Packing the power
19 July 2011
Pulse Electronics’ versatile 3U 300W+ VPX PSU features high power density.
The company’s 3U form-factor 300W+ power supply unit (PSU) for VPX applications comprises of a number of Pulse Electronics’ high-reliability, planar technology power modules that can be configured to deliver more than 300W.
The PSU’s input is a nominal 28 V DC, though its input steady state is compliant with RTCA DO-160E A(CF) – that is 22 to 30.3 V DC – and therefore also compliant with MIL-STD-704F (22 to 29 V DC).
It can be configured to have up to five DC outputs, which are referenced to a common 0V. For example, the PSU may be configured to supply +12 V (72W), -12 V (24W); +5 V (150W), +3.3 V (49.5W) plus an auxiliary +3.3 V (13.2W), totalling 308.7 W.
Pulse Electronics’ modules have maximum power ratings of +12 V (120W), -12 V (120W), +5 V (150W) and +3.3 V (100W); but not all can be employed in the VPX PSU at their highest ratings at the same time due to space/thermal constraints.
Chris Austin, Managing Director of Pulse Electronics, comments: “We can mix and match which power modules to use within the VPX PSU to best fit customers’ requirements, and with the ability to deliver more than 300W in some configurations, our new PSU has one of the highest power densities, if not the highest, of any advanced VPX PSU available today.”
Under maximum loading, the PSU’s output voltages build to within 95% of their respective steady states well within 250ms of the application of the 28VDC input power. Also, a ‘Power Good’ signal indicates when all outputs are within ±7% of their state output voltage levels. This signal is optocoupled so it can be integrated into system health monitoring circuitry. It can also be configured to give an ‘immanent over-temperature’ warning by an additional cyclic state of the ‘Power Good’.
Other standard features include output over-current, output over-voltage and over-temperature protection along with the possibility of communication via serial bus as an option.
The unit complies with the relevant sections of RTCA DO-160E in respect of altitude, over-pressure, humidity, functional shock, random and endurance vibration, sand and dust, and conducted and radiated emissions within the confines of the sealed VPX rack configuration.
Austin adds: “The VPX standard, which is VME-based, was developed specifically for the defence sector and is proving extremely popular. An industry challenge though has been to deliver high power in the 3U form-factor. Thanks to the compact nature of our power modules, and how they can be configured, we’re able to deliver more than 300W, so feel we’re pushing the boundaries in terms of power density - and within a unit that has advanced features and affords over-all high product reliability.”
The 3U 300W+ VPX weighs 520g and its dimensions are 163.9 mm (length) x 100mm (width) x 21.4mm (depth) and suitable to fit into a one inch rack pitch. It is available immediately and comes with a one-year warranty.
To complement the 3U 300W+ VPX a unit is available that affords both power hold-up (in the region of 50ms at 300W) and additional input voltage filtering (to comply with the extreme standards of Land Class A and to cope with transients of up to 100ms duration at 180 V).
As standard, this complementary unit has a regulated output of 32V at 51.2W though different steady state voltages and even a variable controlled voltage (as might be needed for an external fan control) are available upon request. Also, the unit is available in two form-factors, namely 3U VPX card or as a standalone, plug-in box.
Pulse Electronics is exhibiting at DSEi from 13 -16 September 2011 at ExCeL in London, and the 3U 300W+ VPX will be among the products on display.
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