Vicor VI-JNF-EW | High-Density DC-DC Converter for Demanding Power Systems
The Vicor VI-JNF-EW is not merely a component; it is a foundational building block for engineers designing next-generation power systems where performance, density, and reliability are non-negotiable. As a member of Vicor's renowned VI-J00 series, this DC-DC converter module leverages advanced power conversion topologies to deliver exceptional performance in a compact, board-mounted package. It is engineered specifically for applications that demand a stable, isolated DC output from a high-voltage, unregulated DC source.
Product Highlights at a Glance
- High-Efficiency Operation: Employs a quasi-resonant, Zero-Current Switching (ZCS) topology to minimize switching losses and achieve efficiencies up to 90%.
- Exceptional Power Density: Delivers significant power output from a low-profile, encapsulated package, enabling size and weight reduction in the end-system.
- Wide Input Voltage Range: The "E" input designation accommodates a broad 200V to 400V DC bus, providing design flexibility for industrial and off-line applications.
- Robust and Reliable: Fully encapsulated to withstand shock, vibration, and harsh operating environments, making it ideal for industrial, transportation, and defense systems.
Technical Deep Dive: The Engineering Advantage
The true value of the Vicor VI-JNF-EW lies in its sophisticated internal architecture. Unlike conventional hard-switched PWM converters that generate significant heat and electromagnetic interference (EMI), this module is built on a different principle. Its Zero-Current Switching topology ensures that the internal power transistor turns on and off only when the current flowing through it is at or near zero. This has profound engineering benefits: it drastically reduces the energy dissipated during each switching cycle, which is a primary source of switching loss and waste heat. The direct consequence is higher efficiency and a much cleaner noise profile, simplifying the challenge of EMI filtering and system-level compliance.
This efficiency directly enables the module's second key advantage: power density. Because less energy is wasted as heat, the module can operate at higher frequencies and be housed in a much smaller form factor without compromising reliability. This allows engineers to design more compact and lightweight equipment, a critical advantage in everything from portable industrial tools to avionics systems. The effective management of thermal performance is engineered into the very core of the device.
Key Electrical & Mechanical Specifications
The following table outlines the core parameters for the VI-JNF-EW. These specifications are essential for initial design and system integration.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range (VDC) | 200 V - 400 V |
| Output Voltage (VDC) | 5 V |
| Output Power (W) | 25 W |
| Typical Efficiency (%) | 81% |
| Max Baseplate Temperature (°C) | 100°C |
| Package Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.28" x 2.4" x 0.5" (57.9 x 61.0 x 12.7 mm) |
For a comprehensive list of parameters, derating curves, and application notes, please download the VI-J00 Series Datasheet.
Application Focus: Where the VI-JNF-EW Excels
The unique characteristics of the Vicor VI-JNF-EW make it an ideal choice for specific, challenging applications:
- Distributed Power Architectures (DPAs): In large systems with a high-voltage DC bus, this module can be used as a highly reliable, non-isolated point-of-load (POL) converter, providing the clean, stable 5V rail required by digital logic, sensors, and control circuits.
- Industrial Automation & Robotics: Its robust, encapsulated design provides exceptional resilience against the shock, vibration, and contaminants found in factory environments. It is perfectly suited for powering precision control boards, HMI panels, and sensor arrays.
- Telecommunications Infrastructure: Provides reliable, board-level power conversion within base stations, routers, and other network equipment that operate from a central DC power plant.
Engineer's FAQ for the Vicor VI-JNF-EW
Can these modules be paralleled for increased power or redundancy?
Yes, the VI-J00 series is designed for parallel operation. By connecting the outputs directly, you can achieve higher current output. For N+1 redundancy, external ORing diodes or FETs are typically recommended on the output of each module to ensure proper isolation in the event of a single module failure. Careful PCB layout is crucial to ensure balanced current sharing.
What are the primary mounting and cooling considerations?
The module relies on conduction cooling through its baseplate. For optimal performance and to achieve the full rated power, the baseplate must be mounted to an adequate heatsink or a thermally conductive chassis plane. Using a thermal interface material (TIM) between the module's baseplate and the heatsink is essential to minimize thermal resistance and keep the component within its safe operating temperature range. For detailed design assistance, please contact our technical team.
