Powering AI processors – 48V vertical power delivery changes the game
AI models demand huge current, driving legacy multiphase designs past 50 phases—causing space, thermal, and control limits Vicor addresses
Customer’s challenge
This manufacturer of inspection equipment was looking for ways of improving the integrity of pipeline surveys while reducing the associated downtime. Upgrades to the sensors, cameras and onboard processors, together with the use of higher torque drive motors to provide higher crawler speed, increased the onboard power required. Space and weight for the power supply upgrade was, however, limited. Key goals were:
- In-depth inspection requires more sensors, increased processing and higher power demands
- Minimizing pipeline downtime requires a faster crawler with more power for drive motors
- Maximizing crawler payload limits space available for the power supply
The Vicor solution
Onboard the crawler the 24V battery supply was regulated down to 12V for the drive motors, sensors and processor by a DCM DC-DC converter. The small size of the DCM converter, which provided 320W in a package of just 38.7 x 22.8 x 7.2mm, freed up space for the additional sensors.
Key benefits
Key benefits
Power supply size reduced by a small footprint, low profile (7.2mm) and low weight converter
Reduction in size of heatsink enabled by a high efficiency power converter with double-sided cooling
Downtime reduced by reliable, robust, converters designed for use in harsh environments
Vicor DCM solution reduces downtime
A DCM converter provided the isolation and regulation for motors and sensors. The rugged packaging and high efficiency (93%) of the DCM converter helped to reduce the operating temperature and improved the reliability of the power solution. To analyze this power chain go to the Vicor Whiteboard online tool.
Power delivery network
Isolated regulated
Input: 9 – 420V
Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 13.8, 15, 24, 28, 36, 48V
Power: Up to 1300W
Peak efficiency: 96%
As small as 24.8 x 22.8 x 7.21mm
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
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