Discover the future of Power Conversion with
Optimised PFC technology solving critical challenges
in AC-DC power supply design
The future of power conversion starts with
Pulsiv OSMIUM Technology
AC-DC Power Conversion Technology
Optimised Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Partial Power Processing
Inrush Current - Eliminated
Input Voltage Derating - Eliminated
This is power electronics engineered for the future.
WHAT IS PULSIV OSMIUM TECHNOLOGY?
KEY FEATURES
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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.
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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
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Description text goes here
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Item description
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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.
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Item description
SYSTEM DESIGN BENEFITS
Bridge cooler - critical reliability MIL-HDBK-217F (6-1 power rectifier)
By regulating the charging current to the capacitor, this method reduces the peak and average currents taken from the line by up to 90%. This differs from the same type of method in a Boost circuit, because we only have to process 1/3 of the power. Diode losses are disproportionally higher at higher currents, so there is a squaring effect which
Need an image of the current to explain
Eg in a 65W design, the line current for an OSMIUM based design is typically 0.3A peak vs 6A peak in others.
With Pulsiv OSMIUM, the average current through the bridge is significantly reduced. The losses are predominantly determined by the average current through the diodes and the forward volt drop off the diode. This leads to an OSMIUM based system having less bridge losses
Easier HAB integration - better for efficiency (at low line)
Need an image of the voltage & current to explain the OSMIUM
the line current of OSMIUM is zero near the zero crossing of the grid. This makes it easier to implement zero current switching at the grid frequency, making the integration of the active bridge more robust/resilient.
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 (minimum amount of dry polymer)
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 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 delivers Power Factor Correction (PFC) and uses Partial Power Processing (PPP) 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.
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 provides Power Factor Correction (PFC) as standard combined with Partial Power Conversion (PPC) to deliver a unique combination of features and system design benefits that address many of the critical design challenges in power electronics circuits.
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.
-
Item description
SYSTEM DESIGN BENEFITS
With a breakthrough combination of features that solve critical challenges in power supply design, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology marks the most transformative leap forward the industry has seen in over half a century.
It sets new standards for efficiency, performance, and sustainability that extend beyond just the front-end and influence overall system-level design.
Pulsiv OSMIUM is a new power conversion technology developed to address many of the critical challenges in AC-DC power-supply design.
It is primarily based on the concept of a valley fill circuit to deliver power factor correction (PFC). Unlike the passive valley fill method which uses only diodes and capacitors, Pulsiv OSMIUM technology uses an active switch to create an active valley fill approach.
However, Pulsiv OSMIUM differs from conventional active valley fill methods because it:
Regulates the charging current and sets the valley voltage using intelligent algorithms from a dedicated microcontroller.
Charges the capacitor through a switch managed by the microcontroller.
Discharges the capacitor independently through a diode or switch, regulated by the DC-DC converter.
Uses an open-loop strategy in a high-side or low side architecture.
Produces a DC output voltage with a high ripple (120V - 320VDC)*
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
75W
150W
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Pulsiv OSMIUM PRO-LITE
250W
45W
Pulsiv OSMIUM LITE
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Pulsiv OSMIUM PRO
Pulsiv OSMIUM Lite is a constant current transistor based architecture ideally suited for low power applications where size and cost are prioritised over efficiency.
In this solution:
The MOSFET is replaced with a high-voltage transistor up to 400V (or 800V optionally)
The inductor, freewheeling diode and blocking diode are no longer required.
The size of the electrolytic capacitor can be reduced or replaced with a surface mount dry polymer alternative.
Specification:
Output power: 1W - 45W
Input voltage range: Universal, 110VAC only or 230VAC only
Output voltage range:
Power factor: 0.7
Efficiency:
Pulsiv OSMIUM LITE
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.