VICOR DCM3623 Analog Control Evaluation Board User Guide

June 16, 2024
VICOR

VICOR logo USER GUIDE | UG:017
Analog Control DCM3623 and DCM4623 ChiP™
Evaluation Board

Arthur Russell
VI Chip® Applications Engineering
October 2014

Introduction

The Analog Control DCM3623 and DCM4623 ChiP evaluation boards described in this document are designed to be used with the DCM family of isolated, DC-DC converters. The DCM3623 board is used for the analog control, low input voltage DCM3623 ChiP products, while the DCM4623 board is used for the analog control, high input voltage (offline) DCM4623 ChiP products.
The DCM evaluation board can be configured for various enabling and fault monitoring schemes, as well as to exercise various modes of trimming, depending on the application requirements. The evaluation board can be used to evaluate DCMs in either a stand-alone configuration, or as an array of modules.

Enable options:

  1. Onboard mechanical switch (default)
  2. External control

Trim options:

  1. Fixed trim operation (default): the TR pin is permitted to float at initial start up.
    The DCM disables output trimming and the output trim is programmed to the nominal rated V OUT.

  2. Variable trim operation, onboard variable resistor: The trim pin voltage is ratiometric, with a rheostat working against a pull-up resistor inside the DCM to VCC.

  3. Variable trim operation, off-board control: The trim pin voltage is controlled via external programming control, which is referenced to the – IN of each specific DCM in the system.

Fault monitor options:

  1. Onboard LED: the FT pin drives a visible LED for visual feedback on fault status.
  2. Onboard optocoupler: the FT pin drives an onboard optocoupler to bring fault status across the primary-secondary isolation boundary.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Hazardous voltages are present on the DCM Evaluation Board under power.
PERSONAL CONTACT WITH LINE VOLTAGE MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY, DISABILITY, OR DEATH. IMPROPER OR UNSAFE HANDLING OF THIS BOARD MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Read the precautions below entirely BEFORE using the DCM Evaluation Board. Do not operate the evaluation board unless you have the appropriate safety precautions in place on your bench to guarantee safety.
The list below is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for common sense and good practice.

  • During operation, the power devices and surrounding structures can be operated safely at high temperatures.
  • Remove power and use caution when connecting and disconnecting test probes and interface lines to avoid inadvertent short circuits and contact with hot surfaces.
  • Never use a jumper in place of the fuse.
  • When testing electronic products always use approved safety glasses. Follow good laboratory practice and procedures.
  • Avoid creating ground loops when making measurements of the isolated input or output voltage.
  • Care should be taken to protect the user from accidental contact when under power.
  • Care should be taken to avoid reversing polarities if connecting to the opposite (solder) side of the board.
  • The product evaluation boards described in this document are designed for general laboratory evaluation, and are not suitable for installation in end user equipment.
  • Refer to the specific DCM module data sheet for electrical, thermal, and mechanical product details

These boards provide a convenient way to evaluate/demonstrate the performance of Vicor DCM products. Kelvin connections are provided for accurate voltage measurements on power nodes. Sockets are provided to permit quick installation and changing of bulk filtering capacitors. The evaluation board also provides lugs for input/output connections, test points and sockets for easy connection to standard test-equipment, and a high performance air cooled heat sink assembly.

Contents
The evaluation board arrives with the following contents:

  • 1 x DCM evaluation board
  • 1 x top and belly heat sink assembly (pre-installed)
  • 1 x hardware kit

Features

The DCM evaluation board has the following features:

  1. Input and output lugs for source and load connections

  2. Input fuse (appropriately rated)

  3. Basic input filtering, including sockets to add through-hole input aluminum-electrolytic capacitors for additional source decoupling
    Note: The filtering used in the eval board is for demonstration purposes only and might not be the optimal solution for all applications. For optimal filter design for parallel array application, consult the data sheet of the DCM in use and the online filter design tool at: https://app2.vicorpower.com/filterDesign/intiFilter.do

  4. Basic output filtering, including sockets to add through-hole output aluminum-electrolytic capacitors

  5. Toggle switch for enabling and disabling the DCM via the ENABLE pin

  6. Trim control selection
    a. Using potentiometer
    b. Using external voltage source
    c. Open, to disable trimming and latch the model nominal trim condition

  7. Provisions to replace input and output differential mode inductors with wire loops, for oscilloscope/shunt based current measurements

  8. Oscilloscope probe jack for accurate, high frequency output voltage measurements

  9. Dual paralleling connectors for ENABLE, TRIM, FAULT and SGND signal connections, for daisy chaining control to other DCM evaluation boards in an array

  10. Kelvin voltage test points for all power pins

  11. Top and bottom heat sink assembly for the DCM

Board Description

The following section provides a detailed description of the evaluation board components, test points and sockets.

General Components

  1. DCM ( PS01)

  2. Input lugs: Sized for #10 hardware. Use these for making connection to the input source.
    This board does not contain reverse polarity protection. Check for proper polarity before applying the power.

  3. Input fuse (F01 and F02): Appropriately rated for the DCM model on the board.

  4. Input filter: Ceramic input capacitors (C15-C22), filtering inductor (L01) and damping resistor (R08) provide input filtering. Sockets (H01-H02, H03-H04) can be used for easy installation of aluminum-electrolytic input capacitors. The DCM3623 board also adds H09-H10 for additional input bypassing.

  5. Enable / Disable switch (SW01): When actuator is in top position towards “ON” text on the board, the ENABLE pin will be open and the DCM will be enabled. When actuator is in bottom position towards “OFF” text on the board, the ENABLE pin will be connected to SGND and the DCM will be disabled. When switch SW01 is ON, an external voltage source can control the ENABLE state.

  6. Header-jumper for trim control (J09): Provides the option to enable the trim function to set the DCM programmed trim value via either the onboard trim rheostat or an external voltage source:
    a. Using potentiometer (R26)
    b. Using external voltage source.

  7. Output lugs: Sized for #10 hardware. Use these lugs to connect the output directly to the load.

  8. Output oscilloscope probe Jack (J01): Used for making accurate scope measurements of the output voltage (e.g., ripple). The jack is directly compatible with many common passive voltage probes models. Remove the grounding lead and insulating barrel of the probe and insert the probe tip and barrel directly into the jack, ensuring that the probe tip seats in the center socket of the jack. To avoid the risk of an inadvertent short circuit, do not attempt to install while power is applied.

  9. Output filter: Output capacitor (C201), filtering inductor (L02) and damping resistors (R16-R17), and ceramic output capacitors (C02-C05) provide output filtering. Sockets H05-H06, and H03-H04 can be used for easy installation of aluminum-electrolytic output capacitors.

  10. High-side current-sense wire loops: By depopulating the associated inductor and damping resistors, all input or output currents can be passed through a wire loop or use with an oscilloscope current probe. The wire loop is installed at the large pair of plated through-holes near the applicable inductor location.

  11. Dual paralleling wire-to-board connectors (J02 and J03): Used for bussing control signals and their reference (ENABLE, SHARE, FAULT, and SGND) across board assemblies during parallel operation.
    The connector style provides simple “strip and insert” use with 18 – 24AWG solid wires. Once inserted, a spring-loaded barb retains each wire with no need for soldering. To release the wire, insert a thin-bladed tool (AVX 06-9276-7001-01-000 or similar) into the slot above each wire entry point.

Figure 1
DCM3623 evaluation board photo, top sideVICOR DCM3623 Analog Control
Evaluation Board - board photo, top side

Figure 2
DCM4623 evaluation board photo, top sideVICOR DCM3623 Analog Control
Evaluation Board - DCM4623 evaluation

Test Points Description

Test nodes are labeled and include a SMT test point for attaching miniature probes, clips or hooks.

Table 1
Primary-referred test point descriptions

Name Description
+IN_FUSED, +IN_FILT, –IN Provide measurement test points for the input

voltage to the board in various locations, relative to the –IN board lug. +IN_FUSED is taken after input fusing, +IN_FILT is taken after the input filtering network.
+IN_DCM, –IN_DCM| Provide Kelvin connection to input pins of the DCM. Use these test points for measuring the input voltage at the module, excluding errors due to finite connection resistance leading up to the module.
PRI_SG| Test point for Signal Ground on the primary/input side of the isolation boundary. This is the reference for all primary side control circuitry and all control pins of the DCM.
EXT_EN| Test point to drive the ENABLE signal (relative to PRI_SG) using an external source.
PRI_EN| Test point to measure the ENABLE signal (relative to PRI_SG).
EXT_TR| Test point to drive the TRIM signal (relative to PRI_SG) using an external source.
PRI_TR| Test point to measure the TRIM signal (relative to PRI_SG).
PRI_FT| Test point to measure the FAULT signal (relative to PRI_SG).

Table 2
Secondary-referred test point descriptions

Name Description
+OUT_DCM, –OUT_DCM Output voltage test points provide Kelvin connection to

output pin group of the DCM. Use these test points for measuring the output voltage at the module, excluding voltage errors due to finite connection resistance and the module output current.
+OUT_DCM_SHNT, +OUT, –OUT| Provides measurement test points for the output voltage in various locations, relative to the

–OUT board lug. +OUT_DCM_SHNT is taken before the output filtering, and +OUT is taken at the +OUT board lug.

SEC_SG| Test points for the +5V bias supply return, and for measuring the FT_SEC fault monitor output.
FT_SEC| Test point to measure the FAULT signal relative to SEC_SG once it has passed through the opto-coupler, if used. Bias power must be supplied to +5V for voltage output to appear here.
+5V| Test point to provide a bias voltage (relative to secondary ground) for the fault opto-coupler, if used.

Schematic, Assembly Drawing and Bill of Materials

Figure 3
DCM3623 evaluation board schematicVICOR DCM3623 Analog Control Evaluation
Board - DCM3623 evaluation board schematic

Figure 4
DCM4623 evaluation board schematicVICOR DCM3623 Analog Control Evaluation
Board - DCM3623 evaluation board schematic 2

Figure 5
DCM3623 evaluation board, assembly drawing, top sideVICOR DCM3623 Analog
Control Evaluation Board - assembly drawing, top side

Figure 6
DCM4623 evaluation board assembly drawing, top sideVICOR DCM3623 Analog
Control Evaluation Board - assembly drawing, top side 2

Table 3
DCM evaluation board BOM, components common to all boards

Reference Designator| Description| Manufacturer| Manufacturer Part Number
---|---|---|---
Common Components
C01| CAP X7R 0.10µF 10% 16V 0603| AVX| 0603YC104KAT2A
C02 – C05| CAP X7S 4.7µF 10% 100V 1206| AVX| 12061Z475KAT2A
C07 – C14| Board specific – See table 4 BOMs| |
C15 – C22| Board specific – See table 4 BOMs| |
C201| Design specific – See table 5 BOMs| |
D01| LED RED 0805| ROHM| SML-211UTT86
FB1| FERRITE BEAD 33Ω 6A 1206| MURATA| BLM31PG330SN1L
F01, F02| Design specific – See table 5 BOMs| |
HS01 – HS02| Board specific – See table 4 BOMs| |
J02 – J03| CONN 4 POS WIRE TO BOARD| AVX| 009276004021106
J01| PCB TP ADAPTER, 3.5mm PROBE| TESTPATH| 131-5031-00
L01| Board specific – See table 4 BOMs| |
L02| IND 0.33µH 20% 50A| WURTH| 744309033
M02| IC 6 PIN OPTO| VISHAY| CNY17-3X017T
R02, R04, R05, R18, R19, R20| RES 0 OHM JUMPER 0603| KOA| RK73Z1JTTD
PS01| Design specific – See table 5 BOMs| VICOR|
R08| RES 1Ω ¼W 5% 1206| KOA| RK73B2BTTE1R0J
R16| RES 250mΩ 1W 2512| VISHAY| WSL2512R2500FEA
R09, R21| RES 1kΩ 1/10W 5% 0603| KOA| RK73B1JTTD102J
R22, R32| RES 49.9kΩ 1/10W 1% 0603| KOA| RK73H1JTTD4992F
R23| RES 4.99kΩ 1/1W 0.1% 0603| THIN FILM TECH| CR0603E4991B-T5
R24, R01| RES 0Ω JUMPER 0603| KOA| RK73Z1JTTD
R25| RES 0Ω JUMPER 2010| VISHAY| CRCW20100000Z0EF
R26| RES TRIM POT 500kΩ 1/2W 10%| COPAL| CT-94EW504
S102 – S104| RES 0Ω JUMPER 1612 COPPER| EXCELTOOL and DIE| 29581
SW01| SW TOGGLE SPDT 1 POS| CandK COMPO-NENTS| GT11MSABE
JMPSOK for J09 – J10| JUMPER SOCKET XJ8A| OMRON| XJ8A-0211

Table 4a
BOM additions, components common to low-voltage DCM3623 evaluation boards

Reference Designator| Description| Manufacturer| Manufacturer Part Number
---|---|---|---
Low-Voltage DCM3623 board components
C07, C09, C11, C13| CAP X7R 4700pF 10% 2kV 1210| KEMET| C1210C472KGRAC7800
C08, C10, C12, C14| N/A (not present in design)| N/A| N/A
C15 – C22| CAP X7R 4.7µF 20% 100V 2220| TDK| C5750X7R2A475M230KA
L01| IND 0.33µH 20% 50A| WURTH| 744309033
HS01 – HS02| DCM3623 DUAL HTSNK| VICOR| 40526
S101| RES 0Ω JUMPER 1612 COPPER| EXCELTOOL and DIE| 29581
CIN at H01 – H02| CAP ALEL 680µF 20% 63V RADIAL 18 X 20| UNITED CHEMI CON| ELXZ630ELL681MM20S

Table 4b
BOM additions, components for 100V DCM3623 evaluation boards

Reference Designator| Description| Manufacturer| Manufacturer Part Number
---|---|---|---
100V (nomin a l input voltage) DCM3623 board components
C07, C09, C11, C13| CAP X7R 4700pF 10% 2kV 1210| KEMET| C1210C472KGRAC7800
C08, C10, C12, C14| N/A (not present in design)| N/A| N/A
C15 – C22| CAP X7T 2.2µF 20% 250V 2220| TDK| C5750XT2E225M250KAA
L01| IND 0.33µH 20% 50A| WURTH| 744309033
HS01 – HS02| DCM3623 DUAL HTSNK| VICOR| 40526
S101| RES 0Ω JUMPER 1612 COPPER| EXCELTOOL and DIE| 29581
CIN at H01 – H02| CAP ALEL 180µF 20% 200V 12.5×40| NICHICON| UCY2D181MHD

Table 4c
BOM additions, components common to all DCM4623 evaluation boards

Reference Designator| Description| Manufacturer| Manufacturer Part Number
---|---|---|---
DCM4623 board components
C07 – C14| CAP X7R 4700pF 10% 2kV 1210| KEMET| C1210C472KGRAC7800
C15 – C22| CAP X7T 0.47µF 10% 630V 2220| TDK| C5750X7T2J474K250KC
L01| IND 1.0µH 20% 13A| BOURNS| SRP7030-1R0FM
HS01 – HS02| DCM4623 DUAL HTSNK| VICOR| 40519
S101| BEAD 680Ω 4A 1812| TAIYO YUDEN| FBMH4532HM681-T
CIN at H01 – H02| AP ALEL 10µ 20% 450V RAD| UNITED CHEMI CON| EKXG451ELL100MK20S

Table 5
Example: BOM additions, components which are DCM model specific.

Reference Designator| Description| Manufacturer| Manufacturer Part Number
---|---|---|---
Evaluation board number: DCM3623E50M06A8M00
PS01| DCM3623| VICOR| DCM3623T50M06A8M00
F01| FUSE 30A 125V AXIAL| LITTELFUSE| 324 030P
C201| CAP ALEL 10000µF 20% 10V RADIAL 18 x 26.5| NICHICON| URS1A103MHD1TN
Evaluation board number: DCM3623E50M13C2M00
PS01| DCM3623| VICOR| DCM3623T50M13C2M00
F01| FUSE 30A 125V AXIAL| LITTELFUSE| 324 030P
C201| CAP ALEL 4700µF 20% 25V RADIAL 16 x 25| NICHICON| UVY1E472MHD
Evaluation board number: DCM3623E50M17C2M00
PS01| DCM3623| VICOR| DCM3623T50M17C2M00
F02| FUSE 30A 125V AXIAL| LITTELFUSE| 324 030P
C201| CAP ALEL 2200µF 20% 25V RADIAL 16 x 25| NICHICON| UPW1E222MHD
Evaluation board numbers: DCM3623E50M26C2M00, DCM3623E50M31C2M00
PS01| DCM3623| VICOR| One of DCM3623 T50M26C2M00 DCM3623T50M31C2M00
F01| FUSE 30A 125V AXIAL| LITTELFUSE| 324 030P
C201| CAP ALEL 1000µF 20% 50V RADIAL 18 x 20| UNITED CHEMICON| EKY- 500ELL102MM20S
Evaluation board number: DCM3623E50M53C2M00
PS01| DCM3623| VICOR| DCM3623T50M53C2M00
F01| FUSE 30A 125V AXIAL| LITTELFUSE| 324 030P
C201| CAP ALEL 220µF 20% 80V RADIAL 18 x 16.5| NICHICON| UPJ1K221MHD6TN
Evaluation board numbers: DCM4623EC8G16F0T00, DCM4623ED2J13D0X00, DCM4623ED2H26F0X00
PS01| DCM4623| VICOR| One of DCM4623TC8G16F0T00 DCM4623TD2J13D0T00 DCM4623TD2J13D0M00 DCM4623TD2H26F0T00 DCM4623TD2H26F0M00
F01| FUSE 5A 450V FAST 6.3 X 32 RADIAL| COOPER BUSSMANN| BK/PCD-5-R
C201| CAP ALEL 1000µF 20% 50V RADIAL 18 x 20| UNITED CHEMICON| EKY- 500ELL102MM20S
Evaluation board numbers: DCM4623ED2H31E0X00, DCM4623ED2H53E0X00

PS01| DCM4623| VICOR| One of DCM4623TD2H31E0T00 DCM4623TD2H31E0M00 DCM4623TD2H53E0T00 DCM4623T02H53E0M00
F01| FUSE 5A 450V FAST 6.3 X 32 RADIAL| COOPER BUSSMANN| BK/PCD-5-R
C201| CAP ALEL 220µF 20% 80V RADIAL 18 x 16.5| NICHICON| UPJ1K221MHD6TN

General BOM rules for various DCM Evaluation Boards

  • PS01: This is the Vicor DCM, whose part number is coded in the evaluation board part number. For example, eval board DCM4623ED2K53E0M00 uses DCM4623TD2K53E0M00.
  • F01: This is the input fuse. See the data sheet for the specific DCM for appropriate fuse needed to meet listed safety agency approvals.
  • C201: This is the external output capacitor for the DCM. It is an Aluminum electrolytic with value that satisfies the DCM data sheet C OUT-TRANS minimum.

Recommended Test Equipment

The following is a list of recommended test equipment.

  1. Safety glasses
  2. DC power supply: Refer to the specific DCM model data sheet to ensure the supply has sufficient power and current capability, especially at low line, to satisfy current inrush when the DCM is started
  3. Electronic load: Refer to the specific DCM model data sheet to ensure the load has sufficient power handling and current capability for testing
  4. Cooling fan
  5. Digital multi-meters (DMMs)
  6. Oscilloscope and probes
  7. Function generator
  8. Auxiliary bench voltage supply (optional, for bias of secondary side fault monitor opto-coupler)
  9. Interconnect wires, cables and fastening hardware
  10. Calibrated input and output shunts, appropriately rated
  11. Thin bladed tool for extracting wires from paralleling connectors (AVX 06-9276-7001-01-000 or similar)

Basic Connections

  • Confirm bench equipment is powered off.
  • Connect the input DC power supply positive lead to the +IN input lug of the evaluation board, connect the input power supply negative lead to the –IN input lug of the evaluation board.
  • Connect the CHASSIS_GROUND lug of the evaluation board to a safety “green wire” earth ground.
  • Connect the +OUT lug of the evaluation board to the electronic load positive input, connect the –OUT lug of the evaluation board to the electronic load negative input.
  • Direct airflow from the cooling fan through the DCM heat sink fins.
  • Have the latest DCM data sheet on hand for reference.

Board Operation Details

  • SW01 provides control over enable.
  • In the “OFF” position, the switch will connect SG the EN net, which disables the DCM.
  • In the “ON” position, SG is disconnected from the EN net.
  • External connection to EN is permitted using the PRI_EN test point. SW01 should be set to “ON” to permit external control.
  • The J02 and J03 paralleling connectors can be used to connect EN nets across different boards.
    Note: to enable the DCMs in a parallel array, all boards need SW01 set to “ON” to avoid pulling the EN node low.

Trim Control

  • Jumper block J09 configures trimming.
    • With no jumpers installed, neither the trim potentiometer nor the test point for external trim  control is connected to the TR net. Note that the paralleling connectors always connect to  the TR net.
    • With a jumper loaded across J09.1 and J09.2, the trim potentiometer R26 is  connected as a rheostat between the TR node and SG.”
    • With a jumper loaded across J09.3 and J09.4, the external trim test point is connected to the TR node.
  • The DCM contains an internal pull-up resistor to VCC (3.3V nominal). When V IN is applied to the DCM it samples the TR node voltage. If it has pulled up to VCC, the DCM disables trimming as long as it has input power, and the programmed trim condition will be nominal rated V OUT of the DCM model.
  • If the TR node is not permitted to pull-up to VCC when V IN is applied, trimming is enabled for as long as the DCM has input power.
  • Note: Any load on the TR node may cause the DCM to select trim mode when V IN is applied, including: the external trim test point (if selected with the jumper block), the trim potentiometer (if selected with the jumper block), and other DCM evaluation boards attached to the paralleling connectors.
  • The trim potentiometer adds a variable resistance between the TR node and SG, from between 0Ω nominal, to the value of the potentiometer (500kΩ). This resistance range will generate TR pin voltages which cover the entire functional range of the TR pin. Care should be taken to ensure the programmed trim condition is within the rated trim range of the DCM in order for the DCM to meet specifications.
  • In a parallel set up using the J02 and J03 paralleling connectors, all boards besides the top one should have the trim jumper select block at J09 open.
  • In a parallel set up with multiple DCM evaluation boards, each DCM contributes another internal pull-up resistor to a 3.3V nominal rail. With any resistive based trimming of the TR node, the resultant trim condition will be modified by the number of DCMs which are attached and have V IN applied. Conversely with a voltage source applied to the TR node, adding additional DCMs to the system has minimal impact on the resultant trim condition.

Fault Monitoring

  • Jumper block J10 configures how the FT node is monitored.
    • With no jumpers installed, neither the visible LED nor the opto-coupler is connected to the FT net. Note that the paralleling connectors always connect to the FT net.
    • With a jumper loaded across J10.3 and J10.4, the visible LED at D01 and its bias resistor network R09 and R32 are connected to the FT node.
    • With a jumper loaded across J10.1 and J10.2, the opto-coupler at M02 and its bias resistor network R21 and R22 is connected to the FT node.
  • The DCM FT output is intended to be directly paralleled with the FT output of other DCMs in an array. The FT node in an array forms a “wired-OR”, where any DCM can drive the FT node high.
  • Both the visible LED and the opco-coupler draw current from the FT node in a fault condition. The FT pin on the DCM has limited drive-high capabilities, and so care must be taken to avoid excess loading of the pin. To avoid overload, do not configure J10 to use both the LED and opto-coupler indicators simultaneously. When connecting external circuitry or test equipment to the FT test point, ensure that the maximum load on the FT node is within the DCM data sheet ratings.
  • In a parallel set up using the J02 and J03 paralleling connectors, all boards besides the top one should have the fault jumper select block at J10 open.
  • When using the opto-coupler, the status of the FT node can be easily transferred to the secondary side of the DCM(s) isolation boundary. To resolve the fault state on the secondary side, the collector side of the opto requires a bias voltage. A 5V bench supply should be connected between the “+5V” and “SEC_SG” test points. With no fault present, “FT_SEC” will be at 0V, and when a fault occurs and the opto-coupler is active, “FT_SEC” will pull up to 5V, relative to SEC_SG.

Chassis Ground

The heat sink assembly of the DCM is connected to the CHASSIS_GND node of the board, as well as the y-caps from each power connection of the DCM. A connection from the CHASSIS_GND lug to earth ground is required.

Paralleling

The paralleling and sharing performance of multiple DCMs can be easily demonstrated by stacking multiple evaluation boards and interconnecting the inputs and outputs with standoffs to create a parallel array. The DCM uses a negative load-line to implement wireless droop-sharing in an array. Each DCM in an array operates in the same way as it does as a stand-alone unit. With equal trim conditions, the load is effectively shared across multiple DCMs. Mismatches in this case are modest, and are further canceled by an effective negative voltage vs. temperature coefficient. See the DCM data sheet for more detail on load line and tempco. DCMs in an array require no derating of maximum output power or current.
DCMs in an array with mismatched trim conditions will not share the load equally at light- to moderate-load conditions. As the load increases, one or more DCMs (starting with those with the highest programmed output trim voltage) will go into current limit and their contribution to the overall output current will plateau. For DCMs, current limit is not a fault condition, rather it is a valid constantcurrent mode of operation and a DCM in current limit will provide constant current to the load. As long as the load does not exceed the maximum load rating of the array of DCMs, the output voltage will continue to be regulated by any remaining DCMs still in constant voltage mode. Even with mismatched trim conditions, the array can be safely loaded up to the full rated array capacity.
The following connections and settings should be used for an array of DCM evaluation boards:

  • All DCMs in a parallel array must be the same model.

  • The boards should be physically stacked using metal standoffs at the +IN and –IN lugs, the +OUT and –OUT lugs, and the CHASSIS_GND lug. This also connects these nodes electrically so that a single source, single load, and earth ground connection can be made to the system.

    • The +IN lugs are not required to be connected together for an array of DCMs. The wireless sharing does not require the same differential input voltage be present on all DCMs in the array.
      In some applications dissimilar input voltages may be needed, which is fully supported.

    • The –IN lugs must be connected together if the paralleling connector is used, or if the EN, TR, or FT pins are interconnected in any fashion. However if all control signals of all DCMs are fully isolated from one another, then both the +IN and –IN lugs can remain independent across the evaluation boards, and the DCMs can be operated with fully independent input supplies.

    • Standoffs must be sufficient in length to avoid contact between boards, and to permit airflow to all DCMs in the system.

  • If coordinated enable control, trimming or fault monitoring is desired, then the paralleling connectors J09 and J10 can be used to easily interconnect the PRI_FT, PRI_EN, PRITR and PRI_FT nodes across boards.

The paralleling connectors at J02 and J03 can be used for coordinated enable and trim control and fault monitoring. The enable, trim and fault monitor features of the top most board should be used for convenience, while the remaining boards should have their jumper blocks depopulated and enable switches set to enable.
The paralleling wire-to-board connectors (at J02 and J03) are provided to daisy chain control signals and PRI_SG, with a simple strip-and-insert option. They will accept 18 – 24AWG solid wires.

Figure 7
DCM evaluation boards stacked to form a high power parallel array, using common -IN and the paralleling connectors.

VICOR DCM3623 Analog Control Evaluation Board - paralleling
connectors

Limitation of Warranties
Information in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. HOWEVER, THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION. VICOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL VICOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS OR SAVINGS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, COSTS RELATED TO THE REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT OF ANY PRODUCTS OR REWORK CHARGES).

Vicor reserves the right to make changes to information published in this document, at any time and without notice. You should verify that this document and information is current. This document supersedes and replaces all prior versions of this publication.
All guidance and content herein are for illustrative purposes only. Vicor makes no representation or warranty that the products and/or services described herein will be suitable for the specified use without further testing or modification. You are responsible for the design and operation of your applications and products using Vicor products, and Vicor accepts no liability for any assistance with applications or customer product design. It is your sole responsibility to determine whether the Vicor product is suitable and fit for your applications and products, and to implement adequate design, testing and operating safeguards for your planned application(s) and use(s).
VICOR PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED, AUTHORIZED OR WARRANTED FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT, LIFE-CRITICAL OR SAFETY-CRITICAL SYSTEMS OR EQUIPMENT. VICOR PRODUCTS ARE NOT CERTIFIED TO MEET ISO 13485 FOR USE IN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NOR ISO/TS16949 FOR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS OR OTHER SIMILAR MEDICAL AND AUTOMOTIVE STANDARDS. VICOR DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR INCLUSION AND/OR USE OF VICOR PRODUCTS IN SUCH EQUIPMENT OR APPLICATIONS AND THEREFORE SUCH INCLUSION AND/OR USE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Terms of Sale
The purchase and sale of Vicor products is subject to the Vicor Corporation Terms and Conditions of Sale which are available at: (https://www.vicorpower.com/termsconditionswarranty)

Export Control
This document as well as the item(s) described herein may be subject to export control regulations.
Export may require a prior authorization from U.S. export authorities.

Contact Us: https://www.vicorpower.com/contact-us
Vicor Corporation
25 Frontage Road
Andover, MA, USA 01810
Tel: 800-735-6200
Fax: 978-475-6715
www.vicorpower.com
email
Customer Service: custserv@vicorpower.com
Technical Support: apps@vicorpower.com
©2017 – 2022 Vicor Corporation. All rights reserved.
The Vicor name is a registered trademark of Vicor Corporation.
All other trademarks, product names,
logos and brands are property of their respective owners.

References

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