Vicor Corporation PI3740 Cool-Power ZVS buck-boost regulator

Delivering up to 140 W of power and up to 8 A of output current, at up to 96% efficiency, Vicor’s PI3740 Cool-Power ZVS buck-boost regulator features an input operating voltage range of 8–60 VDC and a regulated output voltage range of 10–50 VDC. Incorporating high-frequency zero-voltage switching (ZVS) technology, the product is suitable for demanding, automotive, industrial, test automation, LED lighting and battery charging.

The regulator meets its performance specifications ‘out of the box’ across the full breadth of its operating voltage ranges without the need for special circuit customisations. Wide operating voltage ranges can enable a reduction in both the number of regulators and the number of power supply designs that must be designed, configured, manufactured, inventoried and maintained. The PI3740 converter, for example, can be used in a range of applications that would otherwise require the use of several different alternative regulators having narrower operating voltage ranges.

The product fully integrates its controller, power switches and support circuitry within a high-density, thermally adept, 10 x 14 x 2.5 mm SiP. It also features seamless transitioning between Buck mode (input voltage is greater than output voltage) and Boost mode (input voltage is less than output voltage), making it suitable for applications in which the regulator input voltage varies above and below the output voltage.

Other features include: high-frequency (1 MHz) operation; parallel options; constant-voltage and constant-current operating modes; overvoltage, overtemperature and overcurrent protection; -40 to 115°C temperature range; and an integrated current sense amplifier and integrated general-purpose amplifier.