Description

ThePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ is a compact, isolated, board-mount DC-DC converter module. Designed and manufactured by Pioneer Magnetics, a specialist in power conversion, this module provides a regulated, low-voltage, high-current output from a nominal input source. It is engineered for high reliability in demanding applications, offering electrical isolation, high efficiency, and robust performance in industrial, telecommunications, and embedded computing environments.

Application Scenarios

Inside a rack-mount networking router for a telecommunications central office, multiple high-speed ASICs and processors require clean, stable, low-voltage power at significant current. A bulk 48V DC power shelf supplies the rack, but the router’s line cards need 1.8V to power their core logic. ThePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ is deployed as a point-of-load (POL) converter on each line card. It takes a locally distributed 10V intermediate bus and efficiently steps it down to a precise 1.8V, capable of delivering up to 8A (14.4W) to the demanding silicon. Its electrical isolation protects the sensitive logic chips from noise and transients on the input bus. In this scenario, the module’s value is its density, efficiency, and reliability, enabling complex digital circuitry to function flawlessly 24/7. Its failure would cause a card—and potentially a network link—to go offline, making it a critical, if unsung, component in the infrastructure of communication.

Parameter

Main Parameters

Value/Description

Product Model​

PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​

Manufacturer​

Pioneer Magnetics

Product Category​

Isolated, Board-Mount DC-DC Converter

Input Voltage (Nominal)​

10V DC​ (e.g., 9V to 13V range likely).The primary voltage supplied to the module.

Output Voltage​

1.8V DC.A common voltage for core logic of processors, FPGAs, and ASICs.

Output Current​

8A maximum.Provides a robust 14.4 Watts of output power (1.8V * 8A).

Output Power​

14.4 Watts.The maximum continuous power the module can deliver.

Isolation Voltage​

Typically 1000Vdc to 1500Vdc (input to output).Protects the load from input disturbances and provides safety separation.

Efficiency​

High (e.g., >85%).Minimizes heat generation and improves system reliability.

Regulation​

Tight line and load regulation (e.g., ±1%).Ensures stable output despite input or current draw variations.

Package / Pinout​

Industry-standard board-mount package (e.g., 1″ x 1″ or similar). “PH” and “J” likely denote specific pin header style and reel packaging.

Key Features​

Over-current protection, over-temperature protection, short-circuit protection.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

ThePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ embodies the core principles of efficient, miniaturized, and reliable power conversion, a critical enabler for modern electronics.

Innovation Point 1: High-Frequency Switching for Miniaturization.​ The module utilizes high-frequency switching topology (likely a forward or flyback converter). By operating the internal power MOSFETs at frequencies in the hundreds of kilohertz, the required transformers and filter components (inductors, capacitors) can be made dramatically smaller. This allows thePM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ to deliver 14.4W in a compact, board-mountable footprint, saving valuable real estate on densely packed digital boards—a critical factor in telecom and computing equipment.

Innovation Point 2: Integrated Magnetics and Planar Construction.​ Pioneer Magnetics, as a magnetics specialist, excels in transformer and inductor design. This module likely features custom, integrated magnetics where the transformer and output filter inductor are optimally designed and potentially combined. The use of planar magnetics (using flat, PCB-wound coils) enhances power density, improves thermal performance by providing a larger surface area for heat dissipation, and increases reliability through repeatable manufacturing.

Innovation Point 3: Comprehensive Protection for High System Reliability.​ The module is not just a simple converter; it includes built-in protection circuits that safeguard both itself and the downstream load.Over-current protection (OCP)​ limits output current during faults.Over-temperature protection (OTP)​ shuts the module down if its internal temperature exceeds safe limits.Short-circuit protection (SCP)​ allows it to survive a direct output short indefinitely. These features make the power supply “bulletproof,” a necessity in systems where maintenance is difficult or downtime is costly.

Innovation Point 4: Optimized for Point-of-Load (POL) Architecture.​ ThePM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ is designed for the modern distributed power architecture. Instead of a single, large, noisy 1.8V supply for an entire board, multiple such modules are placed close to the loads they power (e.g., next to each major ASIC). This minimizes the length of high-current, low-voltage traces, reducing resistive losses (I²R losses) and voltage sag, and improving transient response because the high-bandwidth control loop is right at the load. This architecture, enabled by modules like this, is key to powering high-performance digital systems.

Application Cases and Industry Value

Case Study: Reliability in a Base Station Remote Radio Unit

A manufacturer of 4G/LTE remote radio units (RRUs) mounted on cell towers used thePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ to power the digital front-end and baseband processing FPGAs. These RRUs operate in sealed enclosures exposed to extreme temperature cycles from -40°C to +65°C. The high efficiency of the converter minimized heat generation inside the unit, a critical factor for reliability. More importantly, the robust isolation (a requirement for safety and noise immunity) and built-in protection features ensured that a transient on the 10V intermediate bus from the AC/DC front-end would not fry the expensive FPGAs. The design engineer noted, “The PM36218B provided the right combination of power density, reliability, and protection. It was a ‘set it and forget it’ component that we never had a field failure with, which is paramount for equipment installed 100 feet up a tower.”

Case Study: Legacy Industrial Controller Power Supply Redesign

An OEM of programmable logic controllers needed to redesign the power section of an older model to replace an obsolete, custom-designed power supply module. The new design adopted a distributed architecture: a main AC/DC supply created a 10V intermediate bus, and severalPIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ modules were used to generate the 1.8V for the CPU, 3.3V for I/O, and 5V for peripherals (using other voltages from the same series). This approach simplified compliance testing (as the certified, isolated modules were used) and reduced development time. The product manager stated, “Using the PM36218B series de-risked the redesign. We got a modern, efficient power system with full safety isolation by integrating these proven building blocks, allowing us to focus engineering resources on the controller logic itself.”

Related Product Combination Solutions

ThePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ is part of a broader family of power conversion products used to build complete power systems.

PM36218B Series Variants:​ Other members of the same series with different output voltages (e.g.,PM36218B-10P-3-3PH-J​ for 3.3V,PM36218B-10P-5PH-J​ for 5V) or current ratings. These allow designers to source multiple required voltages from the same trusted product family.

Front-End AC/DC Power Supply (e.g., PM30 series):​ A larger, enclosed AC-DC power supply that would take AC line voltage (85-264VAC) and create the clean, isolated 10V DC intermediate bus used as input for thePM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J.

Isolated Bus Converters (e.g., PM2400B series):​ For systems with a 48V bus, a bus converter might first step 48V down to 10V, which is then distributed to multiple POL converters like thePM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J.

Input Filter Modules (EMI Filters):​ Small LC filter networks placed upstream of the DC-DC converter to suppress conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the switching converter, helping the system meet regulatory emissions standards.

Output Capacitors:​ While the module has internal filtering, system designers often add bulk electrolytic and ceramic capacitors near the load (the processor/FPGA) to handle instantaneous current demands that the converter’s control loop cannot respond to fast enough.

Heat Sinks or Thermal Interface Material:​ For high ambient temperature or full-load applications, a small clip-on heat sink or thermal pad may be used on the module’s metal baseplate to improve heat dissipation to the PCB ground plane or chassis.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installation of thePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ is a PCB soldering operation, typically using reflow or wave soldering processes. The “PH” in the part number likely indicates a through-hole pin design, which may require hand soldering for prototypes or rework. Critical design considerations include: providing an adequate copper pour on the PCB for heat sinking, keeping input and output filter capacitors as close to the pins as possible, and ensuring the trace widths can handle the input and output currents (8A on the output requires careful layout). The module must be operated within its specified input voltage, output current, and temperature ranges.

Maintenance is generally not required for the module itself, as it is a solid-state, potted (encapsulated) device with no user-serviceable parts. In the field, troubleshooting involves verifying the input voltage is present and within spec, and checking the output voltage with a multimeter. If the output is absent or incorrect, and input power is good, the module has likely failed. Common causes of failure include sustained operation above the absolute maximum input voltage, severe output overload/short, or operating in an ambient temperature beyond its rating.

Our support for thePIONEER MAGNETICS PM36218B-10P-1-8PH-J​ focuses on enabling successful design and repair. We provide access to the original datasheet for complete electrical and mechanical specifications. For legacy systems where this part is obsolete, we can help identify form-fit-function equivalents or potential upgraded alternatives. We supply new-old-stock or factory-fresh units from reliable sources. For engineers, we can offer application notes on thermal management and PCB layout best practices for high-current DC-DC converters. Our goal is to ensure you have a reliable source of power and the information needed to use it effectively, whether for sustaining an old product or prototyping a new one.