Pulsiv Final Release ImageAstute Group is offering what it describes as a world-first in power electronics – a USB-C 65W charging module so compact and energy-efficient it can be integrated within wall sockets, simultaneously powering several devices without requiring multiple chargers and even eliminating the need for bulky laptop chargers.

This new technology from Cambridge power innovators Pulsiv and collaborators Innoscience and Frenetic is said to be the world’s smallest — and at >95% efficiency — the world’s greenest 65W USB-C design.

The ultra-compact size of around 32x25x25mm makes this suitable for use in-wall USB-C sockets, adapters, and chargers, replacing multiple lower power 10-15W outputs with one higher power module that’s capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously – or a 65W laptop straight from the socket without a separate charger.

What’s more, other variants will follow including:

  • 70W design specifically to support the latest Apple MacBook
  • 65W design for in-wall solutions optimised for the Japanese/US market (85V – 115V input voltage range)
  • 140W solution later this year

The design will be available to customers in three formats.

Reference Designs: The complete reference design enables customers to develop the solution according to their needs with minimal design resource and includes a schematic, bill of materials, EMC test data, Gerbers, and layout files. Contact Astute to be the first to be notified when the download becomes available.

Modules: A fully-assembled EMC-compliant module to enable rapid prototyping or replace the time/cost associated with manufacturing processes will be available from Astute Group from April.

Evaluation boards: Evaluation boards will be developed for customers who wish to test and/or adapt the design for their own requirements and will be stocked by a number of distribution partners. A datasheet with schematic, bill of materials, EMC test data, Gerbers, and PCB layout files will also be available.

Contact Rich Ford rich.ford@astutegroup.com at Astute Group to be the first to be notified when each format is available.

Specification

Ref number
Input voltage
Output voltage
Output power
Applications
PSV-RDAD-65USB-1
100 – 264VAC
5V – 20V DC
65W
Chargers, adapters, & in-wall sockets
PSV-RDAD-65USB-2
85 – 115VAC
5V – 20V DC
65W
Chargers, adapters, & in-wall sockets (US & Japan market)
PSV-RDAD-70USB
100 – 240VAC
5V – 20.6V DC
70W
Chargers, adapters, & in-wall sockets (supports Apple MacBooks)
PSV-RDAD-140USB
TBC
5V – 28V DC
140W
Chargers, adapters, & in-wall sockets
PSV-RDAD-240USB
TBC
5V – 48V DC
240W
Chargers, adapters, in-wall sockets, & high-end laptop power supplies

*Tentative specification which may be subject to change.