density, high efficiency and high reliability the DH range includes over 240 standard models of 25W and 50W in single, dual, triple and quad outputs.

In an industry standard footprint just 25.4 x 50.8mm (1.0” x 2.0”), the 25W model has a 7.62mm (0.30”) profile and provides either single or bipolar output. The 50W model is 11.43mm (0.45”) high and is a dual phase design that achieves very low input reflected ripple current, fast output transient response and low output ripple and noise. Dual and triple output models are dual loop control designs.

The new DH series 1” x2” dc-dc converter

Available in either open-frame or with metal case, versatility is enhanced with three voltage input range options. The 2:1 input voltage ranges include 18-36V and 36-75V, while extra flexibility can be provided with a 4:1 input range from 18-75VDC. Efficiency is typ 88% for the 2:1 input version and typ. 85% for the 4:1 input range. Output voltages range from 1.2V to 80Vdc.

The DH series has an operating PCB temperature range of –40ºC to +105ºC and comprehensive protection features to safeguard both the power converter and the load. These include output over-voltage protection, over-current protection, hiccup mode indefinite short circuit protection, under-voltage lockout and over-temperature protection.

Operating at a frequency of 300KHz, the DH series features low output noise, very tight line and load regulation and high efficiency. No external capacitor is required for normal operation and an Output trim pin is standard. Sense pins are provided on low output voltage models for line drop compensation.

Offering extensive functionality, a wide range of features and additional options, the DH series supplies a market leading selection of 1” x 2” dc-dc converters that are ideal for Distributed Power Systems, Telecoms, Aerospace, Defence, Industrial and Control applications. Custom designs are also available.

Click here to download Outline Product Specification on the APC DH series dc-dc converter ranges: DH_series_Outline_specs.pdf

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June 2004 - New Isolated SIP8 DC-DC Converter range.

Advanced Power Conversion PLC of Farnborough, England announces another new addition to its power product range with the introduction of the APC-PD series of isolated SIP8 type DC-DC converters.

The APC-PD6NG and APC-PD10NG series of high performance isolated DC-DC converters packaged in a single-in-line footprint provides regulated 1 and 2 Watt output power in an industry standard SIP8 package with a wide input range (2:1).

APC-PD series - the new SIP8 dc-dc converter from Advanced Power Converison

Providing maximum design flexibility, the versatile single and dual output modules can be supplied in four input voltage ranges of 4.5V–9V, 9–18V, 18–36V and 36–72V. Available with standard output voltage options of: 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15 and 24V DC custom parts are available upon request.

The APC-PD series features continuous auto restart short circuit protection, I/O isolation of 1,000VDC and efficiency typ 80%. Together with the very compact SIP packaging (21.80 x 9.20 x 11.10mm) supplied in non-conductive black plastic and wide working temperature range of -40°C to +80°C.the APC-PD series delivers high levels of functionality and performance for distributed power, local voltage conversion and all point-of-load applications

The APC-PD6NG and APC-PD10NG family of low power, isolated DC-DC converters have been designed to provide a cost effective solution for space sensitive applications and are an ideal choice for telecom, datacom, industrial and mobile battery powered equipment.

Click here for more information on the APC SIP8 dc-dc converter ranges: APC Miniature & PoL converters

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May 2004 - New DIP24 DC-DC Converter range from Advanced Power Conversion

Advanced Power Conversion announces a further enhancement to its broad range of DC-DC converters with the new APC-PEN series.

Providing 2.5 W to 6 W of output power in a low profile DIP24 case, the range offers a working temperature between – 40°C and + 85°C without derating.

Offered in single or dual output versions, inputs include: 9-18, 18-36, and 36-72 V DC wide input 2:1. For applications requiring a very wide operating voltage range wide input 4:1 versions are available with 9-36 and 18-72 VDC.

A very compact and versatile package the APC-PEN series is similar to the APC-TG range but modified to match industry common pinning. The converters can be supplied in either non conductive black plastic or Nickel Coated Copper and efficiency is up to 81%.

The APC-PEN series DIP24 DC-DC converter.

Additional features of the range include six sided shielding, isolation of 1500 VDC and the modules are short circuit protected with continuous, automatic restart. Outputs options include: 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15 and 18 V DC single outputs as well as dual outputs with : +/- 3.3, 5, 9, 12, 15 and 18 V.

Available now, the APC-PEN series is designed for any space sensitive applications and is an ideal choice for telecom, datacom, industrial and mobile battery powered equipment.

Click here for more information on the APC DIP24 dc-dc converter ranges: APC Miniature & PoL converters

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February 2004 - New UK Regional Sales Partner for Advanced Power Conversion

Advanced Power Conversion announces the appointment of Gresham Power Electronics as their latest Sales Channel Partner.

Gresham will be able to offer the complete range of APC’s ultra-high efficiency full brick DC-DC converters, AC-DC power supplies, DC-DC bulk power supply, Configurable Multi-slot SMPS, Value Added and Complete Custom Power Solutions through their established sales network.

Gresham has been in the power conversion business and distribution for some 50 years and specialises in “off the shelf custom” power supplies and has it’s own ISO certified manufacturing facility in Salisbury. It has a great deal of experience of supplying non-standard solutions at commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) prices.

Tim Worley, CEO of APC (left) welcomes Mr Jake Moir, MD of Gresham Power as a new APC Sales Channel Partner.

“We believe that Gresham’s strength in industrial markets will bring major benefits to a much broader range of end users” says Tim Worley, CEO of APC “their long history and great experience will really add to our sales channels”.

Jake Moir, Managing Director of Gresham comments, “the wide range and flexibility of APC’s products are a great fit alongside our existing highly configurable power supplies. Our sales and engineering teams will readily be able to exploit APC’s unique features to help our customers”

APC’s full product range is now available from Gresham and full engineering support is available for customer specific applications.

Click here to go to the Gresham Power web site : Gresham Power

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January 2004 - APC announce new Ultra-low profile controller for bulk power systems

APC announces the introduction of the APC-SCM-R, a new 1U high 19” rack mount unit to control and monitor the Powerstax® range of ultra low profile APC-R3000, APC-R2400 & APC-R2250 AC-DC power systems.

APC-SCM-R controller

The APC-SCM-R has been specifically designed to suit a wide range of applications, to be easy to install and operate and to provide Real Time Monitoring and Control of up to 12 individual hot-swap power modules that used in parallel can supply a maximum 12,000Watts (eg: 4 x APC-R3000 shelves each fitted with 3 x APC-A1000 cartridges)

Using industry standard I²C serial bus interface, the APC-SRM-R digital controller allows the operator to select each individual power module and adjust the voltage over the output ranges of 23-29VDC or 46-58VDC in minimum 100mV steps.

Extremely compact with an ultra low 1U high profile, the APC-SCM-R measures just 482.6 wide (19”rack mount) x 43.56mm high and 84.29mm total depth. The easy-to-use unit gives simple module selection and voltage adjustment by front panel mounted rocker switches, while bright front panel LED displays provide the operator with a clear indication of module address and voltage plus the output current of the module being read.

Other features include automatic compensation for battery temperature while the status of other system-critical operating parameters can be taken directly from the power module rack.

The APC-SCM-R is easy to install with a 25 way D plug connection between the controller and back of the power shelf and is powered from the BUS voltage of the system thus dispensing with the need for an external power source.

Ideal for applications that are powered from a battery, ac-dc input, load sharing and low-voltage backup power systems, the APC-SRM-R can be used in a wide range of industries, such as telecoms, datacomms and industrial control.

APC-SCM-R controller (top) in 19" rack with 1U power shelves, distribution & battery back-up

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