Content last revised on November 23, 2025
Vicor V48C28H150B: High-Density 150W Isolated DC-DC Converter
Engineered for Efficiency and Power Density in Demanding Applications
The V48C28H150B is a high-performance isolated DC-DC converter from Vicor's proven Micro family, engineered to deliver exceptional efficiency and power density. It provides a precisely regulated 28V / 5.36A output from a wide input range of 36V to 75V. The module's core advantage lies in its high-frequency Zero-Current/Zero-Voltage Switching (ZCS/ZVS) architecture, which enables an efficiency of 88.5% while minimizing noise and thermal waste. Key benefits include a significant reduction in heatsink requirements and simplified EMI filtering. For system designs where space is at a premium and thermal performance is critical, this 150W quarter-brick module is an optimal choice for delivering reliable power.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Space-Constrained and High-Reliability Applications
For applications where every cubic centimeter and gram matter, such as in aerospace, defense, and portable Automated Test Equipment (ATE), the V48C28H150B provides a distinct advantage. Its ability to deliver 150W of power from a compact quarter-brick package (57.9mm x 36.8mm x 13.7mm) directly enables smaller and lighter end-systems. Consider the design of a mission-critical avionics control unit operating on a nominal 48V bus. The high efficiency of this module reduces waste heat, a crucial factor in sealed or conduction-cooled enclosures where airflow is minimal. This thermal performance, combined with its wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 100°C, ensures stable operation and long-term reliability in environmentally challenging conditions. The module's low-noise ZVS switching characteristic also simplifies the process of meeting stringent EMI standards, reducing the need for bulky external filter components and further conserving precious board space.
What is the primary benefit of its ZCS/ZVS design? Enhanced efficiency and lower EMI by minimizing switching losses. This makes the V48C28H150B a cornerstone for building robust Distributed Power Architectures (DPA).
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding Key Specifications for Power System Design Integrity
The technical specifications of the V48C28H150B are tailored for robust and flexible power system design. Below is a summary of its performance characteristics based on the official Vicor Micro Family datasheet.
| Functional Group: Core Power Conversion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 36V – 75V DC | Accommodates a standard 48V nominal bus with wide tolerance. |
| Output Voltage | 28V (Programmable 10% to 110%) | Offers design flexibility for fine-tuning output. |
| Output Power | 150W | |
| Max Output Current | 5.36A | |
| Efficiency | Up to 89% (Typ. 88.5%) | Minimizes thermal load and energy consumption. |
| Functional Group: Protection and Reliability | ||
| Isolation Voltage | 3000 VRMS (Input to Output) | Ensures safety and breaks ground loops. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +100°C (H-Grade) | Guarantees performance in harsh environments. |
| Features | OVP, UVLO, Parallelable with N+M fault tolerance. | |
Download the V48C28H150B datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at the ZCS/ZVS Architecture for Superior Efficiency
The core of the V48C28H150B's performance is its proprietary Zero-Current/Zero-Voltage Switching (ZCS/ZVS) topology. Unlike traditional hard-switching converters that turn their internal MOSFETs on and off while significant voltage and current are present, the V48C28H150B uses a resonant circuit to time the switching events. Switching occurs only when either voltage across the switch or current through it is at or near zero.
Think of it like shifting gears in a car. A hard-switching converter is like forcing a gear change without using the clutch, causing a jarring shock (a spike of electrical loss and noise). In contrast, ZVS acts like a perfectly timed clutch engagement, where the gears mesh smoothly with no shock. This "soft switching" dramatically reduces switching losses, which are a major source of waste heat, especially at high frequencies. By minimizing these losses, the module can operate at a very high frequency, which in turn allows for the use of smaller magnetic components and capacitors, directly contributing to its industry-leading power density.
Application Vignette
Powering High-Fidelity Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
In the world of Automated Test Equipment (ATE), power supplies must provide clean, stable, and responsive power to the device under test (DUT). The V48C28H150B is exceptionally well-suited for powering card cages in VMEbus or PXI-based test systems. In this scenario, an engineer is tasked with designing a power solution for a multi-card tester that draws a combined 120W at 28V. The challenge is not just supplying the power, but doing so within a dense, 1U rack-mount chassis with limited cooling, while ensuring the power supply's electrical noise does not interfere with sensitive measurements.
By selecting the V48C28H150B, the engineer immediately solves several problems. Its 88.5% efficiency means only about 16W of waste heat is generated at a 120W load, simplifying thermal management and potentially allowing for a quieter, lower-flow fan. The module's inherent low-noise characteristic, a direct result of its Zero-Voltage Switching topology, minimizes conducted EMI back onto the 48V bus and radiated EMI affecting adjacent test cards. This is like having a whisper-quiet engine in a recording studio; it performs its function without corrupting the sensitive work happening around it. The module’s tight line and load regulation further ensures the 28V rail remains stable, even as different test cards are activated and deactivated, leading to more reliable and repeatable test results. For further reading, an in-depth analysis of power module selection can be found in this strategic guide to power module selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the V48C28H150B's high power density benefit my design?
Its high power density allows you to deliver 150W from a compact quarter-brick footprint, saving valuable PCB space. This enables the creation of smaller, lighter, and more feature-rich end products, particularly in applications like portable equipment or densely packed rack systems.
What is the engineering advantage of the ZCS/ZVS architecture?
The primary advantage is significantly higher efficiency compared to conventional hard-switching converters because switching losses are nearly eliminated. This results in less waste heat, reducing heatsink size and cost. A key secondary benefit is much lower electromagnetic interference (EMI), which simplifies system-level filtering and compliance.
Can the V48C28H150B be used for redundant power systems?
Yes, the module is designed for parallel operation, supporting N+M fault-tolerant arrays. By connecting the PR (Parallel) pins of multiple modules, they will actively share the load. This is critical for high-availability systems in communications, defense, and industrial control where uninterrupted operation is mandatory.
For qualifying projects, our engineering support team can provide further assistance on integration and thermal design. Contact us to discuss your specific application requirements and leverage the performance of the Vicor V48C28H150B in your next design.
