Designing with Component Power

Designing with Component Power Modules
This video seminar provides power system designers with technical information presented by a leading expert in the field, Tom Curatolo, Director of Applications Engineering at Vicor. You can either view this seminar in its entirety or by chapter.
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1. Zero-Current Switching Topology 4. Electrical Performance 7. Unique Paralleling Methods 10. Mounting Methods
2. Maxi, Mini and Micro Advancements 5. Thermal Considerations 8. Electrical Safety Concepts 11. Applications Examples
3. Vicor Design Assistance
    Computer (VDAC)
6. Control Functions 9. Module Do's and Don'ts 12. EMI Considerations
This mini-seminar considers the advantages and disadvantages of the two main classes of DC-DC converter topologies. A comparison is made between DC-DC converters using fixed frequency pulsewidth modulation (PWM) and variable frequency quasi-resonant Zero-Current Switching (ZCS).

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Does Power Conversion Topology Matter?
EMC Considerations
Characterization and Comparison of Noise Generation for Quasi-Resonant and Pulsewidth Modulated Converters
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This mini-seminar delineates some of the many advancements associated with Maxi, Mini and Micro DC-DC converters, such as: advanced power processing, control and packaging technologies, low-noise Zero-Current and Zero-Voltage Switching and advanced power semiconductor packaging, and a high level of silicon integration.

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Tour of Vicor's Manufacturing Facility Video
Power MOSFETS
Reliable MHz operation requires attention to device characteristics
Maxi, Mini and Micro DC-DC Converter Modules
Improve power density, reliability, and cost per Watt
Converters Tackle Heat and Noise
Noise and thermal management continue to dominate DC-DC converter design issues
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The Vicor VDAC (Vicor Design Assistance Computer) is a patented system that enables Vicor's customers to specify on-line, and verify in real time, the performance and attributes of Maxi, Mini and Micro DC-DC converters. Designs are downloaded directly into Vicor's computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM).

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Power System Selection and Design
Expert systems play a growing role in power system selection and design
The Dissolution of Standard vs. Custom Component Power Constraints
Custom Power is Dead – Long Live Custom Power
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Electrical performance is obviously a fundamental consideration to designers using component power modules. In this mini-seminar, the emphasis is on describing standard features – e.g., undervoltage lockout, overvoltage protection – associated with Maxi, Mini and Micro DC-DC converters.

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Design Introductory Verification Analysis Video
Remote Sense
Thermal Considerations
Assuring performance of Maxi, Mini and Micro high-density DC-DC converter modules
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Proper thermal management pays dividends in terms of improved converter and system MTBFs, smaller size, and lower product life-cycle costs. This mini-seminar discusses and provides guidelines for achieving effective thermal management. Thermal performance with and without heat sinks is discussed.

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Thermal Measurements Video
Thermal Considerations
Assuring performance of Maxi, Mini and Micro high-density DC-DC converter modules.
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Control functions are examined including the PC (primary control) pin, the PR (parallel) pin, and the SC (secondary control) pin. Topics include module enable/disable, primary auxiliary, and module alarm, output voltage programming, and the SC pin and output voltage trimming.

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Wide Range Trimming With Variable Loads
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Vicor's Maxi, Mini and Micro DC-DC converter modules facilitate parallel operation for power expansion or redundancy. The PR pin is a bi-directional port that transmits and receives information between modules. The features of a number of compatible interface architectures are described.

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Current Sharing for Better Systems Performance and Fault Tolerance
Current Sharing in Power Arrays
Analog and synchronous design methods offer a range of options for attaining high power output and fault tolerance
Converter Modules Offer Fault Immunity
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Vicor component power modules are intended for use within protective enclosures. These converters work at elevated baseplate temperatures, and high voltages and currents are present at the terminals. This mini-seminar discusses fusing, insulation withstand, safety approvals, engineering and production tests.

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A selection of module do's and don'ts are discussed including:
  • Properly terminating the sense pins
  • Making module array output connections
  • Topics associated with high-power arrays: fusing, bypass caps, etc.
  • OR'ing diodes

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This mini-seminar focuses on recent innovations in mounting methods with particular emphasis on a surface-mounted socketing system. Sockets offer manufacturing and maintenance advantages over soldering the converters directly to the PC board.

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SurfMate Video
Surface mounting
InMate Video
Through hole socketing
New DC-DC Converter Interconnect System Offers Surface Mount Capability
SurfMate Design Guide
Surface mount socketing system for Vicor Maxi, Mini and Micro modules
InMate Design Guide
Socket mount, up to 100A using Vicor Maxi, Mini and Micro modules
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A number of applications provide practical examples of designing with component power modules. The first one describes the design and operation of a typical high-power array. A hot-swap application and a voltage-drop application are also presented.

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Compliance Testing: Introduction Video
Three tests normally imposed for safety and compatibility issues
Compliance Testing 1: Transient Video
Compliance Testing 2: Emissions Video
Compliance Testing 3: Harmonics Video
Efficiency Measurement (PFC)
Power Components Simplify 1kW Power Design
Off-line Power Supply Using the FARM AC Front-End Module
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In this mini-seminar some EMI examples are given to show the effect that each change in filter components (e.g., a differential mode capacitor) has on the noise spectrum.

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Output Noise Measurements Video
Precise measuring of ripple and noise
MicroRAM Video
How to properly measure switching ripple with the MicroRAM
Use High-Density Power Components for High Availability
Component Power Solves Unique Problems
Hot Swap Capability Eliminates Downtime
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