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The vertically-mounted VI Brick BCM Array™ combines a compact footprint and an integrated heat sink, with power density of up to 290 W/in³, to simplify thermal management and reduce board space in point of load (POL) distribution systems.

With typical efficiency of 95%, and power of up to 600W or 650W, the BCM Array provides nominal input voltages of 384 V and 352 V, with output voltages of 11, 12, 44 and 48 V DC. Packaged in a 1U-high module, the BCM Array features a 2in² footprint.

Bussing offline power to the motherboard, with conversion to either 48 V or 12 V, minimises distribution losses and cuts the number of conversion stages. This improves efficiency and reduces overall cost as well as minimising the need for bulk capacitance for energy storage near the load.

The BCM Array combines high efficiency and power density, with improved thermal management, low noise, fast transient response and overall design flexibility. It can be used in a wide range of applications, including front-end PFC in servers. The 384 V input modules are sampling now.

For datasheets and further information Click Here

Operating with an upstream PRM™ regulator, the VIV0005TFJ VTM™ voltage transformer significantly improves the performance of microprocessor and memory arrays in server applications.

The VIV0005TFJ delivers 30% more current than previous versions, and can create drive circuits that are up to three times smaller than those based on conventional modules. Operation is from a high-efficiency 48 V distribution rail, and the output range enables the VIV0005TFJ to deliver high current, even at the lowest voltage on any processor roadmap, including Intel's VR12 server. Rated for 130 A DC and 195 A peak current, the VIV0005TFJ operates with over 90% efficiency to reduce system power consumption and heat dissipation at the load.

The integrated Sine Amplitude Converter (SAC™) achieves impedance of less than 1 mOhm across the industry’s widest bandwidth range, from DC to 1 MHz. This allows the capacitance to be moved from the load to the input of the converter. A K factor of 1/40, allows the module to reduce the bulk capacitance value by a factor of 1600, to cut board area, materials and total system cost. An alternative version, the VIV0007TFJ, provides a K factor of 1/32 and 115 A DC output.

Current density of 117 A/in2 is provided by the full-chip 32.5 x 22.0 x 6.7 mm V•I Chip package, which enables flexible thermal management, through low thermal resistance, and compatibility with standard pick-and-place and surface-mount assembly.

For datasheets and further information Click Here

FlexPAC DC-DC assemblies add unprecedented flexibility to MegaPAC power supplies, providing up to 32 DC outputs from a single chassis. This significantly reduces the cost and complexity of driving multiple low-power system components such as fans, sensors, or relays.

Up to 50W of power is provided by each FlexPAC channel, at a maximum output current of 5A, with factory-programmable power-up sequencing between channels. Low noise performance is available across the full voltage range and FlexPAC assemblies feature over-voltage and over-temperature protection, under-voltage warning and non-latching shut-down.

Used in conjunction with ConverterPACs, FlexPAC assemblies of the same length are interchangeable within a MegaPAC power supply and between different AC-input MegaPAC chassis.

For datasheets and further information Click Here

Challenge

Vicor was asked to help Morse CZ to reduce the cost, complexity and size of the power supply in their central control system which is supplied to fork-lift manufacturers worldwide. The module would need to cover the wide range of input voltages required by the traction batteries in different fork-lifts, whilst also providing reliable operation in a harsh operating environment.

Specification

The control system operates with input voltages of 43V and 110V, and provides a 12V output with a power rating of 250W. Thermal management is by conduction cooling.

Solution

Vicor suggested the V72B12C250BG Mini DC-DC converter module, supplied via their distributor Vienna Trading CZ, as a replacement for the two different DC-DC converters used in the original control system.

Results

The V72B12C250BG Mini DC-DC converter covers the whole input voltage range, required by the control system, to provide significant savings in inventory and logistics costs by replacing the two original converters with a single module. This also provides a more compact footprint, allowing Morse CZ to use less than half the space required when using a different module for each input voltage, as well as easing design complexity and component cost.

In addition to these advantages, the V72B12C250BG meets the EN50155 requirements for operating voltage, shock, vibration and temperature, which increased the reliability and ruggedness of the control system. As an encapsulated module, rather than open frame, the V72B12C250BG also simplifies thermal management.

Suggested Reading

Application note: http://cdn.vicorpower.com/documents/application_notes/milvehicle_appnote.pdf

Quick Tip

Although based on managing transient voltages in military vehicles, the schematics in the suggested reading can be adapted for higher-voltage systems.

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