POWER SUPPLY SOLUTIONS
Rapid POLA DC/DC Converter Selection 
Arrow and Astec offer cross-reference resource to identify optimum POLA solution

Increased use of Intermediate Bus Architectures (IBAs) means a growing number of engineers are faced with the challenge of selecting Point-of-Load (PoL) DC/DC converters to deliver power to DSPs, FPGAs and other sophisticated on-board devices. Now, through Arrow’s relationship with POLA member Astec Power, these engineers have a route to rapidly selecting the most appropriate POLA-compliant product for their application.



The Point-Of-Load Alliance (POLA) was established to promote compatible, advanced, non-isolated Point-of-Load (PoL) plug-in power modules that provide customers with the same functionality, form factor and electrical interoperability independent of supplier. Astec was a founder member of the Alliance, which was formed in 2003, and since then has released a wide range of products that are fully POLA-compliant. These products allow engineers to rapidly implement efficient PoL solutions, while ensuring interoperability with products from other suppliers, and providing the peace of mind that there is an effective route for second sourcing.

POLA Converter Selection Resource

There are a number of factors that the engineer must consider when selecting the best POLA device for powering the latest DSPs, FPGAs and other low-voltage, high-current processors and memory. From an electrical perspective, for example, key consideration must be given to:

  • The on-board bus voltage
  • The device input voltage
  • The device core voltage
  • The device I/O voltage
  • The number of chips to be powered by one POLA device

Attention will also need to be paid to physical issues such as form factor, mounting style and footprint, and to the operating efficiency of the device. The degree of on board functionality – for instance the ability to automatically sequence converter startup and shutdown in conjunction with other PoL devices or an external voltage reference - should also be taken into account.

To speed application design by helping engineers choose the most appropriate POLA converter for their application, Astec’s engineers have developed an internal cross-reference database that matches the company’s products to the power requirements of DSPs and FPGAs from all leading manufacturers.

And this resource is now available through Arrow – all the engineer has to do is provide details of the specific design requirements and Arrow’s power supply specialists will rapidly identify a selection of POLA-compliant products from Astec that provide the optimum DC/DC conversion solution.

Astec POLA Converters

Astec Power’s ATH series of industry standard, non-isolated POLA converters are high efficiency devices offering:

  • Input/output voltage options:
    • 3.0V – 3.6V/0.8V – 2.5V
    • 4.5V – 5.5V/0.8V – 3.6V
    • 10.8V – 13.2V/1.2V – 5.5V
  • Output currents:
    • 6A, 8A, 10A, 15A, 18A, 22A, 30A
  • Efficiencies to 95%
  • PWM design for consistent performance under all conditions
  • Surface mount and through-hole options

The devices provide AutoTrack™ sequencing technology that enables the non-isolated power modules to track each other, or any external control voltage. By using AutoTrack, engineers can configure systems to allow multiple modules to be powered up and down in sequence without the need for additional, external circuitry.



For further information, including a copy of the Astec DC/DC Converter Brochure, or to request Samples or find out more about the POLA Converter Selection Resource, please click here