Skip to main content

Case study: Inspection UAVs

Lightweight power delivery networks enable maneuverable UAVs to inspect remote, wide operations

product-table-datasheet-icon-default.svgPDF

Customer’s challenge

Inspection UAVs ensure that infrastructure is sound, safe, and functional. These UAVs must be able to be easily maneuvered and nimbly access hard- to-reach spaces to inspect vast terrains. To succeed in their mission, they must also operate reliably in harsh environments and withstand electrical interference from power lines and other high-energy sources. The key goals were:

  • Extend range and flight time
  • Minimize size and weight
  • Reliability to minimize chance of failure during flight
Inspection UAV image

The Vicor solution

Vicor high-efficiency and high-performance power modules enable inspection UAVs to minimize size and weight to maximize the sensor payload required to perform the actual inspection. With enough power and high efficiency, they allow for an agile UAV with increased flight time, even in harsh environments. 

Key benefits

Key benefits

Denisty icon image

High-power density to enable smaller form factor and lower weight

EMI icon

Minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI)

high efficiency icon

ZVS topology enables modules with up to 98% efficiency

Power delivery network

Power dense Vicor DCM™ DC-DC converters and ZVS Buck and Buck-Boost regulator modules are ideal for inspection UAVs. The compact DCM delivers enough power to the motors, while the Buck and Buck-Boost regulators operate with a wide input range to allow loads to be powered by the full range of the battery, providing a reserve for safe landing and recovery. The compact modules allow for the use of a smaller magnetic shield, thereby reducing that weight in addition to the weight savings of the Vicor modules.

Vicor power delivery network for Inspection UAVs
Go to the family page

DCM DC-DC converters


Input: 9 – 420V


Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 13.8, 15, 24, 28, 36, 48V


Power: Up to 1300W


Efficiency: Up to 96%


As small as 24.8 x 22.8 x 7.21mm


ZVS buck regulators


Inputs: 12V (8 – 18V), 24V (8 – 42V), 48V (30 – 60V)


Output: 2.2 – 16V 


Current: Up to 22A


Peak efficiency: Up to 98%


As small as 10.0 x 10.0 x 2.56mm  


Go to the family page

ZVS buck-boost regulators


Input: 8 – 60V


Output: 10 – 54V


Power: Up to 150W continuous


Efficiency: Over 98%


10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm


Resources