
Building Better UAVs using Modular Power
This class of UAV depends on solar power to meet its long flight time requirements. Solar power systems rely on the use of maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) circuitry to ensure that solar energy is harvested at the optimum voltage before conversion to a voltage suitable for charging a secondary battery, or delivery to the power systems intermediate bus network. As this class of UAVs develops, high-efficiency power-conversion topologies such as zero-voltage switching and zero-current switching (ZVS/ZCS) which are used in Vicor BCMs are important to enable the widening variety of fuel sources and applications with increasing power challenges.
A combination of the BCM6123 providing the isolated conversion of the 350V to a 48V intermediate bus and the PI3741 ZVS Buck-Boost regulator with a very wide range input voltage operating capability provides a tightly regulated 28V output for various UAV loads.
Fixed ratio DC-DC converter
Input: 260 – 410V
Output: 32.5 – 51.3V
Current: Up to 25.7A
63.3 x 22.8 x 7.2mm
Input: 8 – 60V
Output: 10 – 54V
Power: Up to 150W continuous
Efficiency: Over 98%
10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm
Building Better UAVs using Modular Power
Drone enables life-saving communications amid natural disasters
2022 energy forecast: Ultra-dense power delivery networks are re-shaping the future
Advancements in UAV capabilities using modular power delivery networks