Discover the future of Power Conversion with

Solving critical challenges in AC-DC power supply design

INTRODUCTION

Pulsiv OSMIUM is a new power conversion technology designed to address many of the critical challenges in AC-DC power-supply design. By combining patented switching techniques with intelligent control algorithms, Pulsiv OSMIUM uses Partial Power Conversion (PPC) to:

  • Increase efficiency across all operating conditions

  • Extend product lifetime and improve reliability

  • Enable a more compact form factor

  • Exceed the latest power electronics regulatory requirements

Suitable for virtually any mains-powered application up to 250W, Pulsiv OSMIUM seamlessly integrates with Flyback, Forward, and Asymmetric Half-Bridge converters. It works effortlessly with the latest GaN and SiC devices, using industry-standard external components to simplify design, cut costs, and accelerate time-to-market.

This is power electronics engineered for the future.

WHAT IS PULSIV OSMIUM TECHNOLOGY?

KEY FEATURES

  • 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.

  • This unique feature enables 66% of the energy to bypass the PFC stage directly into the DC-DC converter at 100% efficiency resulting in:

    • A Flat Efficiency Profile

    • Lower Thermal Management

    • Reduced I²R losses

    • Increased Power Density

    • Smaller Component Size/Values

    • Improved Cost

  • Description text goes here
  • Item description
  • Compared to all other designs requiring 400V, the high voltage DC generated by Pulsiv OSMIUM technology is rated at 160 or 200V maximum. This enables the option to replace the wet electrolytic capacitors with a long life dry polymer alternative.

SYSTEM DESIGN BENEFITS

  • Bridge cooler - critical reliability MIL-HDBK-217F (6-1 power rectifier)

  • Easier HAB integration - better for efficiency (at low line)

  • Improved Flyback design - optimises balance between switching & copper losses. (Lower step down ratio) (EMC)

  • Compliance with 61000-3-2 made simpler with minimal line filtering

  • No inrush means less component degredation, less circuitry, less components, easier product installation, no tripping, longer shelf life (caps)

  • Use dry polymer caps for longer life

  • flat efficiency profile helps meet 4-point average

  • Lower line currents - lower rated fuse lower rated filtering components

  • Variable loads (OSMIUM + Flyback) responds to transient loads rapidly

  • 1/3 power means power components (Current limiting Inductor, power switch) for PFC means smaller, cheaper lighter.

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology has taken the concept of the valley fill method and reinvented it by applying intelligent algorithms to deliver an “Active Valley Fill” solution. Whilst similar to a buck converter, it differs by regulating the charging current and valley voltage to charge a storage capacitor combined with a high-side or low side architecture.

This new and patented approach unlocks a combination of features and benefits that address many of the critical design challenges in power electronics circuits. 

INTEGRATING PULSIV OSMIUM TECHNOLOGY

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology redefines what’s possible in power electronics. With a breakthrough combination of features and benefits that solve critical challenges in power supply design, it marks the most transformative leap forward the industry has seen in over half a century — setting new standards for efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

1W - 40W DESIGNS

DISCOVER A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF BENEFITS

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology redefines what’s possible in power electronics. With a breakthrough combination of features and benefits that solve critical challenges in power supply design, it marks the most transformative leap forward the industry has seen in over half a century — setting new standards for efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

INCREASE LOW
POWER EFFICIENCY

Reduces energy waste when operating at low powers or in standby mode and helps to
increase the overall 4-point
average efficiency

LOWER OPERATING TEMPERATURES

Extends component lifetime - preventing system failures while enabling a more efficient and compact design to be developed.

REDUCE LINE CURRENTS

Extends component lifetime - preventing system failures while enabling a more efficient and compact design to be developed.

ELIMINATE
INRUSH CURRENT

Removes the need for any inrush
current limiting components or additional complex circuitry and prevents inconvenient tripping
of fuse boxes

DETECT GRID FAILURES ULTRA-FAST

Protects equipment by enabling
UPS back ups to safely take over while preventing data loss, and improving overall system stability

PROCESS 33%
LESS POWER

Enables 66% of the energy to
bypass the PFC stage directly into the DC-DC converter - improving efficiency, thermal management,
I²R losses, power density, and cost

EXTEND FLYBACKS
TO 250W

Improves design complexity and replaces more expensive LLC’s
while helping to reduce size,
weight, and cost

ELIMINATE INPUT VOLTAGE DERATING

Enables full power to be delivered over the entire universal input voltage range - simplifying the design and improving reliability in regions with unstable grids.

INTEGRATE A
HALF-ACTIVE BRIDGE

Enables full power to be delivered over the entire universal input voltage range - simplifying the design and improving reliability in regions with unstable grids.

UPGRADE TO DRY POLYMER CAPS

Eliminates the risk of traditional
wet electrolytic capacitors
drying out and causing product failures while extending reliability
to 25 years

EXCEED
REGULATIONS

Simplifies the design process, reduces development time/cost,
and helps to ensure compliance
with global energy regulations
such as EcoDesign

LICENSE THE TECHNOLOGY

Simplifies design time and cost
to ensure compliance with global energy regulations such as EcoDesign

THE INVENTION THAT
REDEFINES
INNOVATION

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology applies intelligence to the Valley Fill method. Whilst similar to a buck converter, it differs by regulating the charging current and valley voltage to charge a storage capacitor combined with a high-side or low side architecture.

As a result, it only needs to process 33% of the total power with the remaining 66% passing directly into the DC-DC stage at 100% efficiency. The charging time is much wider and not sensitive to the load which reduces the harmonic content of the charging current

In either architecture, the storage capacitor is either charging, discharging, or doing nothing. It only needs to process 33% of the total power and applies intelligence to regulate the charging current and valley voltage. As a result, the charging time is much wider and not sensitive to the load which reduces the harmonic content of the charging current (intelligence).  and can be implemented through a high-side or low-side architecture

HOW DO WE COMPARE TO A BOOST PFC?

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology provides significant advantages in the optimisation of Power Factor Correction (PFC) when developing AC-DC power supply designs and is the only suitable alternative to a Boost PFC.

The comparison shown below demonstrates the differences, result, and benefit when comparing the two technologies side-by-side in a 150W AC-DC power supply.


FRONT-END CONFIGURATION:

Boost PFC:

Result:

Benefit:

BULK CAPACITOR VOLTAGE RATING & TYPE:

Series

Increased performance at low loads and a totally flat efficiency profile

By only needing to process 33% of the power, most of the energy bypasses the PFC stage directly into the DC-DC stage. This significantly improves critical aspects of the power supply design including efficiency, thermal management, component sizes, I²R losses, power density, lifetime, reliability, and overall cost.

Must process 100% of the power

PFC VOLTAGE:

Boost PFC:

Benefit:

Voltage: 400V
Type: Wet Aluminium Electrolytic

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Only needs to process 33% of the power


POWER REGULATION:

Boost PFC:

Result:

Benefit:

Result:


Boost PFC:

Benefit:

Result:


~ 400V

Lower voltage step-down ratio to the DC-DC stage

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology not only delivers a lower PFC voltage, but a wider range compared to the 400V required in Boost PFC designs. While the lower step-down ratio improves efficiency, the converter will also automatically vary it’s switching frequency which provides significant advantages in complying with EMC regulations.

3W

SIZE AT 2W/cm³:

4.2cm x 4.2cm x 4.2cm = 75cm³

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Parallel

Eliminated

~ 100V - 325V

1W

Significant improvements in thermal management, size/weight, reliability, and energy waste

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology reduces power losses in the PF stage and subsequently lowers heat generation by 67%. This directly improves the overall efficiency, reliability, and expected life of the power supply. It further reduces size/weight, increases power density, and helps meet regulatory standards (E.g. DOE Level VI, 80 PLUS Titanium, Energy Star etc) while also lowering energy waste.


2.9cm x 2.9cm x 2.9cm = 25cm³

200% increase in power density and 67% reduction in overall size of the power supply

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology enables more compact power supplies to be developed - often a focus in the design of next generation products. A reduced volume further helps lower overall weight, and reduce manufacturing costs which can positively impact the final product price and/or profitability.


Boost PFC:

Benefit:

Pulsiv OSMIUM:

Voltage: 160V or 200V Selectable
Type: Wet Aluminium Electrolytic or Dry Polymer

Optional use of Dry Polymer capacitors to extend lifetime to 25 years

Due to the lower PFC voltage that is generated by Pulsiv OSMIUM technology, the bulk capacitor only needs to be rated at 160V or 200V - reducing size, weight, and cost compared to the 400V required in a Boost PFC design. This enables the optional use of Dry Polymer capacitors which eliminates any potential risk of traditional wet electrolytics drying out and extends lifetime to 25 years.


67% of the power passes directly into the DC-DC converter at 100% efficiency

By only needing to process 33% of the power, most of the energy bypasses the PFC stage directly into the DC-DC converter. This significantly improves critical aspects of the power supply design including efficiency, thermal management, component sizes, I²R losses, power density, lifetime, reliability, and overall cost.


INRUSH CURRENT:

Boost PFC:

Result:

Benefit:

Must be managed / reduced

No additional components or complex circuitry is required to manage the inrush current

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.

POWER LOSS AT 98% EFFICIENCY:

Result:

Boost PFC:

Benefit:

Result:

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 technology.

ABOUT PULSIV OSMIUM TECHNOLOGY

Discover many of the frequently asked questions, in general, about Pulsiv OSMIUM technology by those who have encountered it for the first time.


ABOUT DEVELOPING A PULSIV OSMIUM FRONT-END DESIGN

Discover many of the frequently asked questions about how to develop a front-end stage of a power supply design based on Pulsiv OSMIUM technology.

Discover many of the frequently asked questions about Pulsiv OSMIUM products including stock availability and where to buy them.


ABOUT DEVELOPING THE DC-DC STAGE OF A PULSIV OSMIUM FRONT-END DESIGN

Discover many of the frequently asked questions about how to develop the DC-DC stage of a power supply design based on a Pulsiv OSMIUM front-end design.


ABOUT PULSIV OSMIUM PRODUCTS


MORE QUESTIONS? - NO PROBLEM!

We actively encourage and openly welcome anyone looking to learn more about our technology. We can help via email, phone, website chat, online conference call, or a member of our team can visit your location - just contact us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS