Output capability up to 400 W at isolated 24/48VDC

Vicor has launched a new product line of high-density PFM™ AC-DC front-end modules.

Supporting universal AC input of 85-264VAC and PFC function, this new module provides 400WDC output at maximum efficiency of 93% with fully isolated 24 or 48VDC output voltage, boasting unprecedented power density of 127 W/in³ (8 W/cm³) in a 9 mm VIA Package and best-in-class performance.

These new modules can be applied to diverse applications including industrial use, process control, telecommunications, office equipment, test and measurement, LED lighting, and more. All electronic products and systems operating independently from the AC power line must incorporate an AC-DC "front-end" to convert the AC supply voltage into stable DC voltage required by electrical circuits.

The newly introduced products integrate the complete range of front-end functions required in AC line-driven power systems—including overcurrent and inrush current protection, input power factor correction, input-output isolation, and stabilized SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) DC output—meeting international safety and regulatory agency standards related to isolation, EMC (CE), power factor correction, transient currents on AC lines, flicker, momentary power loss, and surge.

Both on-board mounting and chassis mounting versions are available in VIA package configuration, supporting two different operating temperature ranges.

For most applications, users can simply combine the PFM with an AIM (Universal AC Input Module) to integrate all necessary primary-side rectification, filtering, and transient current protection circuits within the VIA Package and secondary-side storage capacitance, completing a full AC-DC front-end solution.

Alternatively, the PFM front-end module can be combined with rectification, filtering, and secondary-side output capacitance optimized for specific applications. Regardless of which approach is applied, the PFM front-end module overcomes uncertainties related to custom front-end design and lengthy design cycles, enabling rapid and convenient design of high-performance, high-density AC-DC front-end solutions.

Typically, most alternative front-end systems are configured with high-capacity energy storage at elevated input voltages; however, the PFM enhances system safety by storing energy in low-voltage capacitors at isolated SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) output.

Moreover, with a thickness only 1/5 that of the company's existing solutions, the more robust and thermally superior VIA Package can be easily mounted on equipment side panels, chassis, or other external heat dissipation devices, delivering enhanced thermal performance in any application. Mounting the AC/DC converter on the chassis or equipment side not only reduces system size and cost but also secures additional usable space while improving thermal performance, thereby saving additional costs for supplementary heat dissipation devices.

The new PFM AC-DC front-end module provides a modular integrated AC-DC front-end solution with significantly higher power density and robustness compared to alternative products, and is well compatible with a wide range and variety of downstream components.

Power design engineers can utilize Vicor's online PowerBench™ design tool to rapidly design and implement a complete offline power system combining selected downstream modules and the PFM AC-DC front-end solution from Vicor's portfolio of high-density, high-efficiency, modular power converter products, delivering predictable performance coupled with superior power density, efficiency, and reliability.

Power Component Design Methodology and Online Configuration and Design Tools

Vicor's power component design methodology employs a modular component design approach, enabling users to predict component and system functionality and reliability, achieve faster design cycles, and facilitate system configuration, reconfiguration, and expansion. Additionally, it provides efficient system operation, high-density power, and cost-effectiveness, offering users the best alternative solution compared to competing products.

System designers can utilize Vicor's online tools to reference Vicor's diverse validated portfolio to design, optimize, and simulate their power systems from the input source to POL (Point Of Load). This innovative approach minimizes the possibility of unexpected issues and delays that are commonly observed in the final development stages of traditional user-customized design methods, while providing rapid market access and superior functionality.