Pico Electronics’ extended-temperature DC-DC converters cover low-power signal rails, high-voltage bias supplies and high-power regulated systems. Available configurations provide operating ranges down to −55°C, isolated outputs, selected MIL-screened components and optional MIL-STD-883 screening.

The most important selection factors are:

• Required input voltage range

• Regulated or proportional output

• Output voltage and power

• Ambient or baseplate temperature rating

• Isolation requirement

• Cooling method

• Required screening and documentation

According to Pico’s official Extended Temperature DC-DC Converter product line, the M, MV and MR families provide a standard −55°C to +85°C ambient operating range. High-power families use baseplate temperature ratings and may require conduction cooling.

Military DC-DC Series Comparison

Pico M Series: Ultra-Miniature Proportional Outputs

The M Series is designed for compact, low-power circuits where a regulated output is not required. These isolated proportional converters deliver up to 1.25W and operate from −55°C to +85°C ambient without a heatsink or power derating.

M Series modules use selected high-reliability components, including JANTX diodes, MIL-screened transformers, capacitors and resistors, plus hermetically sealed transistors.

Choose the M Series for:

• Compact auxiliary power rails

• Isolated analog and control circuits

• Military communication equipment

• Avionics subsystems

• Applications where output variation with input voltage is acceptable

Typical models include 24M12S, 24M15D and 12M28S.

The M Series package measures approximately 1.25 × 0.50 × 0.30 inches. Full specifications are available in the official Pico M and MV Series datasheet.

Pico MV Series: 100V to 500V High-Voltage Outputs

The MV Series provides the same 1.25W proportional conversion concept for high-voltage outputs from 100V to 500V. It is suitable for bias supplies, detectors, instrumentation and other low-current high-voltage circuits.

MV converters operate from −55°C to +85°C ambient without derating and are housed in a six-sided epoxy-insulated metal enclosure. They provide up to 1000V DC input-to-output isolation.

Choose the MV Series when the design requires:

• A compact 100V to 500V output

• Standard −55°C cold-temperature operation

• High-reliability component construction

• Through-hole mounting

• No heatsink or active cooling

Typical models include 5MV500, 12MV300, 15MV500 and 28MV400.

Because MV converters are unregulated, a stable input supply and the specified minimum output load are required to control output-voltage variation.

Pico MR Series: Regulated 1.25W to 2.5W Power

The MR Series is the preferred low-power option when output regulation is required. It supports three wide-input families:

• MRE: 5V to 15V input

• MRF: 8V to 24V input

• MRA: 18V to 36V input

Available outputs range from 3.3V to 28V in single and dual configurations. Maximum power depends on the input and output combination, with selected MRA models delivering up to 2.5W.

MR modules operate from −55°C to +85°C ambient without derating, a heatsink or active cooling. They also include output trim and a control/shutdown function.

Typical models include MRE12S, MRF15D, MRA24S and MRA28S.

The package measures 1.90 × 1.00 × 0.30 inches and provides 500V DC input-to-output isolation. See the official Pico MR Series datasheet.

Pico QP and HiQP-M: 20W to 50W Regulated Modules

The QP family is intended for applications requiring more power, wider output-voltage selection and regulated operation.

Standard QP input ranges include:

• 4.5V to 9V

• 9V to 18V

• 18V to 36V

• 36V to 72V

Output options extend from 5V to 500V, with power ratings from 20W to 50W depending on the model.

For high-input-voltage military systems, HiQP-M models accept 125V to 475V and operate from −55°C to +95°C baseplate temperature. They also provide load-sharing capability for parallel operation or N+1 redundant designs.

Typical military-temperature models include:

• HiQP24-M

• HiQP28-M

• HiQP48-M

• HiQP100-M

• HiQP200-M

Unlike the M, MV and MR families, QP modules are conduction cooled. Their thermal design must maintain the baseplate within the specified temperature range. Refer to the Pico QP Series datasheet for heatsink and airflow requirements.

Pico F/M Series: High-Power Full-Brick Converters

The F/M Series provides regulated, isolated conversion for input ranges from 18V to 380V. It supports output voltages from 3.3V to 350V in a 4.6 × 2.5 × 0.5-inch full-brick package.

The part-number prefix identifies the temperature range:

• F: −40°C to +85°C baseplate

• M: −55°C to +85°C baseplate

Input-range letters identify the DC bus:

• A: 18V to 36V

• B: 36V to 72V

• C: 100V to 180V

• D: 200V to 380V

For example, MA28S identifies a military-temperature converter with an 18V to 36V input and a regulated 28V single output.

F/M modules provide output trim, remote shutdown, protection functions and conduction cooling through the baseplate. Selected configurations support parallel operation for higher system power.

Typical models include MA28S, MB48S, MC24S and MD48S. Detailed ratings are available in the official Pico F/M Series datasheet.

Typical Applications

Pico military and wide-temperature DC-DC converters may be used in:

Avionics and flight-control electronics

Military communication systems

Radar and electronic-warfare equipment

UAV and surveillance platforms

Ground vehicles and portable tactical systems

High-voltage detector bias supplies

Harsh-environment industrial controls

Downhole instrumentation and telemetry

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pico series operates from −55°C to +85°C without derating or a heatsink?

The M, MV and MR families are rated for −55°C to +85°C ambient operation without derating, a heatsink or active cooling.

Which military-temperature Pico converters provide regulated outputs?

The MR, HiQP-M and F/M military-temperature configurations provide regulated outputs. M and MV converters are unregulated proportional modules.

Which series should be used for a military high-voltage bias supply?

Use MV for compact 100V to 500V outputs at up to 1.25W. For higher power, consider an extended-temperature QP configuration with an output up to 500V.

Does a Pico military DC-DC converter automatically include MIL-STD-883 screening?

Not necessarily. Some series use MIL-screened or qualified components, while additional stabilization bake, temperature cycling and burn-in may be ordered as options. Confirm the complete screened part number with Pico before purchasing.

What is the difference between ambient and baseplate temperature ratings?

Ambient-rated modules are specified according to the air temperature surrounding the converter. Baseplate-rated modules require the mounting surface to remain within the specified range through conduction cooling.

Stock and RFQ

Browse available Pico Electronics power modules or request a quotation for M, MV, MR, QP, HiQP-M and F/M military-temperature DC-DC converters.

Current stock, price, date code, screening level, documentation and lead time should be confirmed for the complete manufacturer part number.