Complex computer systems are demanding more power; high efficiency DC/DC converters can provide that power. The connection between the power converter and the circuit board can limit the distribution of high current; precision-machined pins provide a secure and “powerful” interface.

DC/DC converters are the accepted way of distributing power in network computers.
Typically, a primary 48-volt power supply is stepped down to an intermediate bus voltage of 12 volts for each circuit board. Then on the circuit board, additional point-of-load (POL) converters step down to lower logic voltages.

Precision-machined pins have traditionally been used to terminate power converters, Figs. 1 thru 3 show a historical sequence of their application.
The physical size of power converters is measured in fractions of a “brick” (full,1/2 ,1/4 ,1/8 ). Twenty years ago, “full brick” sized power converters were fully encapsulated and mounted on a heat sink. As their conversion efficiency has been increased (now approaching 97%), their “brick” size has been reduced and the heat sink eliminated. The latest frameless designs (Fig. 3) permit adequate cooling from the parent system’s forced airflow.