Vox Power Unveils Digitally Enabled Output Modules and Open-Source DevKit

Vox Power has expanded its NEVO+ series by introducing digital control capabilities to its modular power supplies, allowing engineers to embed intelligent monitoring directly into their system architectures. The release includes PMBus 1.2 compatible digital output modules and an open-source Digital Development Kit (DevKit) based on the ESP32 microcontroller, drastically reducing the complexity of PMBus integration.

Traditional power configurations often rely on analog output modules. The introduction of these digital "D" modules gives system designers the ability to read real-time operating parameters and implement sophisticated control loops without requiring any mechanical redesigns or increasing the footprint of existing applications.

NEVO+1200M platform (left) and the new NEVO+ Digital Output Modules (right)

Intelligent Control and Drop-In Compatibility

The company touts the NEVO+600 and NEVO+1200 power supply platforms for their industry-leading power density and use in demanding medical and industrial environments. The NEVO+600M, for instance, delivers 600 W from a 5” x 3” x 1.61” chassis weighing just 600 grams—yielding an impressive 25 W/in³. The larger NEVO+1200M pushes up to 1200 W in a 1.2 kg, 6” x 6” x 1.61” package.

By selecting the new digital output modules in place of standard analog versions, users can seamlessly add full visibility and control at the output level. The digital modules maintain the exact physical dimensions of existing slots, granting true drop-in compatibility. Engineers can monitor critical variables such as voltage, current, power, temperature, and operating status via an I²C interface.

Operating settings—including output voltage and current limits—can be dynamically adjusted and stored in non-volatile memory (NVM), ensuring the modules power up in a predetermined state. The digital modules cover a broad spectrum of voltage classes:

• OP1D: 0 V–7.5 V, 25 A, 125 W
• OP2D: 0 V–15 V, 15 A, 150 W
• OP3D: 0 V–30 V, 7.5 A, 150 W
• OP4D: 0 V–58 V, 3.75 A, 150 W
• OPA2D: 0 V–15 V, 25 A, 300 W
• OPA3D: 0 V–30 V, 15 A, 300 W

Furthermore, these modules can be commanded down to 0 V (output-off control) and are designed to support direct connections to batteries and external power sources, expanding their use in intelligent charging and energy management applications.

Bridging the Gap: The Open-Source Digital DevKit

To accelerate end-user development and minimize the low-level firmware engineering typically required for PMBus implementation, Vox Power has rolled out an accompanying open-source Digital DevKit. Designed around the ESP32 microcontroller, the DevKit simplifies the coordinated control of up to eight digital modules.

NEVO Digital DevKit is an open-source development platform designed to simplify control and monitoring of up to 8 channels of NEVO+ Digital Output Modules.

The DevKit bridges the gap between low-level PMBus communications and high-level workflows by offering four distinct control methodologies:

• Web Interface: Accessed over WiFi, this browser-based virtual instrument provides intuitive controls for monitoring, data logging, and parameter adjustment without requiring any coding. It allows engineers to export and import JSON configuration files to easily replicate known-good setups for factory programming.
• SCPI via VISA: To support automated test equipment (ATE) and scripted lab environments, the DevKit integrates a SCPI language interpreter ("skippy"). It supports VISA-based communications over USBTMC and TCP/IP, ensuring seamless compatibility with standard lab automation software.
• SCPI via REST API: For software developers building customized dashboards or quick test tools, the DevKit can accept SCPI commands directly through a REST API.
• Direct PMBus Access: For engineers needing protocol-level control, the kit offers direct PMBus access for deep system integration and debugging.

Learn more in this YouTube video about the NEVO+ Digital Output Modules and the development kit:

Simplifying Integration and System Expansion

Because the digital interface supports SMBus address discovery and zone configuration, the DevKit easily groups and controls multiple NEVO+ modules on the same bus. On power-up, the DevKit automatically resolves duplicate SMBus addresses so each module can communicate uniquely. This functionality is essential for complex systems where multiple power rails must ramp up or be inhibited synchronously.

The open-source nature of the DevKit hardware and software allows development teams to freely modify the platform to suit specific application workflows. Moreover, the inclusion of a hardware expansion interface—compatible with MikroE plug-in boards—provides a direct pathway to incorporate alternative communication protocols such as CAN bus, Modbus, DALI, or DMX.

Alongside the hardware releases, Vox Power debuted a new online Product Selector and Configuration Tool to help engineers rapidly spec the optimal power solution, filtering by cooling methods, safety classifications, and exact output requirements.

Suited for a Variety of Applications

Moving forward, the NEVO+ Digital Output Modules are positioned as a robust, highly configurable solution for advanced medical equipment, industrial automation, and battery-connected systems where size, weight, and intelligent telemetry are paramount. Samples of the digital modules will be available in Q3 2026.

All images used courtesy of Vox Power.