From toys to construction site tools, OLogic brings robotic ideas to life
OLogic extols high-density power modules to drive today’s robotic revolution
Case study: Security and inspecting robots
Compact power modules allow space for advanced sensors that improve security and performance
Customer’s challenge
Robots can go where people cannot, keeping them out of harm’s way while maintaining safety and security. Inspection robots can monitor infrastructure more frequently and allow for rapid remediation before problems occur, saving lives, time, and money. Some, with tethers, operate at high voltages of 400V with conversion down to 12V and 1.5kW for propulsion. The key
goals were:
- Highly efficient to extend run time
- Capable of managing high-temperature operations
- Supporting a variety of point-of-load voltages
The Vicor solution
Security robots need to support a host of sensors and actuators to monitor efficiently and effectively and Vicor DCM™ power modules are a thermally adept and very power-dense solution that can power a variety of point-of-load voltages. The power density of the Vicor DCM also helps with routing the wiring and cable assembly and increasing battery efficiency,
performance, and runtime.
Key benefits
Key benefits
Improved power density and efficiency extend the run time
The DCM offers advanced packaging and topologies to manage thermal loads
The DCM can be paralleled easily to accommodate additional system expansion
Power delivery network
In this example, one DCM4623 isolated, regulated DC-DC converter module converts the 300V tether voltage to 12V to power the controller while another provides a 48V bus that is further converted down to 18V using DCM3623 modules to power a set of thrusters to propel the robot. This modular PDN is smaller than a couple of mobile phones but supplies 1.5kW at 92% efficiency.
Input: 9 – 420V
Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 13.8, 15, 24, 28, 36, 48V
Power: Up to 1300W
Efficiency: Up to 96%
As small as 24.8 x 22.8 x 7.21mm
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
Rugged, reliable, and efficient power modules maximize uptime in harsh environments
Harvesting robots perform various tasks on farms, often autonomously and are equipped with sensors, cameras, and GPS systems to navigate their environment
Lightweight and efficient power modules extend delivery routes and save space to carry more goods
Last-mile consumer delivery of groceries, take-out food and online consumer items is the mission-critical task of autonomous robots
High-efficiency power modules maximize system run-time and improve productivity
Logistic robots like AMRs and AGVs provide inventory management and order fulfillment tasks within large warehouse environments