Vicor Corporation Introduces New Class of Non-Isolated, Bidirectional Bus Converter Modules (NBMs)

ANDOVER, MA--(Marketwired - Oct 20, 2015) -  Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) today announced the introduction of a new family of non-isolated, fixed conversion ratio, bidirectional bus converter modules (NBMs). Utilizing Vicor's Converter housed in Package™ (ChiP) packaging technology, and exploiting technical improvements in magnetic and semiconductor technologies, these NBM™ modules feature improved efficiency and power density when compared to contemporary best-in-class isolated bus converters.

True bidirectional power transfer capability allows these units to be started up and controlled by applying voltage to either the primary or the secondary side. This capability can, for example, enable more efficient transmission of power from low voltage sources to remote low voltage loads by means of a higher voltage intermediate bus, with NBMs providing the voltage step-up and step-down functions at each end. Potential applications include Telecom and Datacom systems employing batteries and battery chargers; Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems; and emerging automotive applications, such as those envisioned by the proposed LV148 hybrid vehicle standard.

The new NBMs are initially available in two conversion factors: a K=1/3 unit with secondary-side voltage that is one-third of its primary-side voltage and that can deliver up to 2,400 Watts of power when operating with a primary voltage in the range of 36 to 46 Volts; and a K=1/5 unit with secondary-side voltage that is one-fifth of its primary-side voltage and that can deliver up to 2,000 Watts of power when operating with a primary voltage in the range of 36 to 60 Volts. Initially available in a 6123 (61 x 23 mm) ChiP through-hole package, and providing up to 98.3% operating efficiency and market-leading power density of up to 3,532 W/in³, these devices are ideal for space constrained board-mounted applications where galvanic isolation is managed at the system level. Configuration options include Analog or PMBus^[a] control interfaces and commercial or military temperature operating ranges.

Power Component Design Methodology
Vicor's Power Component Design Methodology enables power system designers to reap all of the benefits of modular power component design -- predictable component and system functionality and reliability, fast design cycles, and easy system configurability, re-configurability and scaling -- while achieving system operating efficiency, power density and economy that rival the best alternative solutions. Utilizing Vicor's online tools, power system designers select from an extensive portfolio of proven Vicor power components to architect, optimize and simulate their complete power system, all the way from their input sources to their points of load. This innovative approach to power system design delivers fast time-to-market and state-of-the-art performance while minimizing the possibility of last minute surprises and delays that so often occur with conventional or custom design methodologies.

Pricing and Availability
Product and demo boards are available now. Pricing starts at $200 in 1,000 unit volumes. Visit our website for more information. To order, email custserv@vicorpower.com, call 1-800-735-6200, or visit us at www.vicorpower.com.

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About Vicor Corporation
Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor Corporation designs, manufactures and markets innovative, high-performance modular power components, from bricks to semiconductor-centric solutions, to enable customers to efficiently convert and manage power from the power source to the point of load. www.vicorpower.com

Vicor, Converter housed in Package and NBM are trademarks of Vicor Corporation.

^[a] The PMBus name SMIF, Inc and logo are trademarks of SMIL, Inc.