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www.us-tech.com
May, 2017
Intelligent Power Converters Provide Flexibility for Marine Electronics
By Ed Sullivan T
o operate marine electronics and communication devices, power converters such as in-
verters, battery chargers and power supplies are often installed to con- vert available DC or AC to the appro- priate power outputs required. Complicating matters, both the
power source (DC in varying voltages from battery banks and AC from gen- erators or shore power) and the out- puts (voltage, frequency, etc.) can vary for each piece of equipment. Finding the ideal converter can be difficult and often requires a cus- tomized solution. Fortunately, digital signal pro-
cessing (DSP) technology has signifi- cantly simplified the process. Unlike analog converters, which require board-level component modifications to alter function or features, DSP- based models can be programmed to accommodate a range of input and output parameters. By doing so, digital converters
can be programmed to accommodate varying international AC power standards, market-preferred or cus- tom battery voltage input/outputs and a multitude of safety settings. These adjustments, and even firmware updates for the unit itself, can be made at any time in the prod- uct’s lifecycle, even after installation. This capability allows system de-
signers and installers to choose from a simplified selection of models that can
essentially be customized to meet the precise needs of each application.
Marine Electronics Marine electronics and commu-
nication systems run the gamut from
naling devices, and radar, to enter- tainment system devices that include satellite television, DVD players and mp3-compatible music players. While most are connected to the existing DC battery system, more sen-
ered equipment on board that re- quires DC-AC inverters, such as a laptop computer or cellphone charg- er. Another type of power converter, a battery charger, is used to top off batteries when connected to AC shore power. In the case of sophisticated in-
frared camera systems, a digital con- verter with programmable safety set- tings also plays a key role in protect- ing the equipment from malfunction or damage caused by spikes or fluctu- ations in voltage. “Thermal cameras are particu-
larly at risk, because they must re- main within specific voltage range parameters to operate properly,” says Joe Janson, CEO of Night Vi- sion Technology Solutions (NVTS). “If there is a large spike in voltage, it could even damage a camera that can cost hundreds of thousands of dol- lars. So you need to maintain a prop- er, consistent voltage to it.” NVTS manufactures fixed and
Analytic Systems was the first to develop high-frequency switching voltage converters for the marine industry.
operational, such as instrumenta- tion, lighting, radios, satellite phones, infrared cameras, fish find- ers, depth sounders, emergency sig-
sitive, microprocessor-based equip - ment often requires a dedicated power supply or voltage converter to operate. Vessels also may have AC-pow-
portable night vision camera systems used for navigation, search and rescue, coastal surveillance, man overboard, and object identification track ing. These marine infrared camera systems are typically installed on small, quick response vessels, large patrol boats, tugs, fast frigates, and yachts. To protect its systems, NVTS
supplies a digital power supply with each of its Nimbus IPX night vision
Continued on page 48
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