Techmezine interacted with Patrick Wadden (Global VP Automotive Business Development at Vicor Corporation ) about power converters in EV charging.
Techmezine: Please tell me about Vicor’s Power Modules ?
Vicor : Vicor is exclusively focused on power conversion products and power electronics. We have 1,000+ employees and approximately $300M in sales in the data center, AI, aerospace, industrial and automotive markets. We are located in Andover, MA, where the majority of our power modules are manufactured. Our unique power module technology is based on proprietary architectures, topologies, control systems and packaging. These innovative technologies deliver advancements in power density and scalability that set us apart from other power electronic companies.
Techmezine: What do you think about the EV industry?
Vicor : We believe the EV, PHEV and hybrid segments are ramping to significant volume from 2020 – 2030. These powertrain platforms represent significant potential to Vicor with extreme challenges for OEM’s with new 800V, 400V and 48V power delivery networks (PDN’s). The increasing demand for lighter, more energy-efficient vehicles with longer ranges, combined with the desire for advanced safety and infotainment features, presents a challenge for OEMs and an opportunity for Vicor’s high-performance, high-density power modules. We believe EV and other electrified powertrain platforms will drive automotive success for Vicor over the coming years.
We have more information on how Vicor is enabling our Automotive customers’ innovations at http://www.vicorpower.com/industries-and-innovations/automotive.
Techmezine: What are the current technologies evolving in the power conversion of EV charging?
Vicor : The evolution of Powertrain and chassis systems is creating complex challenges with weight, size and performance as power levels increase and vehicle performance demands more horsepower and acceleration.
As the 12V network becomes oversaturated, active stabilization, AC condensers and start/stop generators for example, are requiring secondary battery storage systems and 48V power delivery to address the need for higher-efficiency power solutions that are smaller and lighter.
Techmezine: Please introduce NBM6123 + spec and its application focus?
Vicor : The NBM6123 is a bidirectional converter that is pivotal to provide compatibility between the roadside charger and the vehicle. The NBM6123 either steps the voltage up from 400V to 800V or bucks the voltage down from 800V to 400V depending on the application. It is highly efficient (up to 99.3% peak effciency) and is the smallest, highest-density solution on the market. The NBM6123 has not yet been released to the open market and is currently being used by our automotive customers under special development agreements.
For more information about Vicor NBM non-isolated bus converter modules, we invite readers to visit http://www.vicorpower.com/dc-dc/non-isolated-fixed-ratio/nbm
Techmezine: Please introduce 400V BCM product family? And, what applications it is intended for?
Vicor : The BCM6135 is a fixed ratio bus converter, available in two K factors. The K:1/8 is used for 400V to 48V conversion with 97% efficiency; the K:1/16 has a higher operating voltage and converts from 800V to 48V. OEMs and tier-ones in the automotive segment are evaluating these converters with their unique topologies and control systems to eliminate the 48V battery completely, reducing weight and freeing up space within the vehicle. As with the automotive-grade NBM6123, the automotive-grade BCM6135 is not yet available for general use. It is being used by customers under special development agreements.
For more information about Vicor bus converter modules, we invite readers to visit http://www.vicorpower.com/dc-dc/isolated-fixed-ratio/bus-converter-module
Techmezine: Please introduce the plans you have for a 48/12 regulator for power delivery applications within the vehicle ?
Vicor : The DCM3735 is a regulated, non isolated DC-DC converter for 48-to-12V applications and is ideal for changing a 12V PDN into a 48V decentralized architecture, or it can be used to convert from 48V to 12V to power legacy 12V supplies.
For more information on Vicor DC-DC converter modules, we invite readers to visit: http://www.vicorpower.com/dc-dc/isolated-regulated/dcm
Techmezine : What opportunities do you see in India post COVID-19 in terms of manufacturing to be the second biggest industry?
Vicor : Electrified market
