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Robotics solutions

Tethered robots

Some mobile robots need to be connected to a base station via a tether cable. In applications such as underwater inspection, the tether allows for extended operation and high-bandwidth data transfer from cameras in otherwise noisy and harsh environments. The thinner and lighter the cable, the further and longer these robots can operate, but thinner cable limits power delivery from traditional PDNs. The Vicor modular approach enables higher voltages to be transmitted over the cable, reducing the cable size and weight without compromising power. The small size and low weight of Vicor modules also makes the robots lighter and able to increase payloads.

Tethered robot

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The power delivery network

A compact, lightweight, and efficient PDN is necessary to make a 400V tether usable for thrusters to propel and underwater robot as well as to power control systems, cameras, and sensors that operate from 12V to 48V. This example shows a DCM isolated, regulated DC-DC converter not only creating a 48V bus, but also directly driving the robots thrusters. The 48V is then converted down to 12V and 24V using BCM488 non-isolated, fixed-ratio DC-DC converters for onboard systems. BCMs can achieve up to 98% efficiency and power densities up to 2.4kW/in3, allowing the robots to work longer and take on more payload.

Power Delivery Network for a tethered ROV

DCM DC-DC converters

Input: 9 – 420V

Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 13.8, 15, 24, 28, 36, 48V

Power: Up to 1300W

Efficiency: Up to 96%

As small as 24.8 x 22.8 x 7.21mm

BCM bus converter modules

Input: 800 – 48V

Output: 2.4 – 55.0V

Current: Up to 150A

Efficiency: Up to 98%

As small as 22.0 x 16.5 x 6.7mm  

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