USER GUIDE | UG:003
PRM-AL Customer Evaluation Boards
Contents
Introduction
Board Overview
Kit #26647 Contains:
Initial Set Up
Baseline Test Procedure
VTM Evaluation Board
Ordering Information
Page
1
2
4
4
4
8
9
Introduction
A Factorized Power Architecture™ offers a fundamentally new and improved approach to distributed
power. Factorizing DC-DC power conversion into its basic functions – isolation and transformation on
the one hand and output voltage control and regulation on the other – and arranging those functions in
a sequence maximizes power system performance and cost effectiveness. VTM™ modules put isolated
current multiplication and voltage division directly at the point-of-load (PoL), and an upstream PRM™
non-isolated regulator controls the Factorized Bus voltage supplied to the VTM to provide line and load
regulation. With this architecture, the Factorized Bus voltage can be relatively high; distribution losses
can be minimized with narrower copper traces; and the PRM may be located at any convenient location,
either adjacent to or remote from the VTM. PRMs operate from a wide variety of input sources to drive
VTMs. VTMs are extremely fast and quiet and provide voltage division ratios as high as 32. VTMs enable
the user to efficiently supply up to 100A from each full VI Chip
®
package at regulated output voltages
as low as 0.8V
DC
or higher, as needed.
With FPA™, only a VTM is needed at the PoL. VTMs, unimpeded by serial inductance, feature very
high bandwidth and extremely fast transient response, allowing energy to be stored efficiently at the
relatively high Factorized Bus voltage. Without bulk capacitors at the PoL, precious board real estate
may be reclaimed for essential functions. The density, efficiency, performance, cost-effectiveness and
architectural superiority of FPA make it the least intrusive form of distributed power and facilitate the
development of more advanced, competitive products.
The PRM may be used as a standalone non-isolated regulation stage, whereas the VTM is intended to
be used with a PRM.
Recommended Hardware 4
The DC-DC Converter Chipset 9
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Be sure to read this design guide manual thoroughly before using this product. Pay attention to all
cautions and warnings.
The Customer Evaluation Boards described in this document are intended to acquaint you with the
benefits and features of a Factorized Power Architecture (FPA). They are not designed to be installed in
end-use equipment.
During operation, the power devices and surrounding structures can be operated safely at
high temperatures.
The list below is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for common sense and good practice.
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Remove power and use caution when connecting and disconnecting test probes and interface lines to
avoid inadvertent short circuits and contact with hot surfaces.
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When testing electronic products always use approved safety glasses. Follow good laboratory practice
and procedures.
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Board Overview
Please take a closer look at the PRM-CB board. Figure 1 is a picture of a PRM-AL mounted to
the PRM-CB board. The board has several features that enable the user to fully explore the
capabilities of the PRM-AL.
Figure 1
PRM-AL mounted to
PRM-CB board
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Source voltage input points are designed to accommodate #10 hardware and Panduit ring lugs.
BE CERTAIN THAT THE POLARITY IS CORRECT BEFORE APPLYING POWER.
Auxiliary control (H01) – access points for PR, IL, TM, PC, and VH,
(header shown installed).
Reference test point Signal Ground (SG).
Adjustment potentiometers for indicated function are used in conjunction with actuation of
corresponding switch in Item 5.
PRM™ port connections (switch bank and silk-screen reference).
a.
Toggling the switch indicated PC to the ON position inhibits the PRM output.
b.
Toggling the switch indicated IL to the ON position enables an adjustable current limit effected
by varying the corresponding IL trim pot (Item 4).
c.
Toggling the switch indicated SC to the ON position enables adjustment of the output voltage
down from the set point determined by the OS resistor by varying the corresponding SC
trim pot (Item 4).
CAUTION:
depending upon the initial output voltage set point determined by the OS resistor it
is possible to trim the SC so low that the output shuts off. The minimum output voltage per the
data sheet is 26V
DC
.
d.
Toggling the switch indicated CD to the ON position places the PRM in Adaptive-Loop
regulation mode (for use with the VTM-CB) from the Local-Loop regulation mode. (In Local
Loop mode the set voltage is regulated at the output terminals of the PRM.) Adjusting the
corresponding CD trim pot (Item 4) changes the gain of the loop to compensate for different OS
settings and/or interconnect resistive losses.
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e.
Toggling the switch indicated OSV (OS Variable) to the ON position requires the switch indicated
OSF (OS Fixed) be placed in the OFF position and allows the PRM™ output set point to be varied
within the range specified on the data sheet.
f.
Toggling the switch indicated OSF to the ON position sets the output of the PRM
to the nominal value indicated on the data sheet. If this switch is in the OFF position and the
OSV switch is also OFF, the unit will not function.
g.
IT IS BEST TO SET THE SWITCH POSITION AND CORRESPONDING TRIM POT SETTINGS
BEFORE APPLYING POWER TO THE BOARD.
6.
7.
8.
Test point for Secondary Control (SC).
Output voltage points are designed to accommodate #10 hardware and Panduit ring lugs.
Output connector (J01) for mating with VTM-CB providing V
OUT
and VC. As shown on the
schematic (Figure 2) there are four pins dedicated to the +OUT, four for the –OUT, and two for
the VC. Each contact is rated for 3A. The excess capacity afforded by these pins can facilitate
testing multiple VTM-CBs from a single PRM-CB using an appropriate wiring harness and mating
connector. This may also be achieved using the large pads of Item 7.
Output scope jack (J02). Headers H01 and J01 are 0.100in spacing, 10 position female,
manufactured by Sullins Electronics and available from Digi-Key as part # S5519-ND.
9.
Figure 2
PRM-CB
schematic diagram
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Recommended Hardware
Qty
4
Description
Ring lug
Manufacturer P/N
Panduit LCAS6-10-L
Kit #26647 Contains:
Qty
4
4
4
4
Description
#10-32 screw
#10 flat washer
#10 lock washer
#10 hex nut
All hardware is stainless steel except the ring lug.
Kit #26647 is included with the Customer Evaluation Board.
Initial Set Up
To test the PRM™ mounted to the board it is necessary to configure the switch bank (Item 5) as shown
on the silk screen in Figure 3. Placing the switch bank in this state connects a fixed resistor between
OS and SG of the PRM that sets the output voltage of the PRM to the nominal value indicated on its
respective data sheet.
Failure to configure the switch bank in this state prior to testing may result in improper
output or no output.
Baseline Test Procedure – PRM-CB
(Refer to Figure 3)
1.0 Recommended Equipment
1.1
DC power supply: 0 – 100V; 500W
1.2
DC electronic load: pulse capable; 0 – 100V; 100A minimum
1.3
DMM
1.4
Oscilloscope
1.5
Appropriately-sized interconnect cables
1.6
Fastening hardware
1.7
Fan (if the PRM is to be operated for extended periods of time or at an elevated
ambient temperature we recommend the supplied heat sink be installed)
1.8
Safety glasses
1.9
Data sheet for the requisite PRM
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Figure 3
PRM™ customer board layout
switch bank
(item 5)
switch reference
(silk screen)
2.0 Hook Up
2.1
Connect the power supply +OUT lead to the +IN terminal of the Customer Evaluation Board.
2.2
Connect the power supply –OUT lead to the –IN terminal of the Customer Evaluation Board.
2.3
A high-quality, low-noise power supply should be connected to these locations.
2.4
Connect a lead between the +OUT of the Customer Evaluation Board and +IN of the load.
2.5
Connect a lead between the –OUT of the Customer Evaluation Board and –IN of the load.
2.6
Connections to these locations should be with short heavy-gauge leads.
3.0 Verify Connections
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