Vicor introduces 320-W regulator

Vicor has introduced a high-power-density (greater than 1100 W/in3) 320-W PRM (pre-regulator module) non-isolated regulator. Designated P045F048T32AL, this latest component in the vendor’s VI Chip family is designed for 48-V power applications involving automated test equipment, servers, and telecom equipment.

This PRM provides a controlled distribution voltage for powering downstream VTM (voltage transformation module) current multipliers, creating fast, efficient, isolated, low-noise point-of-load (POL) converters. With an efficiency of 97% and matched with a 94% efficient VTM unit, it enables direct 48-V-to-load with 91% efficiency, eliminating the need for an intermediate 12-V bus-conversion stage and VRMs.

In combination, PRMs and VTMs form a complete DC-DC converter subsystem based on Vicor’s Factorized Power Architecture (FPA), which offers high density and efficiency, low-noise operation, architectural flexibility, fast transient response, and elimination of bulk capacitance at the point of load. A PRM+VTM chip set provides up to 100 A or 300 W for a 48-V direct-to-load density of over 500 W/in3. Alternatively, the PRM may be used independently if isolation is not required.

The P045F048T32AL features adaptive-loop compensation feedback. This single-wire alternative to traditional remote sensing and feedback loops enables precise control of an isolated POL voltage without the need for either a direct connection to the load or for noise-sensitive, bandwidth-limiting, isolation devices in the feedback path.

Base price: $53 (OEM quantities) for a 320-W PRM+VTM chip set to convert from 48 V direct to 1 V. Vicor, www.vicr.com.