Speedy configuration for modular switcher series

The new APC-MS series of AC/DC switching power supplies can help reduce the unacceptably high-risk element of power supply design.

Design managers are under increasing pressure to balance the demands for short design cycle and the hard fact that a custom design lead-time can be months or even over a year.

In addition, shorter product life cycles and new market requirements often require that system upgrades and modifications are needed to the power supply relatively soon after a product launches.

Based on a completely modular design concept, Advanced Power Conversion has introduced the new APC-MS series of AC/DC switching power supplies to help meet the unacceptably high-risk element of power supply design.

Allowing simple configuration to meet custom output voltage and current specifications, these off-the-shelf modules can be rapidly matched to the individual applications thus eliminating long lead times for custom power solutions.

In the APC-MS series a two-transistor forward convertor front-end drives a planar magnetic main transformer which then couples to a high-frequency magnetic amplifier in each of the modular output stages.

This approach enables the power supplies to be cost-effectively configured for an extremely wide range of applications.

There are five single-output modules to choose from ranging in output voltages from 1.45 to 28V.

There are also two dual-output modules with each output individually isolated.

Literally millions of multiple output configurations can be addressed with no NRE charges and rapid delivery.

Available with 400, 600 and 1000W power output capability, the APC-MS series provides up to 13 total outputs in a compact package each of which can be configured from any of six output modules spanning voltages from 1.45 to 58V and scaleable power levels to over 100A.

Each of these modules features a universal input that accommodates any voltage within the range 88 to 264V AC (at 47 to 63Hz) or 150 to 370V DC.

The power supply will continue to hold up for a minimum of 20ms after the loss of AC power and a mains failure detect function is available as an option.

The APC-MS series is offered in an attractive, rugged aluminium housing and available in two package sizes, dependent on the power requirement and number of outputs.

The four-slot package measures 127 x 270 x 65mm and houses 400 and 600W products with up to eight individual outputs.

The six-slot package measures 187 x 270 x 65mm, can provide up to 1000W and accommodates up to 12 isolated outputs.

Each power supply is fitted with integral cooling fans and employs high quality screw terminals for all power connections.

The range has a full suite of international safety approvals, including IEC60950 and UL1950-3, and meets the EN61000-3-2 standard for harmonic current correction The outputs are configured using robust magnetic output amplifiers that provide high peak current outputs and are particularly useful for driving highly inductive loads such as motors and enable APC to configure a power system with multiple outputs to support mixed logic applications.

All APC-MS series power output modules provide a single fully floating output and have zero minimum load requirements making them exceptionally easy to integrate.

Line regulation is typically held to within +/-0.1%, and load regulation is typically +/-1.0% for a 75% change in load demand.

The modules can be connected in series or parallel to increase output voltage or current capacity, and feature comprehensive protection against overvoltage, overcurrent and overtemperature conditions.

Standard signal options include mains power fail, isolated 5V bias voltage, global inhibit/enable, output power good, output inhibit and remote adjust.

The 70 series output module is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the emerging generation of high-performance, ultra-high-density microprocessor chips.

Adjustable over a range from 1.45 to 5.6V, the 70 series output module provides designers with a low-risk power supply option for special systems incorporating newly available, high performance chip technology and is especially suitable for use in fast track development programmes.

The 70 series module also incorporates a specially developed adjustable current limiting circuit and electronically driven voltage adjustment.

The MS series power supplies are particularly suitable for use in applications such as multiple processor network applications, control and high-specification measurement and audio/broadcast equipment Manufacturing benefits for the design manager include the virtual elimination of inventories of custom power supplies, reducing the risk of carrying obsolete material before it can be used.

This is due to the shorter production lead-times associated with modular power supplies.

In addition unforecasted (and often required immediately) system production requirements can be supported, thanks to the shorter power supply lead-times, allowing manufacturers to be more reactive to market needs with minimal disruption to their production.

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