PKB4111API DC DC Converter Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PKB4111API is an isolated module DC DC converter manufactured by Flex Power Modules, designed for commercial ITE applications. This eighth brick format converter delivers 5V at 25A output from a 36V to 72V input range, providing 125W of power with 2.25 kV isolation. The PKB4111API is designated as Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. Identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to ensure design continuity and procurement availability for ongoing production and support requirements.

Substiute Parts

PKB4111API

Flex Power ModulesIn Stock: 896PKB4111API Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PKB4111DPI

Flex Power ModulesIn Stock: 860PKB4111DPI Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PKB4111API is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain consistent or be compatible with the original design:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Output voltage: 5V (fixed requirement)
• Isolation voltage: 2.25 kV (safety and regulatory requirement)
• Package format: Eighth Brick (mechanical and thermal interface requirement)
• Mounting type: Through Hole (PCB integration requirement)
• Input voltage range: Minimum 36V, maximum 72V (power source compatibility)
• Control features: Enable, Active Low (signal interface requirement)
• Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 125°C (environmental specification)
• Standard compliance: IEC 62368-1 (regulatory requirement)

Flexible Parameters (allowing substitution):

• Output current capacity (may be equal or greater)
• Power rating (may be equal or greater)
• Efficiency (may be equal or greater)
• Product status (active status preferred for ongoing availability)

The PKB4111DPI qualifies as a direct substitute based on these criteria. It maintains all mandatory parameters while providing enhanced performance characteristics in flexible parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PKB4111DPI is a qualified substitute for the PKB4111API based on the following engineering criteria:

Regulatory and Compliance Alignment: Both parts maintain identical compliance certifications (CB, CSA, IEC, TUV, UL) and conform to IEC 62368-1 standard. Both are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical REACH and ECCN classifications, ensuring regulatory continuity in applications.

Functional Compatibility: The PKB4111DPI preserves all critical functional parameters: 5V output voltage, 2.25 kV isolation, Enable/Active Low control interface, and -40°C to 125°C operating temperature range. The identical feature set (Adjustable Output, Remote On/Off, Remote Sense) ensures signal-level compatibility with existing designs.

Mechanical and Thermal Interface: Both converters utilize the eighth brick package format with through-hole mounting. The height difference of 1.1mm (0.33" to 0.38") remains within standard eighth brick mechanical tolerances and does not compromise thermal or mechanical integration.

Performance Enhancement: The PKB4111DPI provides increased output current capacity (30A versus 25A) and higher power rating (150W versus 125W), with improved efficiency (94.7% versus 93.5%). These enhancements provide design margin without requiring circuit modifications.

Product Lifecycle Consideration: The PKB4111API is designated Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status. The PKB4111DPI maintains Active product status, ensuring long-term procurement availability and manufacturing support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PKB4111DPI directly replace the PKB4111API in existing designs?

A: Yes. The PKB4111DPI maintains all mandatory compatibility parameters including output voltage (5V), isolation voltage (2.25 kV), package format (eighth brick), mounting type (through hole), control interface (Enable, Active Low), and operating temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of the height difference between these converters?

A: The PKB4111DPI height is 0.38" (9.6mm) compared to the PKB4111API height of 0.33" (8.5mm), a difference of 1.1mm. This variation remains within standard eighth brick mechanical tolerances and does not affect PCB layout, thermal management, or mechanical mounting interfaces.

Q: Does the increased output current capacity of the PKB4111DPI affect compatibility?

A: No. The PKB4111DPI provides 30A maximum output current compared to the PKB4111API's 25A. This represents a performance enhancement that provides additional design margin. Existing designs drawing 25A or less operate within the substitute's rated capacity without modification.

Q: Are the input voltage ranges compatible between these parts?

A: Yes. Both converters accept 36V minimum input. The PKB4111DPI accepts up to 75V input compared to the PKB4111API's 72V maximum. This expanded range maintains compatibility with the original 36V to 72V specification while providing tolerance for higher input voltages.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to both converters?

A: Both the PKB4111API and PKB4111DPI carry identical certifications: CB, CSA, IEC, TUV, and UL. Both conform to IEC 62368-1 standard. Both are ROHS3 compliant with identical REACH and ECCN classifications, ensuring regulatory continuity.

Q: Why is the PKB4111DPI recommended despite the PKB4111API's Last Time Buy status?

A: The PKB4111API is designated Last Time Buy, indicating end-of-life status with limited future availability. The PKB4111DPI maintains Active product status, ensuring ongoing manufacturing support, procurement availability, and long-term design continuity. Both parts are manufactured by Flex Power Modules and maintain identical functional and regulatory specifications.

Q: Are there any signal interface differences between these converters?

A: No. Both converters implement identical control features: Enable and Active Low control logic. The remote on/off, remote sense, and adjustable output features are identical. Existing control circuitry and signal routing require no modification.

Q: How does the efficiency improvement of the PKB4111DPI affect thermal design?

A: The PKB4111DPI efficiency of 94.7% compared to the PKB4111API's 93.5% represents a 1.2 percentage point improvement. This reduces power dissipation and thermal load, providing enhanced thermal margin in existing designs without requiring thermal management modifications.