page

date

DESCRIPTION: half-brick dc-dc converter

5 of 9

08/2009

20050

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phone 503.612.2300 fax

www.v-infinity.com

fax 503.612.2383

PART NUMBER: VHB150W

2. INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE

It is important to ensure the input voltage measured at the converter input pins is within the range for that converter. Make sure wire

losses and voltage ripples are accounted for. One possible problem is driving the converter with a linear unregulated power supply.

For example, if the average voltage measured by a DMM is 9V, with a voltage ripple of 3Vpp, the actual input can swing from 7.5V to

10.5V. This will be outside the specified input range of 9-36V and the converter may not function properly. On the other end, make

sure the actual input voltage does not exceed the highest voltage of 36V or75V.

3. LEAD WIRES

Make sure the input and output wires are of adequate AWG size to minimize voltage drop, and ensure the voltage across the input

terminals is above the converter's rated minimum voltage at all times. It is recommended to have the wire pairs twisted, respectively

for the input pair and the output pair, so as to minimize noise pickup.

4. INPUT CURRENT

The input voltage source must be able to provide enough current to the converter, otherwise it may not start up or operate properly. A

typical symptom is not starting or unusually low output voltage. In general, it is recommended to be able to provide at least:

Ipeak = 150%*Pout/(

ηη*Vmin) where Pout is the maximum output power, Vmin is the minimum input voltage and η is the converter's

efficiency. As an example, for VHB150W-Q24-S5 to operate with 9~36 V input, 150 W output and an efficiency of 87%, the minimum

source current is recommended to be: Ipeak = 150% * 150 / (87% * 9) = 28.74 A.

5. INPUT FUSE

To limit the input current and to facilitate input reversal protection and input OVP protection, a fast-acting input fuse is recommended

for the input line. The fuse rating will depend on the input range and should allow for the maximum current at the lowest input volt-

age, as shown in this equation: Ipeak = 150%*Pout/(

ηη*Vmin).

In the previous example of VHB150W-Q24-S5, the peak input current at 9V was calculated to be 28.74 A. A 30 A fuse may be suitable

for this application. Make sure the fuse voltage rating is higher than the maximum input voltage.

6. REMOTE SENSE

The converter provides regulated outputs at the output terminals. When there is a large current and/or the output cable is of some

length, the voltage at the end of the output cable may be noticeably lower than at the terminals. The converter can compensate up to

0.5V of voltage drop through remote sense terminals. To ensure accurate regulation, run two separate wires (twisted) from the

desired regulation points to the remote sense terminals, as shown below. Even if the load current is low, still connect +Vo to +S and

-Vo to -S.

+Vo

+S

Trim

-S

-Vo

(-)

(+)

Load

FIGURE 2. REMOTE SENSE