Q. Is this basically a buck converter?
A. Whilst it may look like a buck converter, it’s not. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology is based on a valley fill architecture which uses an intelligent active converter to charge a capacitor.

Q. What architecture is Pulsiv OSMIUM based on?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology is based on a valley fill architecture which uses an intelligent active converter to charge a capacitor.

Q. How can Pulsiv OSMIUM eliminate inrush current?
A. In a design using Pulsiv OSMIUM technology, the switch is located inline between the input and bulk capacitor. A Pulsiv OSMIUM microcontroller determines when it’s turned on while also controlling the charging of the capacitor. As a result, when the switch is off (default), the current is zero and therefore, no inrush current exists.

Q. Is Pulsiv OSMIUM technology patented?
A. Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology is currently supported by a growing suite of more than xx patents. 

Q. Who designed Pulsiv OSMIUM technology?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology was invented by Dr Zaki Ahmed, a former professor at The University of Plymouth and author of more than 86 peer-reviewed publications. His research and innovation has focused on improving the way electrical power is converted and continues to underpin Pulsiv’s technology roadmap. He has also developed complex numerical methods and algorithms that deliver unparalleled system performance in the most economical way.

Q. How can I get technical support for developing a design using Pulsiv OSMIUM technology?
A. To get expert technical support, please contact us diectly. Our team is happy to help via email, phone, Teams/Zoom meeting, or we can visit your location.

Q. Where was Pulsiv OSMIUM technology developed?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology was developed in Plymouth, UK at what is now the Pulsiv R&D hub. 

Q. Does Pulsiv OSMIUM technology support universal mains input?
A. Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology supports an input voltage range of 90 - 265VAC.

Q. What power levels can Pulsiv OSMIUM technology offer?
A. Currently, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used in power supply designs up to 250W with higher power levels under development. 

Q. How can Pulsiv OSMIUM technology reduce component sizes?
A. The PFC stage only processes 1/3 of the power. As such, this impact the size of all PFC power components (Inductor, Switch, Diode).

Q. Do you offer a license agreement for your technology?
A. Yes. For high volume applications (over a minimum of 500,000pcs per year), we can provide a license agreement to help reduce the total cost of ownership in using Pulsiv OSMIUM technology within your design. For a more detailed discussion, please contact us. 

Q. Why does Pulsiv OSMIUM technology only require 160V or 200V rated capacitors?
A. The bulk capacitors are charged by an intelligent active step-down converter which charges to a maximum of 150V or 190V which is pin selectable. 

Q. Can I use 200V rated Dry Polymer capacitors in a Pulsiv OSMIUM design?
A. Yes. Due to the lower HVDC that is generated by Pulsiv OSMIUM technology, the bulk capacitor only needs to be rated at 160V or 200V which reduces size, weight, and cost compared to 400V required in a Boost PFC design.

Q. What level of Power Factor does Pulsiv OSMIUM technology achieve?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology delivers a Power Factor of between 0.93 - 0.98.

Q. Can I still pass regulations if I use Pulsiv OSMIUM technology?
A. Yes

Q. How is it possible that Pulsiv OSMIUM only needs to process 1/3 of the power?
A. P OSMIUM is an optimised power factor correction technology which doesn't produce a perfect sinusoidal current. It only processes enough power to meet line current regulations. 

Q. Can a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design support a limited input voltage range?
A. Yes. When designed accordingly, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used with a limited input voltage range. If required, please contact us for technical support. 

Q. Can a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design support a higher input voltage of 400V?
A. Yes. When designed accordingly, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used with an input voltage range of 400V. If required, please contact us for technical support. 

Q. Does a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design require any special/custom components?
A. No. All external components (in addition to the Pulsiv OSMIUM microcontroller) used in the design of a power supply are completely standard enabling complete design flexibility if certain component manufacturers are preferred. 

Q. Do you offer a front-end only reference design?
A. Yes.

Q. Do you offer a front-end only evaluation board?
A. Yes.

Q. Can I use GaN or SiC devices in a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design?
A. Yes. GaN and SiC devices compliment any Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design. 

Q. What is the lowest power level I can use in a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design?
A. While Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used in designs from just 1W, our recommendation is from 20W and above. 

Q. How is it possible that Pulsiv OSMIUM only needs to process 1/3 of the power?
A. P OSMIUM is an optimised power factor correction technology which doesn't produce a perfect sinusoidal current. It only processes enough power to meet line current regulations. 

Q. What input voltage does Pulsiv OSMIUM provide to the DC-DC stage?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology provides an input voltage range to the DC-DC stage of between 100V - 320VDC. 

Q. Which DC-DC converters can be used with Pulsiv OSMIUM technology?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be paired with industry standard DC-DC converters including Flybacks, Forward Converters, & Asymmetric Half Bridge solutions.

Q. Do you offer DC-DC converter reference designs?
A. Yes. Our full AC to DC reference designs provide the entire design of the DC-DC stage. 

Q. Can I use Pulsiv OSMIUM technology with my existing DC-DC converter design?
A. Yes. If the input voltage to your DC-DC converter is between 100V and 320VDC, you can use any existing design with Pulsiv OSMIUM technology.

Q. If I use Pulsiv OSMIUM + a Flyback at 250W, will it still pass line current harmonics?
A. Yes. When using Pulsiv OSMIUM technology and a carefully designed Flyback at 250W, the line current harmonics will pass. 

Q. Can I change any of the suggested components in a Pulsiv OSMIUM reference design?
A. Yes. All external components in any Pulsiv OSMIUM reference design can be switched out with alternative/preferred component manufacturers. We recommend testing any alternative component to ensure it meets the required specification of the design. 

Q. Which applications can Pulsiv OSMIUM be used in?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used in an unlimited range of applications at power levels of up to 250W. (Higher power levels under development). 

Q. Can I use GaN or SiC devices in the DC-DC stage of a Pulsiv OSMIUM design?
A. Yes. GaN and SiC devices compliment any DC-DC stage used with a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design. 

Q. Where can I buy Pulsiv OSMIUM products?
A. Pulsiv OSMIUM products can be purchased through a global network of franchised and stocking distribution partners.

Q. Do you offer evaluation boards?
A. Yes

Q. Do you offer custom designed solutions based on your technology?
A. Yes. If you require a custom design for your application, please contact us to discuss your project in more detail. 

Q. Can I use Pulsiv OSMIUM technology in my own microcontroller?
A. Yes. We can provide a license to use Pulsiv OSMIUM technology in your own microcontroller subject to an MOQ of 500,000pcs. 

Q. Do your products pass EMC?
A. Yes. Where required, our products have been designed and tested to pass EMC regulations. Please refer to the relevant datasheet for more details. 

Q. Can I buy your products in small volumes and/or through a local distributor?
A. Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM products can be purchased in small volumes through a global network of franchised and stocking distribution partners.

Q. Is there any MOQ on your products?
A. No. There is no MOQ for purchasing Pulsiv OSMIUM products. 

Q. Do you offer fully assembled power supplies?
A. Yes. For certain products, we offer fully assembled modules.

Q. Are your products in stock?
A. Yes. We try to ensure stock of all Pulsiv OSMIUM products are held with global stocking distributors. To find a stocking distributor, please visit the relevant Pulsiv OSMIUM product page, all of which show which distributors hold stock and their current inventory levels. 

Q. Are your products available in Digikey, Mouser, RS, or Farnell? 
A. Yes. Currently, our products are listed with Digikey & Farnell. We plan to add other stocking distributors in the future. 

Q. What is the highest power product you can offer? 
A. Currently, the Pulsiv OSMIUM micrcontroller can support designs up to 250W.