Slides from Vicor's on-demand webinar, presented by Sean Crilly, our VP VI Chip Design Engineering, that show you how to use the PowerBench Solution Selector and Whiteboard tools. These tools help you architect, analyze and optimize power chains quickly and easily, allowing engineers to develop high performance power systems in less time.

1. 1
The Power Advantage Educational Program
Whiteboard: A New Way to Simplify
Power Chain Analysis
Sean Crilly, VP VI Chip Design Engineering
10 April 2014

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Introduction
› Designing Power Systems:
– Traditional Approach.
– Powerbench Solution Selector / Whiteboard approach.

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The Process
› Define the solution needed.
› Choose the best fit components.
› Estimate performance.

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Finding Efficiency from Data Sheets

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Finding Efficiency
› Each Buck Regulator:
› Output Power = 3.3V x 9A = 29.7W
› Input Power = 29.7W / 0.92 = 32.28W
› Efficiency = 29.7 / 32.28 = 92%
› Power Loss = 32.28W – 29.7W = 2.58W
› Input Current = 32.28W / 30V = 1.076A
› Therefore the output current of the PRM will be:
– 4A + 1.076A + 1.076A = 6.152A

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› PRM Efficiency:
– Given that we are using a 30V output and assuming that it is linear:
– 97% – 94.5% = 2.5% (efficiency at 55V – efficiency at 20V)
– 55V – 20V = 35V
– Change per volt = 2.5% / 35V = .0714%
– Efficiency at 30V = 94.5% + (.0714 x 10) = 95.214%
› Input Power to the PRM:
– Output Power = 30V x 6.152A = 184.56W
– Input Power = 184.56W / 0.95214 = 193.83W
– Power Loss = 193.83 - 184.56 = 9.27W
– Input Current = 193.83W / 48V = 4.038A
› System Efficiency = (Output Power / Input Power) x 100
– Output Power = Power Delivered to the Loads = (30V x 4A) + (3.3V x 18A) = 179.4W
– Input Power = Power sourced by supplies = (48V x 4.033A) = 193.83W
– Estimated System Efficiency = 92.55%

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Efficiency Curves
› Efficiency / Power dissipation
is a function of Line/Load and
Temperature
– Sample produced by Vicor
Design Characterization ATE:

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On-Line Simulator
› Simulator can help on a model by model basis.

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A better way… Vicor Whiteboard
› Defined as:
“An on-line tool to design and analyze power systems with the appropriate
set of Vicor power conversion components”

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› The more accurate and actual efficiency produced by the
Powerbench Whiteboard is 93.17% (and is generated automatically
in milliseconds):

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Let’s try it….

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Questions ?

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Go to
http://www.vicorpower.com/powerbench-1
to access the online tools
Thank you for watching