Surface mount DC-DC converter module comprising two parallel PCB's separated by a body

摘要

A surface mount electrical component 20 capable of functioning as a DC-DC power converter. The component comprises a body portion 22 having one or more surface mounting pins 226 for connecting the body portion 22 to a circuit board, and first 24 and second 26 circuit boards having respective circuit elements 242, 262 mounted thereon. The first 24 and second 26 circuit boards are mounted on the body portion, such that sides of the first and second circuit board on which the circuits are mounted face the interior of the device. The reverse sides of the first 24 and second 26 circuit boards form an exterior surface of the component. In this way, separate housing for the component is not required. The size of the electrical component can therefore be kept small, and protection provided to the circuit elements by the reverse side of the circuit board. The electrical component also houses a transformer (28, figure 5) which connects to the conductive pins (222, figure 5). In addition the component has air vents (228, figure 4) situated on the side of the body 22 to allow air to circulate within the structure and thus provide additional cooling whilst the converter is in operation or whilst soldering the component to the board.