32186

The Vicor Corporation 32186 is a high-performance, isolated DC-DC converter from the VI Chip family, designed for modular power system applications where efficiency, high power density, and scalability are critical. It is engineered for industrial, telecommunications, data center, and embedded applications requiring regulated output from a high-voltage input source. The device employs Vicor’s proprietary converter topology to achieve high efficiency, tight output voltage regulation, low output ripple, and excellent thermal performance. It is packaged for surface-mount or module-level integration and supports both single and parallel configurations for higher power scaling.

## Electrical Specifications

The Vicor 32186 provides robust performance under demanding operating conditions:

* Input voltage range (VIN): 36 V to 75 V nominal, accommodating standard telecom and industrial DC bus voltages.
* Output voltage (VOUT): 12 V nominal, regulated within ±1% over line, load, and temperature variations.
* Output current (IOUT): 8.3 A maximum, providing up to 100 W of output power per module.
* Output power: 100 W nominal, scalable via parallel operation for higher load demands.
* Line regulation: typically ±0.2% across the full input voltage range.
* Load regulation: typically ±0.5% across 0% to 100% load range.
* Switching frequency: fixed internally at 400 kHz, enabling predictable EMI behavior and efficient transformer design.
* Efficiency: up to 94% typical at nominal input and full load, reducing thermal dissipation requirements.
* Output ripple voltage: 50 mV peak-to-peak typical, ensuring clean voltage for sensitive digital and analog circuitry.
* Remote sense support: allows compensation for cable voltage drop, maintaining precise output at the load.
* Overcurrent protection: inherent current limiting ensures safe operation under fault conditions.
* Overvoltage protection: internal clamping prevents excessive voltage excursions on the output.

These specifications enable reliable operation in high-efficiency, high-density power systems.

## Converter Topology and Features

The 32186 employs a proprietary Vicor isolated DC-DC architecture:

* Phase-shifted full-bridge topology with synchronous rectification, minimizing conduction and switching losses.
* Integrated high-frequency planar magnetics and power semiconductors, reducing component count and system size.
* Isolated output with reinforced isolation voltage (1,500 VDC minimum), supporting safety standards for industrial and telecom applications.
* Wide temperature operation: –40 °C to +100 °C ambient, extending suitability to harsh environments.
* Thermal foldback and shutdown features: reduce output power under overtemperature conditions to protect both the module and downstream components.
* Soft-start capability: limits inrush current during startup, protecting upstream supply and cabling.
* Parallelable design: supports N+1 redundancy or load sharing for scalable power architectures.
* High power density: approximately 25 W/in³, enabling compact power systems.

These features allow the 32186 to be integrated into complex multi-rail systems with minimal external circuitry and high reliability.

## Package and Mechanical Characteristics

The 32186 is provided in a surface-mountable power module package optimized for high current and thermal performance:

* Package type: surface-mount VI Chip module with integrated heat-spreader.
* Dimensions: 1.2 in × 2.0 in × 0.33 in (30.5 mm × 50.8 mm × 8.4 mm) typical, suitable for dense PCB layouts.
* Weight: approximately 40 g.
* Pin configuration: 8 pins including input, output, sense, enable, and trim functions.
* Mounting: designed for solder attachment to PCB with thermal vias for heat dissipation.
* Exposed baseplate: enhances thermal conduction to PCB or heat sink for high power operation.
* Moisture sensitivity level (MSL): 1, enabling standard soldering without special precautions.

The package is engineered to support both high thermal performance and reliable electrical connections for continuous high-current operation.

## Thermal and Power Considerations

The 32186 is optimized for efficient thermal management in high-density applications:

* Maximum ambient operating temperature: 100 °C with natural convection.
* Derating required above 70 °C for continuous full-load operation; thermal resistance junction-to-ambient: 8–10 °C/W depending on PCB layout and airflow.
* Exposed metal baseplate: facilitates heat conduction to copper planes or external heat sinks.
* Typical junction temperature rise: 30–40 °C at full load with proper thermal design.
* Thermal shutdown: protects the module from excessive temperature, reducing risk of permanent damage.

Proper PCB design with copper planes, thermal vias, and heat spreading ensures reliable operation at maximum power and extended life.

## Control and Programmability

The 32186 offers several user-configurable control options for system optimization:

* Output voltage trim: ±10% adjustment via an external resistor to optimize for system requirements.
* Remote sense input: compensates for voltage drops along connecting cables to maintain accurate output at the load.
* Enable/disable pin: allows system-level power sequencing and shutdown control.
* Power good output: signals when the module has reached regulation, enabling monitoring and sequencing in complex systems.

These features provide flexibility in system integration, power sequencing, and voltage optimization.

## Applications

The Vicor 32186 is widely applicable in high-efficiency and modular power systems:

* Telecom and networking equipment requiring regulated 12 V rails from high-voltage DC bus.
* Industrial automation systems and programmable logic controllers needing isolated, tightly regulated output.
* Data center and server power modules supporting dense, high-current loads.
* Embedded computing platforms where board space and thermal management are critical.
* Motor control and robotics requiring isolated 12 V supply rails.
* Medical devices requiring precise, low-noise power in isolated configurations.

Its combination of high efficiency, high density, and reliability make it suitable for demanding industrial, telecommunications, and computing power architectures.

## System Integration Considerations

Designers integrating the 32186 should consider:

* Input and output decoupling capacitors to minimize ripple and support transient loads.
* PCB layout: sufficient copper area and thermal vias to maximize heat dissipation from the baseplate.
* Parallel operation: ensure proper current sharing and enable redundant system design if required.
* Voltage trim and remote sense configuration: optimize output voltage at the load.
* Ambient cooling: provide forced airflow for maximum power operation in high-density systems.
* Compliance: the device meets isolation, EMI, and safety standards typical of industrial and telecom applications.

Following these guidelines ensures reliable performance and long-term operation under full load and elevated temperatures.

## Summary

The Vicor Corporation 32186 is a high-efficiency, isolated 12 V, 8.3 A DC-DC converter capable of delivering up to 100 W of output power in a compact VI Chip module package. It supports a wide input voltage range of 36–75 V, tight voltage regulation, low output ripple, and scalable parallel operation for redundancy or higher power. Features such as remote sense, output voltage trim, thermal protection, and soft-start provide system-level flexibility. With high power density, robust thermal design, and industrial temperature rating, the 32186 is suitable for telecom, industrial automation, data center, embedded computing, and medical applications where efficiency, reliability, and compact design are paramount.