COTS Watch
Jack Browne, Technical Director W/in. 3 Since the PRM or VTM chip set is extremely compact, it can be located remotely from the load, allowing current and power densi-ties to be effectively doubled at the load itself.
Multiple modules can be run in parallel to achieve higher-power arrays. A compatible filter (M-FIAM7) is available that provides EMI filtering in compliance with MIL-STD-461 and transient suppression in compliance with MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704 and DO-160.
The V•I Chip package is compatible with standard pick-and-place surface-mount machinery and assembly processes. It provides flexible thermal management through its low junction-to-case and junction-to-board thermal resistance. According to Keith Nardone, senior manager for Defense Products at Vicor, “These new MIL-COTS products not only give power designers the full functionality of a DC-to-DC converter in a very small package, they provide breakthrough performance and flexibility in a rugged, highly efficient package.”
The VTM modules feature isolated outputs from 1 to 50 VDC with switching frequency of 1. 3 MHz. They achieve 95 percent efficiency. The PRM modules also provide isolated outputs from 1 to 50 VDC with 3-MHz switching frequency and as much as 96.5 percent efficiency. The PRM modules, which operate from a wide range of input
POWER SUPPLIES are among the most critical components in any military system. For that reason, the V•I family of DC-to-DC Chip modules from Vicor Corp. ( www.vicorpower.com ) is designed to provide the high performance and rugged operation required of the most demanding environments, while still providing the cost efficiency of military commercial-off-the-shelf ( MIL-COTS) hardware. The new chip modules consist of an +28-VDC-input model Pre-Regulator Module (PRM™) voltage regulator and various combinations of the firm’s Voltage Transformation Module (VTM™) current multipliers with output voltages from 1 to 50 VDC.
The 28-VDC MIL-COTS VoI family of DC-to-DC Chip modules (see figure) provide all the functionality of a DC-to-DC converter with high power density and high efficiency, fast transient response, low-noise behavior, and flexible thermal management. Each module weighs just 0.5 oz. ( 15 g) and measures just 1.28 0.87 0.26 in. The lightweight, compact modules are designed for mission-critical portable and airborne applications.
One of the company’s PRM and VTM chip sets can provide as much as 100 A current or 115 W power for a system density of 172 A/in. 3 or 198
voltages from 16 to 50 VDC, feature 1-µs transient response. They met many of the ground-vehicle and airborne requirements of MIL-STD-1275 and MIL-STD-704 while supplied in a surface-mount package that occupies only one square in.
Each PRM and VTM chip set is surface mounted to a unique printed-wire board (PWB) that can be mated using integral connectors. Evaluation boards are also available from stock and priced at $219.00 each. For more information on the MIL-COTS VoI Chip products, visit the Vicor Corp. website. Vicor Corp., 25 Frontage Rd., Andover, MA 01810-5413; (800) 735-6200, FAX: (978) 475- 6715, Internet: www.vicorpower.com.
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