Big Power, Small Package

Getting high-efficiency power for instrumentation, broadcast, medical, and IT systems just got easier—thanks to Lambda's new NV-350 Configurable Power Supply. The unit provides 350W ac-dc power with efficiencies of up to 90 percent. In a 1.5- × 3.74- × 10.1-inch package using system air (minus a 0.6- × 1.26- × 3.74-inch cutout), the supply achieves 6.6 W/inch³. Comparable supplies are in the range of 3 to 4 W/inch³. In fact, Jeff Shepard, president of Carnell Group, a market research company that focuses on power apps, says, "It looks like Lambda is leading the pack for power density in this power range."

Lambda engineers took advantage of a new topology, as well as several leading edge and established technologies, including high-efficiency materials, to meet the specifications of the NV-350. Their patented multiple resonant topology (MRT) uses synchronous rectification with silicon carbide Schottky diodes for low forward-voltage drop and established insulated metal substrate (IMS) technology to achieve such high efficiencies, while at the same time minimizing the need for active or passive cooling. The topology uses smaller lower-loss output inductors and improved multilayer capacitors to eliminate inductors in the filter circuits. The combination of all of these efficiency-enhancing design considerations makes the NV-350 a rather unique power supply.

The NV-350 is fully configurable and can provide from one to six outputs, with voltages ranging from 3.3 to 32V and current up to 40A. Among other important specifications are a number of safety agency approvals including EN60601 medical approval for electromagnetic compatibility combined with EN55022 Level B conducted emissions. And with reliability high on the list of features engineers care most about in a power supply, the NV350's non-operating vibration capability of up to 2 G's from 10 to 500 Hz (sweep and endurance) in all three planes and 30 G's shock is a boon. Lambdahttp://rbi.ims.ca/3853-576