Artificial intelligence and advanced edge-based analytics have led to a permanent increase in the compute demands placed on edge devices. With the TXO 300 series, Traco Power provides a line of AC/DC power supplies intended for systems drawing up to 300 Watts of power.

When it comes to deploying AC/DC power supplies, buying is almost always superior to building. The last few years have seen a significant increase in the amount of legislation applied to this kind of device---getting in-house designs certified can be a more than interesting challenge.

For the TXO 300 series, Traco Power complies with a wide array of standards. These standards are not only protection and pollution-related but also cover emissions and emission immunity.

Flexible Selection of Output Voltages

While the TXO 300 family provides 300 W of output power, four different SKUs permit the circuit designer to select the output voltage best suited to the task at hand. The SKU TXO 300-112-J yields a power supply with an output voltage of 12 V DC, while the SKU TXO 300-148-J yields 48 V DC. The intermediary SKUs TXO 300-115-J and TXO 300-124-J provide for 15 or, respectively, 24 V of DC voltage.

All power supplies are qualified at an efficiency of 88%, so forced air cooling is not necessarily required. The table below informs about the maximum output currents with convection and active cooling.

Regarding power supply, the TXO series covers an operating temperature range of -20 to +70 °C.

Advanced Functions for Effective Management

Managing 300 W of power recommends using a Kelvin connection (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAmc1_PtYAs for an explanation video). In the case of the TXO 300, the connector layout of the power supply is shown in the figure.

CN1 and CN2 are responsible for power input and output. The output uses a Molex connector with four paralleled wires, thereby limiting the amount of ohmic losses between the power supply and the device supplied.

In addition, an auxiliary connector is provided with various additional features. It can control the fan and allows for a Kelvin sense connection, which can compensate for ohmic losses seen on the way between the power supply and consumer.

Finally, a power-good output signal is provided, which allows the application logic to power on only after the switch-mode power supply has finished its start-up procedure.

As for actually connecting, connectors can be purchased easily. If a pre-crimped cable is desirable, Traco Power provides three SKUs. The SKU TCI-AC1 is responsible for the alternating current input, while the SKUs TXO 300-AUX and TXO 300-DC handle the voltage output or auxiliary signals.

Conclusion

An ever-increasing demand for power classifies both test equipment and edge computing. With the TXO 300 series, Traco Power provides a highly reliable, well-certified, and affordable candidate for the AC/DC power supply role. Thanks to the wide range of certifications, its total cost of ownership will be far superior to that of the home-designed power supply. In short, it is a component that deserves the highest of recommendations.