Understanding the subtleties of brick derating

In most cases, the brick converter suppliers provide derating charts for their converters. One would think that it would be easy to compare the converters based on the conditions shown in these derating charts, but unfortunately by doing so one can be easily deceived. Typically these suppliers are providing this information not only as a service to the designer but as a method to promote their product. To promote their product, most manufacturers will provide derating based on ideal test conditions where the converter will operate its best. In many cases the information from these charts may be hard to relate to one's application. This paper will take the reader through the many subtleties of brick derating and give the reader a good understanding of the proper way to determine how to select the best brick for the application.