Column: Electric Vehicles


Figure 2: The CableGuard UAV power delivery network, showing the eight Vicor DCM isolated, regulated DC-DC converters


voltages means power can be delivered through the tether cable at 400VDC – the higher voltage means lower current and lower I2


R


losses. Accordingly, a much smaller and lighter cable can be used – a particular advantage in airborne applications. Second, the DCMs’ power and performance, together with


their efficient operation, meant that eight 600W modules could be packed into a limited-size pod under the UAV, with just two heatsinks/fans, to deliver nearly 5kW total power to the UAV’s eight motors, two cameras and associated electronics.


Vicor’s DCM modules With up to 1244W/in3


power density, plus a power rating up to


1300W, 46.43A continuous, the DCM family of isolated, regulated DC-DC converters can operate with 96% peak efficiency thanks to its high-frequency zero-voltage switching topology. Operating from an unregulated, wide-range input, it can generate an isolated output, with a fully-operational current limit. DCM modules are available in both ChiP (converter housed


in package) and VIA (Vicor adapter) packages. Leveraging the thermal and density benefits of the Vicor ChiP packaging technology, the DCM ChiP modules offer flexible thermal management options with very low thermal impedances. Additionally, the DCM VIA module provides EMI filtering, tight output voltage regulation over all line and load conditions, and a secondary-referenced control interface for trim, enable and remote sense operation whilst retaining the fundamental design benefits of the conventional brick architecture. Te converter provides superior power system performance


and connectivity from a variety of unregulated power sources to the point of load. Additionally, arrays of up to eight units can be assembled with no power derating.


www.electronicsworld.com June 2023 15 Figure 3: This demo UAV uses a ZVS buck converter


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