Vicor DC-DC Converters

Vicor DC-DC converters offer industry-leading efficiency: Typical efficiency ranges from 91% to 98% depending on model and operating conditions

Peak efficiency often occurs at 50-75% load

Full-load efficiency typically 1-2% below peak. Factors affecting efficiency: Input voltage - efficiency varies with input voltage ratio

Load current - efficiency typically peaks at moderate loads

Temperature - efficiency may decrease at temperature extremes. Vicor provides detailed efficiency curves in datasheets. For applications requiring maximum efficiency, consider selecting converters sized for 50-80% of rated load.

Contact us for efficiency comparisons and selection based on your load profile.

Parallel operation of Vicor DC-DC converters: Most Vicor converters support parallel operation for redundancy or increased power

Use identical models from same production batch for best current sharing

Enable droop sharing or active current sharing as specified

Maintain adequate spacing between converters for thermal management. Design considerations: Calculate total power requirement and select converter quantity

Use proper bus bars or PCB copper for current distribution

Implement paralleling diodes if isolation is needed

Consider using a power shelf or custom bus bar assembly. Vicor provides paralleling guidelines and reference designs for high-power applications.

Contact us for paralleling guidelines and system design recommendations.

Vicor converter thermal management: ChiP modules feature integrated thermal pads for direct heatsinking

Use thermal interface material between module and heatsink

Calculate power dissipation: P_loss = P_out x (1/η - 1)

Ensure adequate airflow or heatsink capacity. Options: Natural convection heatsinks for low-power applications

Forced air cooling for higher power

Liquid cooling plates for demanding thermal environments

Direct mounting to system chassis as heatsink. Vicor provides thermal models and simulation tools for accurate thermal design.

Contact our FAE team for thermal design support and heatsink recommendations.

Vicor converters are designed for various environmental conditions: Standard models rated for 0°C to +85°C or +125°C operation

Extended temperature models available up to +125°C or higher

High-reliability models for industrial and defense applications

Custom solutions for extreme environments. Environmental ratings: Operating temperature range

Storage temperature

Humidity rating (typically 95% RH non-condensing)

Vibration and shock resistance

EMI/EMC compliance. For harsh environments, specify high-reliability or custom models with appropriate environmental ratings.

Contact us for environmental specifications and harsh environment recommendations.

Vicor converter control and monitoring features: On/Off control - primary or secondary side enable

Output voltage trim - adjust output within specified range

Current sharing - parallel operation control

Status indicators - output good, fault detection

PMBus interface - digital communication and monitoring on select models. Optional features: Remote sense - compensation for voltage drop

Tracking - synchronize startup/shutdown sequence

Margin programming - adjust output for testing. Feature availability varies by model. Check datasheet for specific capabilities.

Contact us for control feature availability and implementation guidance.