Pico MR Series Military DC-DC Converters | −55°C to +85°C Selection Guide

The Pico Electronics MR Series is designed for applications that need a compact, isolated and regulated DC-DC converter with reliable operation from −55°C to +85°C ambient.

Unlike Pico M and MV proportional converters, the MR Series provides regulated outputs and wide input ranges, making it suitable for military electronics, avionics, communication equipment and harsh-environment instrumentation.

Pico MR Series Quick Selection

The MR family is divided mainly by input voltage range:

All three families provide regulated isolated outputs and operate from −55°C to +85°C ambient without derating, a heatsink or active cooling.

MRE, MRF or MRA: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose MRE for low-voltage input systems

The MRE Series accepts approximately 5–15V input, making it suitable for systems powered from lower-voltage DC buses.

Typical models include:

• MRE12S

• MRE15S

• MRE24S

• MRE28S

For example, MRE24S provides a regulated 24V single output from a 5–15V input range.

Choose MRF for 12V / 16V-class systems

The MRF Series uses an 8–24V input range, giving more margin for systems where the supply can vary significantly.

Typical examples include:

• MRF5S

• MRF9S

• MRF12S

• MRF15D

This makes MRF useful when a nominal 12V or 16V source cannot be assumed to remain tightly regulated.

Choose MRA for 24V / 28V-class buses

The MRA Series accepts 18–36V input, making it the most relevant MR option for many nominal 24V or 28V systems.

Examples include:

• MRA12S

• MRA15S

• MRA24S

• MRA28S

Selected MRA models provide up to 2.5W output power.

Why Choose MR Instead of Pico M Series?

This is an important distinction.

The Pico M and MV Series are compact proportional converters, while the MR Series provides regulated output.

Choose MR when your circuit requires:

• a stable output voltage;

• wide input-voltage tolerance;

• single or dual isolated outputs;

• operation down to −55°C;

• output trim;

• control / shutdown capability.

The MR Series also uses MIL-screened or qualified components, including JANTX diodes, screened transformers, capacitors and resistors, plus hermetically sealed transistors.

Single or Dual Output?

MR converters are available with both single and dual isolated outputs.

For example:

MRA15S
18–36V input → 15V single output → up to 2.5W

MRA15D
18–36V input → ±15V dual output → up to 1.25W per output

Dual-output models are useful for:

• analog circuits;

• op-amp supply rails;

• instrumentation;

• isolated signal interfaces.

Always check whether the load requires one regulated rail or symmetrical positive and negative rails before choosing the part number.

Size and Thermal Design

One advantage of the MR Series is that it does not require a large thermal solution.

The module package is approximately:

1.90 × 1.00 × 0.30 in

and the converters can operate from −55°C to +85°C ambient without derating or a heatsink.

This makes them useful where board space and component height are limited.

For a broader comparison with Pico's other military-temperature converter families, see our Pico Military DC-DC Converter Selection Guide.

What Should Engineers Confirm Before Selecting an MR Converter?

Before choosing a part number, confirm:

• input voltage and worst-case input range;

• required single or dual output;

• output voltage;

• required output current;

• isolation requirement;

• operating temperature;

• control / shutdown requirements;

• screening and documentation requirements.

Do not select an MR model based only on nominal input voltage.

For example, a nominal 24V application may be better suited to MRA if the real bus varies across the 18–36V range.

Need a Pico MR Series Converter?

If you are sourcing a Pico MRE, MRF or MRA military DC-DC converter, send us the required input range, output voltage, single or dual output, quantity and application.

Data Storage Technology can help check the exact Pico part number, specifications, availability and factory lead time.

FAQ

What is the difference between Pico MRE, MRF and MRA?
The main difference is input range: MRE covers 5–15V, MRF covers 8–24V and MRA covers 18–36V.

Is the Pico MR Series regulated?
Yes. The MR Series provides regulated isolated outputs, unlike the proportional M and MV Series.

Does the Pico MR Series require a heatsink?
Pico specifies MR operation from −55°C to +85°C ambient without derating, heatsink or active cooling.

Which Pico MR Series is suitable for a 24V or 28V bus?
MRA is normally the relevant family because it accepts an 18–36V input range.