The latest results of the power module games are here and the winner of the Efficiency Testing Round was Analog Devices LTM4681Y !

DC-DC voltage converters are not capable of achieving 100% efficiency, as they inevitably generate losses, particularly in the form of heat, during the process of voltage regulation. In order to mitigate these losses, manufacturers employ MOSFETs, which help minimize switching losses, conduction losses, and reverse recovery losses. Additionally, manufacturers optimize the design of the inductor to reduce both DC and AC losses.

Power modules with higher efficiency tend to run cooler compared to those with lower efficiency.

In the efficiency round of the power module games, we found that Analog Devices LTM4681Y on test board DC2924A-A output channel 1 was the most efficient over an output load of 1-30A.

Method:

Example of High Efficiency: 

Example of Low Efficiency:

About the Power Module Games:

This summer, ProGrAnalog are hosting the Power Module Games where 5 DC-DC power module evaluation boards are competing for the chance to be crowned champion of the power modules. If you would like to take part in the competition, click here to predict your overall champion and make sure to follow us on Linkedin for the latest ProGrAnalog news and power module games updates!

The five DC-DC power modules used were Analog Devices LTM4681, Infineon IRDC28063, MaxLinear MxL 7225, Monolithic Power Systems MPM3690-30A & Texas Instruments LMZ31530 tested with the Loadslammer Pro 1000 RS. ProGrAnalog as competition sponsor, takes an impartial stance in presenting the results. The Power Module Games is intended to stimulate discussions within the engineering community and provides a forum for power testing best practices See competition terms & conditions.