TRACOPOWER SM PSU's why so expensive

[NeilP]

In doing a search for a replacement Meanwell I came across these on e-bay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261089881689#ht_500wt_1217

I e-mailed the seller to check how many were beign sold for the price..expecting an answer of 10 for that price..but no, it is £284 EACH !!!

His price n E-bay is way too high..RS EXPORT do them for £118..but that is still a big price hike on the Meanwells we are all used to ...So anyone know why these are so pricey

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/embedded-switch-mode-power-supplies-smps/7451262/?searchTerm=TXL+350-48S+Traco&relevancy-data=636F3D3126696E3D4931384E4272616E644D504E266C753D656E266D6D3D6D61746368616C6C26706D3D5E285C772B5B2D5C2E5C732F5D292B285C772B293F2426706F3D3526736E3D592673743D4B4559574F52445F4D554C54495F414C5048415F4E554D45524943267573743D54584C203335302D34385320547261636F2677633D4E4F4E4526

 

[amberwolf]

I dunno why the price is so high, but please note taht the TXH series linked to is, according to TracoPower's site:

3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24, 48, 5/12,
5/24, ±12, ±15, 5/±12,
5/±15, 5/12/24

Multi Output Models with isolated Outputs, Cost optimized Design

The latter term implies it's the cheap one.

They appear to be a Swiss company. I don't know if they manufacture anything; it's hard to tell from their site. IF they do, and these are made in the EU rather than China, that would explain some cost increase, dunno how much.

 

[BatteryMooch]

So anyone know why these are so pricey

Possibly...
...derating the unit's current rating for increased reliability.
...using higher power/voltage/current rated components.
...doing additional QC testing before shipping.
...increased resistance to thermal cycling (a hidden killer of lots of electrical/electronics stuff).
...more efficient cooling for lower operating temperature.
...increased protection from EMI/RFI.
...increased protection from voltage surges on the input or output.
...reduced EMI/RFI emissions.
...lower production volume, leading to higher parts costs.
...greater production oversight, leading to increased production costs (ties in with increased QC).
...increased testing and/or certification of all parts used (ensuring genuine parts, verifying part specs, etc.) before assembly.
...increased training for all assembly/test personnel (vs. Meanwell personnel).
...if built in EU, might be required to meet additional standards vs. Meanwells.
...better packaging for individual units and/or bulk shipments.
...more comprehensive manuals/user guides, written in several languages (development cost must be amortized).
...additional external control inputs vs. Meanwells.

I have no idea though.