Vicor Corp. introduced the VI BRICK™ BCM™ – a bus converter member of the new VI BRICK family that provides an advanced modular power platform for power solutions. The VI BRICK BCM is said to use advanced Sine Amplitude Converter™ (SAC™) technology, thermally enhanced packaging technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes to provide what is described as high power density and efficiency, superior transient response, and improved thermal management. These modules can be used to provide an isolated intermediate bus to power multiple non-isolated POL converters or as an independent power source.
The VI BRICK BCM is a high efficiency (up to 96%) module operating from primary bus voltages of 48V and 350/380V to deliver isolated outputs with a range of voltages from 1.5 to 48Vdc depending on the model. Due to the fast response time and low noise of the BCM, the need for capacitors at the load is reduced – or eliminated. This is complemented by the capacitive multiplication effect of the BCM where the required input capacitance of the niPOL can be significantly reduced, by a factor of the square of the BCM transformation ratio, by placing the capacitance at the input of the BCM – resulting in savings of board area, materials, and total system cost.
"At 390 W/in³, this new very high-power-density module sets a new standard for bricks – even in thermally challenging applications," said Joe Sullivan, Product Marketing Manager. "The VI BRICK BCM may also be used in high-power, high-efficiency data center applications to power individual cards or blades directly from the HV distribution bus."
VI BRICK BCM models are available in a base temperature grade of -40 to +100°C, operating, and -40 to +125°C, storage, with a slotted-flange baseplate and through-hole pin style. All modules of the VI BRICK BCM family are RoHS compliant and compatible with lead-free wave soldering processes. These models are robust, thermally proficient, and compact with a footprint of 2.08in² and low profile of 0.37" (dimensions of 1.91 x 1.09 x 0.37" (48,6 x 27,7 x 9,5mm).
Pricing for the VI BRICK BCMs begin as low as $44 USD in OEM quantities and lead times can be as little as 4-6 weeks for samples.
