The new Vicor DCM3717 and DCM3735 DC-DC power modules contribute to the increasing popularity of 48V-centric power delivery networks (PDNs), which are lighter, more efficient, and have a higher power density than 12V-based PDNs. The DCM devices are regulated DC-DC converters that are non-isolated and operate between 40 and 60 volts to produce a controlled output that can be adjusted between 10 and 12.5 volts.
The DCM3735 is a 2kW device, and the DCM3717 family comes in two power ranges: 750W and 1kW. System power levels can be quickly scaled by paralleling these new DCM devices.
Power system designers can now implement high-performance 48V power delivery networks for traditional 12V loads and realize notable size, weight, and efficiency gains thanks to these new DCM products, which have an industry-leading power density of 5kW/in3.
The design of thermal management systems is made easier by the thermally adept 5.2mm low-profile SM-ChiPTM surface-mount package.
Later this year, the DCM3735S60D13L0TN1 (2000W / size: 36.7 x 35.4 x 5.2mm) will be available. The DCM3717S60E13G5TN1 (750W) and DCM3717S60D13K0TN1 (1000W) are available now.
Enabling easy conversion from high voltage to 12V via a 48V hub
In order to benefit from increased efficiency, power delivery networks (PDNs) are radically switching from 12V to 48V architectures. Numerous applications, including high-performance computers and the automobile industry, have demonstrated the advantages of 48V. However, for legacy systems that have been designed on 12V architectures for decades, taking advantage of this possibility poses numerous power system design issues.
With a 48V-centric power module approach to power systems design, Vicor, the industry leader in 48V DC-DC power conversion, is making the transition easier.
Like other 48V power modules, this new line of non-isolated DCM products can be used with the Vicor BCM® high-voltage fixed-ratio bus converter family, which converts from high voltage (800V and 400V) to 48V.
Vicor DCM devices can effectively convert 48V to a regulated 12V once a 48V bus has been constructed.
Industrial applications are transitioning to 48V PDNs
Growth applications that want to quickly switch to 48V PDNs to obtain a competitive edge, including battery formation and test (BFT) and semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE), are hampered by current investments in 12V power conversion.
For instance, certain BFT systems are not easily re-engineered for 48V since they were designed to convert 12V to the battery cell load. The DCM3717/3735 devices bridge 48V and 12V to generate a high-performance 48V PDN, allowing BFT systems engineers to maintain their current investment.
For a wide range of applications, the Vicor extensive ecosystem of 48V-focused power modules offers simple scalability and unmatched flexibility when switching from high voltage to point-of-load.
Learn more about the Vicor DCM3717 and DCM3735.
