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POWER SOURCES SHOWCASE April 25, 1996



Field-configurable supply has near-unity power factor.

The PFC MegaPAC offers a field-configurable, universal ac input and corrects power factor to near unity. The device provides from one to 16 outputs for a total of 1600W max and measures 11.93633.4 in. (3023152386 mm). The supplies use the vendor's standard ConverterPACs, which you insert in chassis slots. You can combine ConverterPACs for any desired power output, and you can connect entire MegaPACs in parallel for higher power ratings. Features include EMI/RFI filtering, output sequencing, an input-power-fail signal, an output-power-good signal, local remote sensing, and output overcurrent protection. Prices start at $446 (100). Vicor Corp, Andover, MA. (509) 470-2900.


Converter modules supply 800 and 1000W.

Expanding the H series of modular power systems, six 800 and 1000W modules provide output voltages of 24, 28, and 48V dc. The 5, 6, and 7M 800W units have outputs of 24V at 33A, 28V at 29A, and 48V at 17A, respectively. The 5, 6, and 7N 1000W modules have outputs of 24V at 42A, 28V at 36A, and 48V at 21A, respectively. Each module is 1.7-in.-wide, 4.9-in.-high, and 9.5-in.-deep and requires one and a half slots in the six-slot H series. Units are high-efficiency dc/dc converters that operate off of the 300V dc internal power bus of the power system. Line and load regulation are both 0.2%, and output ripple and noise are 1% p-p. Prices start at $545 for the 800W modules and $595 for the 1000W modules. Unipower Corp, Coral Springs, FL. (305) 346-2442.


Low-cost supply gives three options.

The Model 1670 power supply furnishes a single output of 0 to 30V dc at 0 to 2.5A with variable current-limiting, constant-current, or constant-voltage operation. The Model 1670 also provides a fixed 5V, 0.5A output for TTL designs and a fixed 12V, 0.5A output for mobile electronics and digital CMOS circuits. The unit has digital LCD current and voltage meters and costs $199. B+K Precision, Chicago, IL. (800) 462-9832.


Triple-output dc/dc converters vary current.

Featuring a unique power-sharing architecture, the TWR series of triple-output dc/dc converters offers 20W of power under a variety of output-current conditions. The primary 5V output can source any current as high as 3A (at maximum primary power of 15W), and the auxiliary ±12 or ±15V outputs can provide any current up to ±500 mA (at maximum auxiliary power of 15 or 12W, respectively). You can draw any combination of primary plus auxiliary power to a total of 20W. Models in the TWR series accept input voltages of 9 to 36V or 18 to 72V. The 23230.45-in. converters guarantee 80% efficiency and 750V dc isolation. Line and load regulation on the primary 5V output are guaranteed not to exceed ±1 and ±2%, respectively. The price of each model in the series is $74 (100). Datel Inc, Mansfield, MA. (509) 339-3000.


Switching supply puts 10W in low-profile package.

With a 2.532.7530.7-in.-high footprint, the SW10 series of open-frame switching power supplies squeezes into tight spaces to deliver 10W of output power. The series consists of four models with single outputs of 5, 12, 15, and 24V dc. The input voltage range is 85 to 264V ac. Input and output connections are through a barrier terminal strip or a Molex connector. The SW10 is certified to UL1950 and CSA22.2 standards and meets FCC Class B EMI filtering requirements. Prices start at $36 (1000). Melcher Inc, Chelmsford, MA. (509) 256-1812.


30W dc/dc converters.

With dimensions of 231.630.5 in., the NT series of 30W dc/dc converters operates at an efficiency of up to 86%. The nominal-input voltage for all models in the series is 48V dc. Standard outputs include 5, 12, and 15V dc at 5, 2.5, and 2A, respectively. A trim function with a ±5% range can be used to compensate for voltage drops or to achieve nonstandard voltages. Input-to-output isolation is rated at 1544V dc in accordance with UL1459 requirements. The switching frequency of the NT series is 200 kHz. Converters cost $54.52 (OEM qty). Calex Mfg Co Inc, Concord, CA. (510) 687-4411.


3V lithium battery delivers 3600 mA/hour.

With dimensions identical to that of a standard 9V battery, the Model U3VL 3V lithium battery supplies 3600 mA/hour, almost three times the capacity of its close competitor, the 3V lithium 2/3A size cell. The battery offers consistent operation in temperatures ranging from-40 to +609C, a stable voltage profile, and a shelf life of >10 years. The U3VL gives you a choice of contacts (solder tabs or flat terminals) and costs $4 to $5, depending on quantity. Ultralife Batteries Inc, Newark, NY. (315) 332-7100.


500W supply has quad output, autoranging input.

The first models in the 170 series of 500W power supplies offer quad dc outputs of 5V at 50A, 12 or 15V at 8A,-12 or-15V at 8A, and either 2.1 or 3.3V at 3A. Input voltage can range from 90 to 264V ac at 47 to 63 Hz. Supplies are designed for n+1 redundant operation with the 5, 2.1, or 3.3V dc outputs sharing current with like outputs on similar models. Prices start at $289 (1000). Conversion Equipment Corp, Orange, CA. (714) 637-2970.


Telecommunication switchers supply 40 to 300W.

Additions to the EasyMod and MiniMod family of modifiable dc switchers address the needs of the telecommunications market. Eight models range from a 40W 33531-in. PC card to a 300W 834.532-in. U-channel version. Intermediate power ratings are 50, 65, 70, 100, 150, and 250W. Units are configured with as many as four outputs ranging from 2.2 to 48V dc. Input dc ranges cover 36 to 72V, 9 to 18V, and 18 to 36V. Options include operation at minimal loading, isolated outputs, post regulation, ripple below 20 mV p-p, and 3-to-1 and 4-to-1 input ranges. Prices start at $48 (100) and $56 (100) for the 40 and 65W models, respectively. Power Solutions Inc, Pompano Beach, FL. (954) 943-4110.


Battery-backed power supply ensures 5V output.

When ac input power is lost, the TPEB 25-10 desktop uninterruptible power supply instantly switches to battery power to maintain constant output voltage. Typical battery holdup time is 5W/hour. Operating from an input voltage of 90 to 132V ac, the supply delivers a 5V output to a maximum of 20W. Regulation is 5%, and noise and ripple are 1% p-p. The TPEB 25-10 has an operating temperature range of 0 to 409C and costs $75 (OEM). Total Power International Inc, Lowell MA. (509) 453-7272.


Desktop supply powers Intel PC ATX systems.

Housed in a slim-line 5.5135.9133.39-in. case, the ATX200-3505-226 switching power supply has a self-contained 90-mm fan that pops up from the box cover. Designed for Intel PC ATX system configurations, the ATX200-3505-226 provides 3.3 and 5V standby outputs, along with +5,-5, +12, and-12V outputs. Peak output power is 200W and maximum continuous power is 180W. With an Energy Star efficiency rating of better than 60%, the unit draws 18W maximum at an input power of <30w. The power supply costs $60 (500). Astec America Inc, Carlsbad, CA. (619) 757-1880.


Power-saving device turns off unused printer.

Connected between a laser printer and a computer, the Green Ghost automatically turns off the printer if it has not been used for a predetermined amount of time. This feature not only saves power, but also reduces wear on printer components. When the PC requests the printer, the Green Ghost returns power to the printer. You use the device with Windows-based software, and it operates with any parallel interface. The device costs $69. Intelligent Computer Solutions, Chatsworth, CA. (818) 998-5805.


Inverter furnishes near-perfect sinewave. A solid-state 2.5-kVA dc/ac inverter provides a sinusoidal output with a typical total-harmonic distortion of less than 1%. Replacing rotary inverters in airborne and other mobile applications, the 22-lb unit is half the weight of rotary types and its solid-state design offers a reliability of >50,000 hours. The 2.5-kVA inverter costs about $2/W (OEM). Transistor Devices Inc, Cedar Knolls, NJ. (201) 267-1900.





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