Glossary & FAQ

The glossary gives a general overview about technical designators used in Traco Power datasheets and application notes.

TRACO POWER Glossary

FAQ
Output voltage is higher than specified - why?

Some converters need some load for an effective function of the regulation.

It is specified under “Minimum Load”. If the load is below that value the output voltage can be some 100mV up to a few Volts higher than specified.  Operation in this range does not damage the converter but might have a bad impact in your application.

Operating temperature range - What does it mean?

The operating temperature range of a device is meant as the ambient temperature you would theoretically measure at the device under the assumption that the device does not produce any heat by itself.

That means, it is the temperature inside the application including every heat source around the device.

Be aware, that the operating temperature of the application is not the same as the operating temperature range

AC input voltage range on the label is different than spezified on datasheet - Why?

The wider input range on datasheet specifies the range the product is designed for. The smaller range on the label conforms to the mains it can be used for, which is an issue for certification and it considers that mains have a tolerance of ±10%. If a Power Supply is certified for mains voltage from 100 to 240 VAC the input circuit has to be designed for 90 to 264 V

Protection class I or II - What is the difference?

In a Class II appliance, the user is protected by at least two layers of insulation (double or reinforced) between the current carrying parts and any metal accessible to the user.

Serial connection of two converters or dual output converters - Is this possible?

Although it is possible to connect two AC/DC or DC/DC converters in series on output side (including freewheeling diodes), we do not generally recommend it, because a technical or safety issue might occur if not carefully tested in customer’s application and in accordance to the applicable safety regulations (e.g. SELV requirements). Please refer to serial-connection.pdf

Parallel connection of two converters - Can it be done?

Although it is possible to connect two AC/DC or DC/DC converters in parallel on output side (including decoupling diodes), we do not generally recommend it, because the load sharing is unknown.  For redundant operation, it might be a possible approach, but it has to be ensured in customer’s application, that it works as it is intended for. Please refer to parallel-connection.pdf

Safety report availability – Can you send the safety report to me?

Test reports are confidential and will not be provided to customers or distributors. If you or your customer will certify the end-application (containing Traco Power products), you can name us the notified body (accredited test labs only) including the responsible engineer at the lab and the project (name or number and the required standard). After that, we will send the test report to the test lab direct

EN 45545-2 - What does it stand for?

The identified flammable materials are tested according to requirement set R24 of 45545-2 and fulfil the oxygen content requirements of hazard levels HL1, HL2 and HL3. The remaining combustible mass of each product in the mentioned series is below 10g and can be excluded from further EN 45545-2 considerations in the final interior or exterior application while observing the grouping rules. A manufacturer declaration is available on request.

Product status - What does it mean?

Product Life Cycle

Traco Power Product LifeCycle
Ripple and Noise - How is it measured?

Ripple and Noise is measured with a scope and 20 MHz bandwith. Please refer to ripple-noise.pdf

Cleaning/Washing process - Is it recommended?

We do generally not recommend washing or cleaning electronic components. You should avoid it, if it is not absolutely necessary. Please refer to cleaning guideline.

Layout consideration - Is it allowed to route layout tracks below converters?

It is not recommended to use the area below the converters for layout tracks, if the converter is used as insulation barrier. Depending on the application, findings could result during safety testing.

Still haven't found what you were looking for?

Contact our Technical Service Department: