Vicor Introduces Advanced Modular Power Platform: The VI BRICK(TM)


Andover, MA, April 1, 2008... The Brick Business Unit of Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) today announced the introduction of an advanced modular power platform: the VI BRICK(TM). The VI BRICK family incorporates the superior technical attributes of VI Chip(TM) technology and a robust packaging that facilitates thermal management and through-hole assembly. Models include high-current density / low-voltage DC-DC converters, a wide range of highly efficient bus converters, and individual modules for both regulation and transformation.

"Incorporation of VI Chip technology into the traditional brick environment gives power designers significantly increased power capabilities and greater design flexibility," said Joe Sullivan, Product Marketing Manager.

VI BRICK BCMs(TM) provide a highly efficient solution for Intermediate Bus Architecture or point-of-load (POL) designs that require multiple output voltages. They are available with nominal input voltages including 48 Vdc (11 models) and high voltage up to 380 Vdc (three models) and a wide array of output voltages from 1.5 to 48 Vdc. The efficiency and compact size of these modules yields power density up to 390 W/in³ and their fast transient response means that less capacitance is required for energy storage near the load, which equates to space and cost savings.

VI BRICK PRM(TM) and VTM(TM) modules offer a flexible and scalable architecture for DC-DC power conversion utilizing Factorized Power(TM) in a robust "brick-like" package designed for efficient thermal management. The very flexible architecture facilitates several design configurations including multiple outputs, high power arrays, high-current/low voltage, high voltage, and separation of regulation and transformation for board spacing and thermal management. These models include six PRMs (Pre-Regulator Module), which perform the regulation function, and twelve VTMs (Voltage Transformation Module) that take the "factorized bus voltage" from the PRM and provide transformation and isolation.

VI BRICK 48 V DC-DC converters use advanced Sine Amplitude Converter(TM) technology, thermally enhanced packaging technologies, and advanced CIM processes to provide high power density and efficiency, superior transient response, and improved thermal management. There are thirteen different models with isolated outputs ranging from 1 to 48 Vdc.

VI BRICK models are available in a base temperature grade of -40 to +100 ºC, operating, and -40 to +125 ºC, storage, with a slotted-flange baseplate and through-hole pin style. All modules of the VI BRICK family are RoHS compliant and compatible with lead free wave soldering processes.

The VI BRICK PRM, VTM, and BCM are robust, thermally proficient and compact with a footprint of 2.08 in² and low profile of 0.37 inches (dimensions of 1.91 X 1.09 X 0.37 inches (48,6 X 27,7 X 9,5 mm). The VI BRICK DC-DC converter modules have similar packaging but with dimensions of 2.19 X 1.91 X 0.37 inches (55,7 X 48,6 X 9,5 mm).

Pricing for modules of the VI BRICK family ranges from as low as $33 USD in OEM quantities and lead times can be as little as 4-6 weeks for samples. For data sheets and additional information on Vicor DC-DC and AC-DC power products, please visit the Vicor website at www.vicorpower.com. To order, contact Vicor Customer Service at 800-735-6200 or e-mail custserv@vicr.com.

About Vicor Corporation

Vicor offers tens of thousands of standard and custom high-performance power conversion components delivered worldwide with very short development cycles. Vicor's PowerBench(TM) on-line tool suite enables the design of customized brick or configurable power supplies to their exact specifications in minutes. The company's modular power conversion components are used in the communications, data processing, industrial control, test equipment, medical, and defense electronics markets. Vicor's innovation and leadership, speed of delivery, and breadth and depth of its product lines make it a top supplier to civilian and military manufacturers across the globe.

Technical Contact:
Joseph Sullivan
Product Marketing Manager
978-749-8359
jmsullivan@vicr.com

Editorial Contact:
Stephen Bahn
Director, Marketing Communications
978-749-3382
sbahn@vicr.com

Andrea Doeringer
Hart-Boillot, LLC
781-893-0053
adoeringer@hartboillot.com

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