The global electronics industry has been longing for a breakthrough technology that can address many of the critical design challenges associated with developing a power supply. Any new technology that promises to revolutionise how we think about power electronics will undoubtedly raise questions, suspicion, or even criticism.

As such, we’ve answered many of the questions raised by engineers from around the world to provide as much information as possible about our innovative, world leading, and patented power electronics technology.

Our FAQ’s have been categorised as follows:

  • About Pulsiv OSMIUM technology - General

  • About developing a front-end design with Pulsiv OSMIUM technology

  • About developing the DC-DC stage for a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design

  • About Pulsiv OSMIUM products (IC’s, Eval Boards & Modules)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology - General

This section answers general questions for those new to Pulsiv OSMIUM technology.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology is currently supported by a growing suite of more than 87 patents. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pulsiv OSMIUM technology was developed in Plymouth, UK at what is now the Pulsiv R&D hub.

  • Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM technology supports an input voltage range of 90 - 265VAC.

  • Currently, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used in power supply designs up to 250W with higher power levels under development.

  • The PFC stage only processes 1/3 of the power. As such, this impact the size of all PFC power components (Inductor, Switch, Diode).

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Pulsiv OSMIUM technology delivers a Power Factor of between 0.93 - 0.98.

  • Yes

  • 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. 

Developing a front-end design with Pulsiv OSMIUM technology

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about designing the front-end of an AC-DC power supply with Pulsiv OSMIUM technology.

  • Yes. When designed accordingly, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used with a limited input voltage range. If required, please contact us for technical support

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Yes

  • Yes

  • Yes. GaN and SiC devices compliment any Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design.

  • While Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be used in designs from just 1W, our recommendation is from 20W and above.

  • 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. 

Developing the DC-DC stage for a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about designing the DC-DC stage of an AC-DC power supply using a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end.

  • Pulsiv OSMIUM technology provides an input voltage range to the DC-DC stage of between 100V - 320VDC.

  • Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can be paired with industry standard DC-DC converters including Flybacks, Forward Converters, & Asymmetric Half Bridge solutions.

  • Yes. Our full AC to DC reference designs provide the entire design of the DC-DC stage.

  • 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.

  • Yes. When using Pulsiv OSMIUM technology and a carefully designed Flyback at 250W, the line current harmonics will pass.

  • 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. 

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

  • Yes. GaN and SiC devices compliment any DC-DC stage used with a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design. 

Pulsiv OSMIUM products

Here you’ll find answers to common questions Pulsiv OSMIUM products including Microcontrollers, Evaluation Boards, and Fully Assembled Modules.

  • Pulsiv OSMIUM products can be purchased through a global network of franchised and stocking distribution partners.

  • Yes

  • Yes. If you require a custom design for your application, please contact us to discuss your project in more detail. 

  • Yes. We can provide a license to use Pulsiv OSMIUM technology in your own microcontroller subject to an MOQ of 500,000pcs.

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

  • Yes. Pulsiv OSMIUM products can be purchased in small volumes through a global network of franchised and stocking distribution partners.

  • No. There is no MOQ for purchasing Pulsiv OSMIUM products. 

  • Yes. For certain products, we offer fully assembled modules.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Currently, our products are listed with Digikey & Farnell. We plan to add other stocking distributors in the future. 

  • Currently, the Pulsiv OSMIUM microcontroller can support designs up to 250W.

Can’t find the answer to a question?

No problem - just contact us. We’re happy to help via email, phone, Teams/Zoom meeting, or we can visit your location.