What is a brick power module?

A brick power module is a compact, high-power module that gets its name from its brick-like shape after modular packaging. Also called a brick power supply, it is designed to deliver efficient power in a small form factor.

The "full-brick" module is one of the highest-power options available and is widely used. It typically consists of a circuit board (PCBA) enclosed in a cavity formed by an upper and lower cover. Potting material is poured into the cavity to encapsulate the PCBA, creating a small, durable module.

Power module standards include specific dimensions, pin arrangements, and performance characteristics. For instance, the input voltage range for these modules is typically 36V to 75V, with output power ranging from 50W to 150W. The power density of these modules can reach up to 54.8W per cubic inch.

The terms full-brick, half-brick, quarter-brick, eighth-brick, and sixteenth-brick describe the size and shape of the power modules. Their sizes are as follows:

• Full-brick: 116.8 x 61 x 12.7 mm
• Half-brick: 61.0 x 57.9 x 12.7 mm
• Quarter-brick: 57.9 x 36.8 x 8.1 mm
• Eighth-brick: 57.9 x 22.9 x 10.4 mm

With advancements in electronics, there is increasing demand for smaller, more efficient, and reliable power modules. The sixteenth-brick power supply, the latest in this series, allows for even more compact designs, freeing up circuit board space compared to the eighth-brick converter.