RDE20 and RDF25 Series DC/DC Converters

XP Power has introduced two series of wide input range, cost-effective, high-power density DC/DC converters for railway traction and rolling stock applications.

The DC/DC converters’ wide input ranges reduce inventory requirements and enable them to be used across a wide range of applications. The 20 W rated RDE20 series features a 4:1 input range covering 24 V_DC, 37.5 V_DC, and 48 V_DC nominal on the 13 V_DC to 70 V_DC input versions and 72 V_DC and 110 V_DC nominal on the 42 V_DC to 176 V_DC versions. The 25 W rated RDF25 series converters boast an ultra-wide 10:1 input range of 16 V_DC to 160 V_DC covering all nominal inputs from 24 V_DC to 110 V_DC with one device.

Certified to EN50155 and EN50121-3-2, the converters carry the all-important safety approvals and EMC requirements for railway applications. Further, they meet the relevant fire protection standards of EN45545-2. Using a small number of external filtering components, these XP Power devices offer a very high power density compared to other products that meet these industry standards. This high power density makes them eminently suitable for space-constrained applications, particularly the RDE20 that boasts a tiny 1-inch by 1-inch footprint package size.

The converters' high efficiency means a reduced requirement for cooling, and their remote on/off facility enables simple, reduced power consumption in the off condition. Providing protection for the device and the host equipment, the RDE20 and RDF25 converters offer output short circuit, overload, and overvoltage protection, while their 3 kV input/output isolation safely isolates equipment from the supply. Both series operate in an ambient temperature range of -40°C to +100°C and provide full power output at +55°C.

Specific train-borne applications in traction and rolling stock include door control, safety monitors, communication systems, video surveillance, access and ticketing machines, drive controls, power controls, information systems, lighting, passenger device-charging USB ports, HVAC systems, sanitation control, infotainment, system monitoring, and telemetry. Their construction also makes them suitable for applications in rugged environments.

Factors driving the demand for this type of device are the increased demand for on-board electronics systems to provide control, safety, security, and comfort for passengers when traveling on public transport.