Vicor Corporation NBM bidirectional bus converter modules

Vicor Corporation has introduced a family of non-isolated, fixed conversion ratio, bidirectional bus converter modules (NBMs). Utilising the company’s Converter housed in Package (ChiP) packaging technology, and exploiting improvements in magnetic and semiconductor technologies, the modules are said to feature improved efficiency and power density when compared to contemporary best-in-class isolated bus converters.

True bidirectional power transfer capability allows the units to be started up and controlled by applying voltage to either the primary or the secondary side. This capability can enable more efficient transmission of power from low-voltage sources to remote low-voltage loads by means of a higher voltage intermediate bus, with the NBMs providing the voltage step-up and step-down functions at each end.

Initially available in a 61 x 23 mm ChiP through-hole package, and providing up to 98.3% operating efficiency, the devices are suitable for space-constrained, board-mounted applications where galvanic isolation is managed at the system level. 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.