Extend flight times and support high-performance surveillance equipment to ensure safety and security
Customer’s challenge
Upgrading the range and resolution of vehicle-mounted ground radar systems presents substantial power challenges. The 28V input may need to provide a peak output of 2.5kW. Given the limited space available and the need to make the equipment transportable, the power supply must be compact and lightweight. To achieve maximum radar range, the pulse must have minimal distortion. For optimal resolution, it is essential to minimize power supply noise during reception. The key challenges are:
- Minimize power supply noise during reception for maximum resolution
- Fit the new power solution within the fixed space available
- Reduce the overall weight to improve the portability of the radar
The Vicor solution
Leveraging high-frequency Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) topology, Vicor DCM™ DC-DC converters minimize power supply noise during the radar’s reception phase – crucial for maximizing resolution – by providing a clean, regulated output at high efficiency. Their compact, modular design address the challenge of space constraints, allowing for integration within the existing footprint. They also contribute to a reduction in overall weight, directly improving the portability of the radar system. Key benefits were:
Key benefits
Key benefits
Compact high-density power modules optimize available design space
Minimal electromagnetic interference and simple filter design
Low weight increases portability
Power delivery network
The power delivery network for this application efficiently meets the system’s demands by employing just three MIL-COTS DCM™ DC-DC converters configured in a parallel array. This setup provides a stable 900W 28V output from a MIL-STD-704 input, effectively addressing the power needs while significantly reducing the design complexity and component count compared to a solution sized for the 2.5kW peak requirement. MFM™ DCM filters are DC front-end modules used in conjunction with DCMs and provide EMI filtering and transient protection to meet MIL standards.
Isolated regulated
Input: 28, 30, 270V
Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24, 28, 48V
Power: Up to 1300W
Peak efficiency: 96%
As small as 0.98 x 0.90 x 0.28in
Input filter for DCMs
Input: 28V (16 – 50V), 270V (160 – 420V)
Current: Up to 22A
As small as 44.6 x 35.5 x 9.2mm
