Data center, automotive and advanced industrial markets are deploying 48V power delivery networks (PDNs) as system power levels continue to increase; 48V based architectures maximize power network efficiency while maintaining Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) levels. The growing use of 48V PDNs requires compatibility for powering legacy 12V systems and infrastructure. Conventional 1/8 and 1/4 open frame brick converters are large and bulky and do not meet the power density needs of advanced systems. In addition, conventional converter topologies have inefficiencies that can reduce the 48V distribution gains.
As rack power increases to meet the demands of cloud and AI computing workloads the move to 48V has begun and is being supported by the Open Compute Project (OCP) consortium with its Open Rack Standard V2.2 for distributed 48V server backplane architectures and a 48V standard operating voltage for AI Open Accelerator Modules (OAM). These new standards require 48V to 12V and 12V to 48V compatibility to support 12V legacy backplanes and 12V multiphase VRs for processors. Learn more
The need to meet new CO2 emissions standards while also increasing vehicle performance and adding new features has brought about the era of electrification and a new 48V standard LV148. Providing power to conventional 12V electric and the growing number of advanced 48V loads requires high-density module usage versus larger and bulkier discrete type solutions automotive uses today. Learn more
This broad and expanding set of applications has high power requirements but have some form of human contact for operation or maintenance reasons. Maintaining Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) levels is important. Applications such as Robots and ATE (Automatic Test Equipment) take advantage of 48V power delivery but have multiple lower power 12V based loads. Providing power systems engineers with a high density, easy to use 48V to 12V power module simplifies their design and power system footprint.
Vicor has introduced new high-density and high-efficiency module solutions for bridging 48V to 12V and 12V to 48V systems. These regulated and fixed-ratio converters are enabling 48V PDN deployment with its inherent efficiency advantages while alleviating the burden of re-designing 12V legacy systems. These converters establish new power conversion performance standards along with options for various application needs.
High density
Modular and scalable
Efficiency up to 98%
Lightweight
6x reduction in density vs. conventional 1/4 brick-sized products
The DCM3717 has established a new power density benchmark for regulated 48V to 12V conversion with a 6x reduction in size over a conventional 1/4 brick converter. The compact size of the DCM3717 allows for easy board placement on existing 12V boards eliminating the need for a major redesign. Parallel operation is also possible to attain higher power levels above the 750W capability of one module. The DCM3717 is a complete converter solution requiring minimal external components adding to its high-density, low-impact design capability.
For lower power applications, the PI3526 ZVS Buck delivers 200W from a 10 x 14 x 2.5mm packaged LGA SiP and the PI3546 ZVS Buck delivers 100W from a 10 x 10 x 2.5mm LGA SiP; both devices have 96% peak efficiency. Parallel operation is also possible to attain higher power levels. ZVS Bucks require an external inductor and input/output ceramic capacitors.
Fixed ratio converters deliver higher density and efficiency than traditional regulated power converters. The patented NBM2317 is inherently bidirectional with a K:1/4 in step-down operation and K:4/1 in step-up mode offering the same high performance in either direction. The compact Converter housed in Package (ChiP™) format enables designers to deliver more power in a much smaller space because of it advanced level of integration. Because of their compact size and proprietary architecture the NBM2317 can be paralleled with little design effort making them flexible and easily scalable.
Fixed ratio conversion: 1/4
Input: 38 – 60V step-down, 9.5 – 15V step-up
Output: 9.5 – 15V step-down, 38 – 60V step-up
Power: 800W continuous, 1kW peak
23 x 17 x 7.4mm
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