TDK’s series of μPOL DC/DC converters are an easy-to-use, highly compact, fully integrated power solution for embedded devices that require the highest levels of power density. Starting at 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.5 mm with 15 W power output, these Point-Of-Load (POL) converters feature a chip-embedded power IC, with integrated PWM controller, MOSFETs, inductor, and capacitors. These devices can be used to power CPUs, MCUs, ASICs, FPGAs, DSP, and other devices in applications with limited board space, such as AIoT nodes, AI-enabled sensing modules, telecoms devices, and storage devices.
They are also suitable for use in industrial applications thanks to an operating temperature from -40°C to +125°C. The μPOL devices are built using a thermally enhanced package that allows for direct heatsinking to the PCB and chassis from the middle of the device.
To further support compact integration, the μPOL devices function with minimal external components and requires 1/3 the board space when compared to discrete power solutions. Built-in protection features include soft-start protection, over-voltage protection, thermally compensated over-current protection with hiccup mode, and thermal shut-down with auto-recovery.
TDK offers μPOL devices with the following input/output specifications:
| Device | Output current (A) | Input voltage (V) | Output voltage (V) | Power (W) |
| FS1403 | 3 | 8-16 | 3.3, 5.0 | 15 |
| FS1404 | 4 | 6-16 | 2.5, 3.3 | 15 |
| FS1406 | 6 | 4.5-16 | 0.6-2.5 | 15 |
| FS1409 | 9 | 4.5-16 | 0.6-1.8 | 20 |
| FS1412 | 12 | 4.5-16 | 0.6-1.8 | 25 |
The FS1403, FS1404, and FS1406 are available in a 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.5 mm package, and the FS1409 and FS1412 are available in a 4.9 x 5.8 x 1.6 mm package, all suitable for automated assembly processes. For more information, an example datasheet for the FS1412 device can be found here; this μPOL exhibits >1000 A/in3 current density in the industry’s smallest footprint and enables a complete DC/DC power solution within 12.7 x 8.38 mm board space.
TDK produces evaluation boards for each of their μPOL devices so that engineers can quickly test the performance before use in their application. Taking the FS1412 device’s evaluation board as an example – click here for the user guide – the board is 61 x 89 x 1.6 mm and configured for a single input supply of 12 V for an output at +1 V at 0-12 A using a 1 MHz switching frequency.
If you have a commercial project where you would like to put TDK’s μPOL to use, fill in the form below, and ipXchange will put you in touch to facilitate evaluation. Specifying your preferred μPOL model is not required but may help in qualifying your system requirements at the start of the consultation process.
