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Blog TI SWIFT™︎ Power Module EVM RoadTest: Efficiency
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  • Author Author: Jan Cumps
  • Date Created: 10 Mar 2018 1:17 PM Date Created
  • Views 905 views
  • Likes 7 likes
  • Comments 6 comments
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TI SWIFT™︎ Power Module EVM RoadTest: Efficiency

Jan Cumps
Jan Cumps
10 Mar 2018

I'm reviewing a single component DC converter for the TI SWIFTTm Power Module EVM RoadTest.

This article is a review of the efficiency of switching device.

 

image

 

Efficiency According to Specs and Fellow RoadTesters

 

The datasheet of the TPSM84A21TPSM84A21 says shows the efficiency graph.

As in the image below, I've also measured with VG open.
Feeding a stable 5V to VG improves the efficiency with a few (2 - 4) %.

image

Road Tester fmilburn has measured efficiency on his kit, and posted that on his Road Test Review.

I'm reproducing his results without permission image.

image

 

My Measurements

 

The datasheet and Frank's measurements show the switcher operating in the middle of it's input range, at 12 V*.

I've measured at the lower and upper range, 8 V and 14 V.

I've increased the current draw for 4 combinations, from 0 A to 7.75 A.

  • top left: 8 V in, 0.6 V out
  • top right 14 V in, 0.6 V out
  • bottom left: 8 V in, 1.2 V out
  • bottom right: 14 V in, 1.2 V out.

 

image

spreadsheet attached to this blog

 

Ignore the first few low range measurements. Too close to 0 to calculate a reliable efficiency.

The yellow coloured measurements are done with a non-calibrated current meter. Don't pin me down on those.

This is because the internal resistance of my DMMs limits what I can draw from the EVM at 0.6 and 1.2 V.

 

 

* Frank also tested at 9 V, see the referenced image and his review.

 

 

Related blog
TI SWIFTTm Power Module EVM RoadTest: Module Review and Test Setup
TI SWIFTTm Power Module EVM RoadTest: Noise Measurements
TI SWIFTTm Power Module EVM RoadTest: Efficiency
Attachments:
https://community.element14.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-14/efficiency.ods
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Top Comments

  • jc2048
    jc2048 over 7 years ago +4
    For anyone who likes to see proper curves: I see what you mean about the readings at the higher currents.
  • genebren
    genebren over 7 years ago +3
    Jan, Nice update to your review. The data looks to match the specification quite well. Gene
  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 7 years ago in reply to jc2048 +3
    jc2048 wrote: I see what you mean about the readings at the higher currents. Yes. Those are measured by the DC load. It's obvious that I have to do more work to get reliable measurements. At this moment…
  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 7 years ago in reply to Jan Cumps

    Jan Cumps  wrote:

     

     

    The dip in the blue line just above 1 A must be a typo when copying the readings of my meters - or another goof-up. I'll have to do that measurement again.

     

    92168,0090,1190,9530710,6021,1010,66280269,54%
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  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 7 years ago in reply to fmilburn

    fmilburn  wrote:

     

    ...  I want to build one of your electronic loads!

    Send me your snail mail address and I'll send you a PCB for the power (mosfet) part. I don't have a spare one for the ADC/DAC and driver circuits anymore, but the KiCAD designs are uploaded to the load's main post.

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  • Jan Cumps
    Jan Cumps over 7 years ago in reply to jc2048

    jc2048  wrote:

     

     

    I see what you mean about the readings at the higher currents.

    Yes. Those are measured by the DC load. It's obvious that I have to do more work to get reliable measurements.

    At this moment it's barely hanging on to the ballpark figures for current measurement. Current set (not used here) isn't even close to ballpark yet image.

     

    The dip in the blue line just above 1 A must be a typo when copying the readings of my meters - or another goof-up. I'll have to do that measurement again.

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  • jc2048
    jc2048 over 7 years ago

    For anyone who likes to see proper curves:

    image

     

    I see what you mean about the readings at the higher currents.

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  • genebren
    genebren over 7 years ago

    Jan,

     

    Nice update to your review. The data looks to match the specification quite well.

     

    Gene

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