In the heart of the Chilean desert, on Cerro Armazones, two technological leaders, the American Vicor and the Italian Microgate, are joining forces to create the largest ground-based optical telescope ever built, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This engineering feat, thanks to high-density power systems and revolutionary adaptive optics, promises to peer into the universe with unprecedented clarity.

With a primary mirror 39 metres in diameter, the ELT promises to revolutionize observational astronomy, allowing us to peer into the depths of the Universe with unprecedented clarity.

This feat is made possible by a collaboration between Vicor, a US company specializing in high-density power modules, and Microgate, an Italian company based in Bolzano, a leader in adaptive optics control systems. Together, they are developing advanced technological solutions to overcome the challenges posed by terrestrial astronomical observation.

Correct atmospheric distortions

One of the main obstacles in astronomical observation from the ground is represented by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts the light coming from celestial objects. To overcome this problem, the ELT is equipped with an adaptive secondary mirror, called M4, with a diameter of 2.4m and a thickness of only 1.9mm. This mirror is controlled by 5,316 voice-coil linear motors, which deform its surface in real time to compensate for atmospheric aberrations, ensuring extremely sharp images.

The power supply of the optical telescope

To function properly, the adaptive optics system requires a precise, efficient, and compact power supply.

Microgate chose the Vicor DCM3623 series DC-DC converter modules known for their high-power density and reliability. Each module can power up to 36 motor channels, reducing wiring complexity and improving system thermal management.

Vicor and Microgate, a successful collaboration

The synergy between Vicor and Microgate represents a virtuous example of international collaboration in the field of high technology.

Thanks to this partnership, the ELT will be able to observe the universe with unprecedented precision, opening new frontiers in understanding cosmic origins. As Gerald Angerer, hardware engineer at Microgate, stated: "Vicor's high-efficiency, high-power-density modules are very compact and reliable, and take up very little space on the circuit board. We've been using them for more than 10 years, and there's currently no comparable replacement."

With the ELT, humanity takes a significant step toward understanding the universe, thanks to the ingenuity and collaboration of companies like Vicor and Microgate.