Build better UAVs using modular power
Power Delivery Networks (PDN) based on Vicor high performance power modules enable innovative designs for the next generation of UAV development
Customer’s challenge
New solid-state X-ray technology allows medical X-ray scanners to be more portable and battery operated, enabling medical professionals to check patients in any location. Medical X-rays typically need a short pulse of high-intensity radiation energy, which can conveniently be stored and supplied to the X-ray diode by a supercapacitor, in this case charged to 28V. Normally the 28V would be sourced from a number of Li-ion batteries in series. However, in a portable application, this type of battery array and charging system is too large and too heavy. The key goals were:
- Find an alternative to heavy and bulky multiple-cell battery solutions
- Fast charging of the supercapacitor requires a high current pulse
- Long battery life to minimize the need for recharging
The Vicor solution
Use of a bi-directional DC-DC converter reduced the battery array to just one 2.7V Li-ion cell, reducing size and weight significantly compared to a typical boost converter solution. In addition, the bi-directional converter delivered higher efficiencies when charging the supercapacitor from a low voltage source, extending battery life.
Key benefits
Key benefits
Ultra-small, lightweight solution (8.6cm2 footprint, 16g weight) compared to a boost converter solution
Unique bi-directional converters (DC-DC transformer) available as standard products
Higher efficiency achieved using low-loss Sine Amplitude Conversion topology
Bi-directional VTM, operating in reverse mode, enabled highly-efficient x12 transformation
A Vicor VTM, operating in reverse, stepped-up the 2.7V input to provide a nominal 32V rail with an efficiency of more than 94%. For the supercapacitor charging circuit, a ZVS Buck-Boost converter regulated the 32V and provided the necessary current limiting. This architecture was accomplished in a footprint of just 8.6cm2. To analyze this power chain, go to Vicor Whiteboard online tool.
Power delivery network
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 0 – 60V
Output: 0 – 55V
Current: Up to 115A
Peak efficiency: 97%
As small as 22.83 x 8.52 x 4.9mm
Non-isolated regulated
Input: 8 – 60V
Output: 10 – 54V
Power: Up to 150W continuous
Peak efficiency: 97%
10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
UAV Market Trends and Power System Seminar 2025 Taipei, Taiwan
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