7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)

7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
The Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM) provides an
effective solution for the AC front end of a power supply
designed with Vicor DC-DC converters. This high-performance power system building block satisfies a broad
spectrum of requirements and agency standards.
The ARM contains all of the power switching and control
circuitry necessary for autoranging rectification, inrush
current limiting, and overvoltage protection. This module
also provides converter enable and status functions for
orderly power up / down control or sequencing. To
complete the AC front-end configuration, the user needs
only to add hold-up capacitors and a suitable input filter
with transient protection.
POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE (Figure 7–2)
When input power is turned off or fails, the following
sequence occurs as the bus voltage decays:
1.2 Bus OK is de-asserted when the bus voltage falls
below 205 Vdc (typical).
2.2 The converters are disabled when the bus voltage falls
below 200 Vdc. If power is reapplied after the
converters are disabled, the entire power-up sequence
is repeated. If a momentary power interruption occurs
and power is re-established before the bus reaches the
disable threshold, the power-up sequence is not repeated.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION (Figure 7–1)
+OUT
Initial Conditions. The switch that bypasses the inrush
limiting PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor is
open when power is applied, as is the switch that
engages the strap for voltage doubling. In addition, the
downstream DC-DC modules are disabled via the Enable
(EN) line, and Bus OK (BOK) is high.
PTC
Thermistor
Strap
L
Strap
–OUT
N
POWER-UP SEQUENCE (Figure 7–2)
EN
Microcontroller
1.1 Upon application of input power, the output bus
capacitors begin to charge. The thermistor limits the
charge current, and the exponential time constant is
determined by the hold-up capacitor value and the
thermistor cold resistance. The slope (dv/dt) of the
capacitor voltage approaches zero as the capacitors
become charged to the peak of the AC line voltage.
BOK
Figure 7–1 — Functional block diagram
Power
Up
2.1 If the bus voltage is less than 200 V as the slope nears
zero, the voltage doubler is activated, and the bus
voltage climbs exponentially to twice the peak line
voltage. If the bus voltage is greater than 200 V, the
doubler is not activated.
90–132 V
AC Line
Output
Bus
(Vdc)
3.1 If the bus voltage is greater than 235 V as the slope
approaches zero, the inrush limiting thermistor is
bypassed. Below 235 V, the thermistor is not bypassed.
400
300
200
100
0
1.1
2.1
Strap
PTC
Thermistor
Bypass
Converter
Enable
Bus OK
4.1 The converters are enabled ~150 milliseconds after
the thermistor bypass switch is closed.
5.1 Bus OK is asserted after an additional ~150 millisecond
delay to allow the converter outputs to settle
within specification.
Power
Down
3.1
~150 ms
~150 ms
4.1
5.1
2.2
1.2
Figure 7–2 —Timing diagram: power up / down sequence
Timing Diagram, Power Up/Down Sequence
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Page 31 of 88
Rev 4.9
Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474
vicorpower.com
800 735.6200
7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
OFF-LINE POWER SUPPLY CONFIGURATION
capacitors were being charged through an un-bypassed
thermistor, preventing the bus voltage from reaching the
thermistor bypass threshold, thus disabling the power supply.
The Enable output (the drain of a N channel MOSFET) is
internally pulled up to 15 V through a 150 kΩ resistor.
The ARM maintains the DC output bus voltage between
200 and 375 Vdc over the entire universal input range,
this being compatible with the Maxi, Mini, Micro 300 V
input converters as well as VI-260 family and VI-J60 family
DC-DC converters. The ARM automatically switches to the
proper rectification mode (doubled or undoubled) depending
on the input voltage, eliminating the possibility of damage
due to improper line connection. The VI-ARM-x1 is rated at
500 W in the low range (90 –132 Vac input), and 750 W
in the high range (180 – 264 Vac input). The VI-ARMB–x2
is rated for 750 W and 1,500 W for the low and high input
ranges respectively. Either of these modules can serve as
the AC front end for any number and combination of
compatible converters as long as the maximum power
rating is not exceeded. See VI-ARMB derating curves
(Figures 1 and 2) on VI-ARM data sheet.
A signal diode should be placed close to and in series with
the PC or GATE IN pin of each converter to eliminate the
possibility of control interference between converters. The
Enable pin switches to the high state (15 V) with respect
to the negative output power pin to turn on the converters after the power-up inrush is over. The Enable function
also provides input overvoltage protection for the converters by turning off the converters if the DC bus voltage
exceeds 400 Vdc. The thermistor bypass switch opens if
this condition occurs, placing the thermistor in series with
the input voltage, which reduces the bus voltage to a
safe level while limiting input current in case the varistors
conduct. The thermistor bypass switch also opens if a fault
or overload reduces the bus voltage to less than 180 Vdc.
Strap (ST) Pin. In addition to input and output power pin
connections, it is necessary to connect the Strap pin to the
junction of the series hold-up capacitors (C1, C2, Figure
7–3) for proper (autoranging) operation. Varistors across
the capacitors provide input transient protection. The
bleeder resistors (R1, R2, Figure 7–3) discharge the hold-up
capacitors when power is switched off.
CAUTION: There is no input to output isolation in
the ARM, hence the –Out of the ARM and thus the
–In of the downstream DC-DC converter(s) are at a
high potential. If it is necessary to provide an external
enable / disable function by controlling the DC-DC
converter’s PC or GATE IN pin (referenced to the –In)
of the converter an opto-isolator or isolated relay
should be employed.
Enable (EN) Pin. (Figure 7–4) The Enable pin must be
connected to the PC or GATE IN pin of all converter modules
to disable the converters during power up. Otherwise, the
converters would attempt to start while the hold-up
C3
R1
N
N
Filter
Z1
L
ST
F3
+V
VI-ARM
L
BOK
EN
C7*
C8*
–V
F1
C1
+IN
C10
V1
V2
PC (GATE IN)
Vicor DC-DC
Converter
D3
PR
–IN
R2
PE
Part
Description
C1,2
Holdup capacitors
C3–6
C2
C4
Vicor Part Number
R3
4700pF (Y2 type)
01000
R1,2
150 k, 0.5 W
00127-1503
V1,2
220 V MOV
30234-220
F1,2
Use reccommended fusing for
specific DC-DC Converters
D1,2
Diode
00670
C7,8*
Film Cap., 0.61 µF
34610
C5
D1
F2
Z1
MOV (270 V)
30076
D3,D4
1N5817
26108
C10,C11
0.001 µF
R3, R4**
250 Ω
F3
ABC-10 A VI-ARM-_1
ABC-10 A VI-ARMB-_2
+IN
R4
C11
PC (GATE IN)
Vicor DC-DC
Converter
D2
D4
PR
–IN
Not used with VI-260/VI-J60
Sizing PCB traces:
C6
All traces shown in bold carry significant
current and should be sized accordingly.
*Required if C1 & C2 are located more than
6 inches (15 cm) from output of VI-ARM.
**Not used with VI-260/VI-J60
To additional modules
Figure 7–3 — Typical ARM application
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Page 32 of 88
Rev 4.9
Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474
vicorpower.com
800 735.6200
7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
Not used with VI-260/VI-J60
+IN
+IN
+5 Vdc
N
ST
15 Vdc
PC (GATE IN)
+V
Vicor
DC-DC
Converter
BOK
Microcontroller
EN
BOK
Microcontroller
Vicor
DC-DC
Converter
Secondary
referenced
EN
PR
–V
L
–IN
PC
+V
15 Vdc
ST
PR
–V
L
N
–IN
To additional modules
To additional modules
Figure 7–4 — Enable (EN) function
Figure 7–5 — Bus OK (BOK) isolated power status indicator
R1
L2/N
Z1
L1
C1
L1
L2
R2
N
R4
CM
R3
F1
GND
C2
L3
C3
N
L2/N
ST
C4
L
C1
R1
CM
CM
F1
C6
ST
C5
C2
L1
L1
C4
C3
L3
Z1
L4
L
L2
R2
GND
Part
C1
C2, C3
C4
F1
L1, L2
L3
R1, R2
R3
R4
Z1
Description
1.0 µF
4700pF (Y2 type)
0.15µF
10 A Max
27 µH
2.2 mH
10 Ω
150 kΩ, 0.5 W
2.2 Ω
MOV
Part
L1,L4
L2, L3
C1
C2,C3,C4,C5
C6
R1
R2
F1
Z1
Vicor Part Number
02573
03285
03269
05147
32012
32006
Description
1,000 µH 12 A / 6.5 MΩ
22 µH
0.68 µF (X type)
4700pF (Y2 type)
0.22 µF (X type)
390 kΩ 1/2 W
10 Ω 1/2 W
15 A Max
MOV
Vicor Part Number
31743
33206
02573
03285
04068
30076
30076
Figure 7–6a — Recommended filter design; Low power filter
connection for VI-ARM-x1
Figure 7–6b — Recommended filter design; High power filter
connection for VI-ARMB-x2
Bus OK (BOK) Pin. (Figure 7–5) The Bus OK pin is
intended to provide early-warning power fail information
and is also referenced to the negative output pin.
specified duration, i.e., the converters must hold up or
ride through such an event while maintaining undisturbed
output voltage regulation. Similarly, many of these same
systems require notification of an impending power failure
to allow time to perform an orderly shutdown.
CAUTION: There is no input-to-output isolation in
the ARM. It is necessary to monitor Bus OK via an
optocoupler if it is to be used on the secondary
(output) side of the converters. A line-isolation
transformer should be used when performing scope
measurements. Scope probes should never be applied
simultaneously to the input and output as this will
damage the module.
Filter. Two input filter recommendations are shown for
low-power VI-ARM-x1 and high-power VI-ARMB-x2.
(Figures 7–6a and 7–6b)
Both filter configurations provide sufficient common-mode
and differential-mode insertion loss in the frequency range
between 100 kHz and 30 MHz to comply with the Class B
conducted emissions limit.
The energy stored on a capacitor, which has been charged
to voltage V, is:
2
where:
Page 33 of 88
(1)
C = capacitance
V = voltage across the capacitor
Energy is given up by the capacitors as they are discharged
by the converters. The energy expended (the power-time
product) is:
Hold-up Capacitors. Hold-up capacitor values should be
determined according to output bus voltage ripple, power
fail hold-up time, and ride-through time. (Figure 7–7)
Many applications require the power supply to maintain
output regulation during a momentary power failure of
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
ε = 1/2(CV )
ε = stored energy
Rev 4.9
Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474
ε = P∆t = C(V
12
– V22) / 2
(2)
where: P = operating power
∆t = discharge interval
V1 = capacitor voltage at the beginning of ∆t
V2 = capacitor voltage at the end of ∆t
vicorpower.com
800 735.6200
7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
Hold-up Time
Ripple (V p-p)
π–θ
Power Fail
Warning
θ
254 V
205 V
190 V
Ride-Through Time
Bus OK
Power Fail
Converter
Shut down
Figure 7–7 — General timing diagram of bus voltage following interruption of the AC mains
100
90
35
Ride –Through Time (ms)
Power Fail Warning Time (ms)
40
30
25
1,100 µF
820 µF
1,300 µF
1,600 µF
µF (VI-ARM-x1)
* 680
2,200 µF (VI-ARMB-x2)
20
15
10
*
5
0
250
70
90 Vac
50
40
30
20
750
1000
0
250
1500
1250
500
Operating Power (W)
*
1500
75
Ripple Rejection (dB)
P-P Ripple Voltage (Vac)
1250
80
25
*
15
10
5
500
1,100 µF
820 µF
1,300 µF
1,600 µF
750
µF (VI-ARM-x1)
* 680
2,200 µF (VI-ARMB-x2)
1000
1250
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
1500
2
5
15
Operating Power (W)
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
30
50
Output Voltage
Figure 7–10 — Ripple voltage vs. operating power and bus
capacitance, series combination of C1, C2 (Figure 7–3)
Page 34 of 88
1000
Figure 7–9 — Ride-through time vs. operating power
30
0
250
750
Operating Power (W)
Figure 7–8 — Power fail warning time vs. operating power and
total bus capacitance, series combination of C1, C2 (Figure 7–3)
20
115 Vac
60
10
*
500
Total
capacitance
820 µF
80
Figure 7–11 — Converter ripple rejection vs. output voltage (Typical)
Rev 4.9
Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474
vicorpower.com
800 735.6200
7. Autoranging Rectifier Module (ARM)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
Rearranging equation 2 to solve for the required capacitance:
C = 2P∆t / (V12–V22)
The approximate operating ripple current (rms) is given by:
Irms = 2P / Vac
(3)
(6)
where: P = operating power level
The power fail warning time (∆t) is defined as the interval
between (BOK) and converter shutdown (EN) as illustrated
in Figure 7–7. The Bus OK and Enable thresholds are 205 V
and 190 V, respectively. A simplified relationship between
power fail warning time, operating power, and bus capacitance is obtained by inserting these constants:
Calculated values of bus capacitance for various hold-up
time, ride-through time, and ripple voltage requirements
are given as a function of operating power level in Figures
7–8, 7–9, and 7–10, respectively.
C = 2P∆t / (2052 – 1902)
EXAMPLE
C = 2P∆t / (5,925)
In this example, the output required at the point of load
is 12 Vdc at 320 W. Therefore, the output power from the
ARM would be 375 W (assuming a converter efficiency of
85%). The desired hold-up time is at least 9 ms over an
input range of 90 to 264 Vac.
It should be noted that the series combination (C1, C2,
Figure 7–3) requires each capacitor to be twice the
calculated value, but the required voltage rating is
reduced to 200 V.
Allowable ripple voltage on the bus (or ripple current in
the capacitors) may define the capacitance requirement.
Consideration should also be given to converter ripple
rejection and resulting output ripple voltage.
For example, a converter whose output is 15 V and nominal
input is 300 V will provide typically 56 dB ripple rejection,
i.e., 10 V p-p of input ripple will produce 15 mV p-p of
output ripple. (Figure 7–11) Equation 3 is again used to
determine the required capacitance. In this case, V1 and
V2 are the instantaneous values of bus voltage at the
peaks and valleys (Figure 7–7) of the ripple, respectively.
The capacitors must hold up the bus voltage for the time
interval (∆t) between peaks of the rectified line as given by:
∆t = (π– θ) / 2πf
(4)
θ = rectifier conduction angle
(Figure 7–7)
The approximate conduction angle is given by:
θ = Cos-1V2 / V1
(5)
Another consideration in hold-up capacitor selection is
their ripple current rating. The capacitors’ rating must be
higher than the maximum operating ripple current.
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Determining Required Capacitance for Power Fail
Warning. Figure 7–8 is used to determine capacitance
for a given power fail warning time and power level,
and shows that the total bus capacitance must be at
least 820 µF. Since two capacitors are configured in
series, each capacitor must be at least 1,640 µF.
NOTE: The warning time is not dependent on line
voltage. A hold-up capacitor calculator is available
on the Vicor website, at
http://asp.vicorpower.com/calculators/calculators.as
p?calc=4
Determining Ride-through Time. Figure 7–9 illustrates
ride-through time as a function of line voltage and output
power, and shows that at a nominal line of 115 Vac, ridethrough would be 68 ms. Ride-through time is a function
of line voltage.
Determining Ripple Voltage on the Hold-up
Capacitors. Figure 7–10 is used to determine ripple
voltage as a function of operating power and bus
capacitance, and shows that the ripple voltage across
the hold-up capacitors will be 12 Vac.
where: f = line frequency
Page 35 of 88
Vac = operating line voltage
Determining the Ripple on the Output of the DC-DC
Converter. Figure 7–11 is used to determine the ripple
rejection of the DC-DC converter and indicates a ripple
rejection of approximately 60 dB for a 12 V output. If
the ripple on the bus voltage is 12 Vac and the ripple
rejection of the converter is 60 dB, the output ripple of
the converter due to ripple on its input (primarily 120 Hz)
will be 12 mV p-p.
Rev 4.9
Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474
vicorpower.com
800 735.6200