Improve throughput by upgrading computer power

Machine vision systems have dramatically increased the throughput and improved the quality of products built on automated production lines by reducing inspection time and improving accuracy. This manufacturer was looking to improve throughput further by upgrading the computing power of the image processing system. However, there was no additional space for expansion as the equipment form factor was already fixed. The key goals were:

• Faster, more powerful image processing required increased power
• Space for larger power supply not available
• Future upgrades will require even more power

Reduce heat and improve reliability

The three output rails were converted down individually directly from the 24V input supply. The requirements of the two low-voltage, low-power (50W) rails were met by Vicor ZVS Buck regulators. The higher power 12V rail (170W) was provided by two ZVS Buck regulators in parallel. Key benefits were:

• Extremely small sized solution (10 x 14mm per regulator, with few external components)
• Low waste heat reduced space required for managing heat (95.5% efficiency)
• Regulators easily paralleled for increased power