Power Integrations MinE-CAP™ bulk capacitor IC for AC/DC converters

The MinE-CAP™ IC is for high power density, universal input AC-DC converters. It is a game-changer for compact chargers and adapters. By halving the size of the high-voltage bulk electrolytic capacitors required in offline power supplies, this new type of IC enables a reduction in adapter size of up to 40%. This IC allows the designer to use predominantly low voltage rated capacitors for a large portion of the energy storage, which shrinks the volume of those components.  The MinE-CAP device also dramatically reduces in-rush current making NTC thermistors unnecessary, increasing system efficiency and reducing heat dissipation.

Key features

• Reduces volume of AC-DC converters by up to 40%
• Reduces the input bulk capacitor size by up to 50%
• Reduces in-rush current by up to 95%
• Eliminates NTC thermistors and associated losses

Additional features

• Significantly reduces i2t stress on the input bridge rectifier and fuse
• Partners with the InnoSwitch™ IC family for lowest component count ultra-compact AC/DC converters
• Over-temperature and input surge protection
• Pin open-circuit and short-circuit and line undervoltage and overvoltage fault reporting
• Miniature MinSOP-16A package

Applications

• Smart mobile chargers and adapters,
• Appliances, power tools, and smart lighting controls

Additional Info

What can you do to reduce power supply size other than increasing the switching frequency? Power Integrations' new MinE-CAP IC reduces the in-rush current by 95% and electrolytic capacitor size by 50%. The result? MinE-CAP can reduce the size of AC-DC chargers by up to 40% while increasing system efficiency. Learn more in this design example report for a 65 W USB PD 3.0 charger with PPS - https://ac-dc.power.com/der-626.