MagI³C-VDLM Series Expands with 4 A and 5 A Output DC/DC Power Modules
New variable step-down power modules from Würth Elektronik offer higher output currents in a compact LGA-26 package.
Würth Elektronik released two new variable step-down converters in its MagI³C-VDLM power module series. These new offerings are designed to deliver higher output currents of 4 A and 5 A. This release targets the growing demand for compact, high-performance DC/DC converters in a variety of electronic systems.
The MagI³C-VDLM power module family has been expanded with two LGA-26 SMDs offering output currents of 4 A and 5 A, respectively. Image used courtesy of Würth Elektronik.
The new modules, available in a space-saving LGA-26 package measuring 11 x 6 x 3 mm, are designed for input voltages ranging from 4 V to 36 V and provide a variable output voltage from 1 V to 6 V. A key feature of the MagI³C-VDLM series is the high level of integration. The modules encapsulate the essential components of a DC/DC power supply, including the switching regulator with integrated MOSFETs, a controller, compensation circuitry, and a shielded inductor, into a single, compact package. This integration simplifies board layout and reduces the external component count for engineers, which is a common advantage of power modules over discrete solutions.
High Load Efficiency Design
A significant technical aspect of these new modules is their ability to maintain high efficiency across a wide range of loads. The modules achieve this by automatically transitioning between operating modes, a process often referred to as PFM/PWM transition. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is typically used for higher loads to maintain a fixed switching frequency and deliver stable power. In contrast, pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) is a power-saving mode activated at light loads to reduce switching losses by decreasing the switching frequency, which helps to minimize overall power consumption. This intelligent mode switching contributes to a peak efficiency of up to 96%.
Diversity of Applications
The increased current capabilities of the new modules make them suitable for a range of demanding applications. Target use cases include point-of-load (PoL) DC/DC converters and power supplies for industrial, medical, and test and measurement equipment. The high-current outputs are also well-suited for powering digital signal processors, field-programmable gate arrays, microcontrollers, and microprocessors in complex systems.
MagI³C-VDLM power modules can be applied to demanding medical applications. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Beyond efficiency, the MagI³C-VDLM modules also focus on electromagnetic compatibility and signal integrity. The integrated, shielded inductor is critical for reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the modules are rated to comply with the EN55032 Class B / CISPR-32 standards. The compact, integrated design minimizes trace lengths and parasitic effects, which are common sources of EMI in discrete designs.
For applications that require precise timing, the modules include a sync function, allowing them to be synchronized to an external clock frequency. This is particularly useful in systems where multiple converters need to operate in a coordinated manner to avoid beat frequencies or interference with sensitive analog circuits.
The Future of Integrated Modules
The expansion of the MagI³C-VDLM series with higher-current options underscores the ongoing trend toward integrated power solutions that balance performance, efficiency, and size. As electronic systems become more complex and power-hungry, these integrated modules offer a streamlined approach to power-supply design, reducing development time and simplifying the overall bill of materials.
