GE's Pico SlimLynx(TM) Family of DC-DC Converters Helps Designers Recapture Valuable Board Space

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Mar 1, 2016) - As the demand for data, analysis and access mushrooms globally, so does the need for increased computational and processing capacity. To accommodate the components necessary to provide this desired capacity, circuit board designers must find ways to get the most out of their available, valuable board space. Helping to address this, GE's Critical Power business (NYSE: GE) has launched its new Pico SlimLynx™ family of DC-DC converters, enabling board designers and engineers to design in the negative space by providing digital on-board power where space, height and airflow are extremely limited.

SlimLynx, the new, low-profile, digital series from GE, enables engineers to use power modules in very tight spaces such as underneath boards, in mezzanine structures and in very dense power applications. The product family includes digital and analog solutions in 3-, 6- and 12-ampere (amp) offerings, with the 12-amp version measuring just one-third the size of other industry-standard modules of the same power capacity. The thin, feature-rich DC-DC converters deliver 12-amp power at a settable 0.45-5.5-volt output from a DC input of between 3-14.4 volts, without the need for an external drive voltage. The units are able to achieve this power conversion capability in a space-saving, DOSA-standard footprint of just 12-by-12-by-2.9 millimeters.

"Imagine if your car battery and alternator were one-third of their size. That reduction in size would allow auto designers to use the extra space to pack in additional features under the hood to increase horsepower. This is essentially what the improved power density of our Pico SlimLynx does on a printed circuit board. We are enabling electronics designers to incorporate more computing, communication and control horsepower into their board architectures," said Karim Wassef, general manager of the Embedded Power product line for GE's Critical Power business.

Today, many digital converters tend to be either bulky or offer minimal functionality. Others offer limited performance at high temperatures without airflow or are only available in non-standard footprints. GE's digital Pico SlimLynx converters provide the power conversion density and flexibility needed to address global challenges associated with the rapidly expanding computational hunger of board designers. Additional features of GE's Pico SlimLynx modules include digital communication and control through PMBus, a standard digital interface and a compact, lead-free design. Adding even greater design flexibility, GE's new product family also includes fully compatible analog options, enabling drop-in replacement at a reduced cost.

"Engineers across all industries are looking for ways to miniaturize their power solutions to allow more space for computational engines," Wassef continued. "By improving power conversion density and designing in ways that enable modules to be placed in previously unused space, we are able to help designers recapture valuable printed circuit board real estate for additional components be installed -- improving overall board-mounted processing capacity."

The easy-to-use Pico SlimLynx modules offer improved time to market compared to discrete components. Their low height and high power density enable the modules to be installed in ultra-slim configurations in a broad array of applications -- such as data center, wired and wireless telecom, networking, servers and storage, industrial, medical and military solutions. The Pico SlimLynx modules comply with IPC-9592 power conversion standards, providing the reliability required for software-defined networks.

Pricing for GE's digital Pico SlimLynx modules begins at $4.08 for the 3-amp unit, $5.82 for 6-amp and $7.59 for the 12-amp module. Pricing for analog modules begins at $3.06, $5.22 and $6.72 for the 3-amp, 6-amp, and 12-amp modules (respectively). These prices are available when purchased at original equipment manufacturer quantities. For more information, please visit http://www.geindustrial.com/products/embedded-power/slimlynx.

GE's Critical Power business powers rapidly changing, disruptive markets where massive data, communications and computing capacity is redefining how business is done. Customers in data center, super computing, telecommunications and digital content industries rely on GE to provide the reliable and energy-efficient power to keep networks flowing and transactions moving 24/7. To learn more about GE's Critical Power business, visit www.gecriticalpower.com.

About Energy Connections

GE Energy Connections designs and deploys industry-leading technologies that turn the world on. We transport, convert, automate and optimize energy to ensure we provide safe, efficient and reliable electrical power. Uniting all the resources and scale of the world's first digital industrial company, we connect brilliant machines, grids, and systems to power utility, oil & gas, marine, mining and renewables customers, that keep our world running. www.GEEnergyConnections.com

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