Modular power solutions for UAVs

High density and efficiency

Scalable to higher power

Low height

Lightweight

High performance power modules optimized for  48V power delivery

Kilowatts of power in a small space

Vicor high performance power modules require dramatically less space than traditional discrete power solutions while providing high efficiency and power density, whether going from HV to SELV or SELV to PoL. This enables increased run time and productivity without sacrificing navigation, sensing and safety features.

Vicor simple power delivery network with anatomy of power module

Advanced power architectures

By adopting the modular approach power modules can be paralleled or swapped, allowing designs to accommodate new loads or changes in power. Easily scale power to meet increasing requirements in UAV systems, while allowing the same power architecture to be deployed across diverse UAV platforms.

Improved thermal management

Vicor high-efficiency and thermally adept power modules significantly reduce the heat generated and effectively remove it from the UAV, increasing its reliability and agility without taking up additional space or adding weight.

Quickly implement a power solution

Vicor provides tested and qualified power modules to build power delivery networks that can be designed quickly without all the wasted time and effort to test and certify a new discrete design. This enables our customers to get to market faster, giving them a distinct advantage over their competition.

The 48V power delivery network

Efficiently converting higher voltages to a 48V bus

Vicor power delivery network for HV to 48V bus

Converting 800V or 400V to 48V

For UAVs powered by high voltage batteries Vicor high-density BCM fixed-ratio, isolated converters safely convert a high-voltage input into standard SELV output to power a 48V bus. BCM power modules are the most efficiently way to convert high voltage to SELV voltages.

Vicor power delivery network for 100V to 48V bus

Converting non-SELV batteries to 48V

For UAVs powered by lower voltage batteries such as 100V, Vicor DCM power modules provide regulated 24 or 48V (as shown) distribution from the battery for payloads and downstream converters. The Vicor DCM is a highly efficient, DC-DC converter operating from an wide input range to generate an isolated output.

Vicor power delivery network for HV tether to 48V-bus

Converting a high-voltage tether to 48V

On board a remote operated vehicle, Vicor BCM power modules isolate and step-down the high voltage from the tether to a 48V SELV. The compact, lightweight BCM reduces the size and weight of the UAV, as well as to dramatically reduce the diameter and weight of the tether itself to reduce weight, size and drag.

Powering loads on the 48V bus

Once a 48V bus is established – from either a 48V battery or a higher voltage source converted to 48V – Vicor power modules at the point-of-load deliver high performance with the smallest footprint. The Vicor DCM is an isolated, regulated DC-DC converter that provides superior power density. The non-isolated Vicor ZVS buck and buck-boost regulators provide an efficient, lightweight and compact solution for supporting a wide range of loads from 2.2V to 54V. When high power is required, the PRM 48V to 48V voltage regulator has an extremely wide output range to conform to point-of-load requirements.