In-Depth Technical Review: Vicor VI‑JNM‑CZ 25 W Isolated DC/DC Converter
In the world of high-efficiency power supply design, isolated DC/DC converters are essential components for ensuring safety, signal integrity, and reduced electromagnetic interference. Among them, the Vicor VI‑JNM‑CZ stands out as a compact yet powerful 25 W module, designed for applications requiring high isolation, reliability, and performance.
Product Series: Vicor MiniMod VI‑J00
Model: VI‑JNM‑CZ
Output Voltage: 10 V
Input Voltage Range: 36–76 V
Output Power: 25 W
Isolation Voltage: 3,000 V RMS
Package: Half‑Brick (2.28" x 2.2" x 0.5")
Key Features
Image Credit: Vicor
- Wide Input Range (36–76 V): Suitable for 48 V industrial and telecom systems.
- High Isolation (3 kV RMS): Ensures safety in critical applications like medical devices and industrial control.
- Zero-Current Switching (ZCS) Topology: Enhances efficiency (~90%) and minimizes EMI.
- Robust Protections: Integrated over-current protection (OCP), over-voltage protection (OVP), and short-circuit protection (SCP).
- Thermal Flexibility: Operates from –25 °C to +100 °C baseplate; ideal for demanding environments.
- Modular Format: Half‑Brick footprint for easy PCB integration.
Internal Topology Overview
- Primary Stage: High-frequency PWM controller.
- Isolation Transformer: Ensures galvanic isolation and voltage transformation.
- Secondary Stage: Precision-regulated output with feedback control.
Vicor's patented ZCS (Zero Current Switching) design allows for ultra-low switching losses, enabling the module to maintain high efficiency across variable loads.
Typical Applications
|
Application Area |
Role of VI‑JNM‑CZ |
|---|---|
|
Industrial Automation |
Isolated 48 V to 10 V conversion for PLCs, sensors. |
|
Telecommunications |
Supplies clean, regulated power to baseband/RF circuits. |
|
Test & Measurement |
Stable isolated output for high-precision instruments. |
|
Renewable Energy |
Local 10 V supply rail from centralized 48 V DC bus. |
|
Defense & Aerospace |
Rugged isolation & wide temp range suitable for avionics. |
Mechanical & Pin Configuration
- Standard Half-Brick size (57.9 mm x 70 mm x 12.7 mm)
- Baseplate mountable for enhanced thermal management.
- Industry-standard pinout for seamless drop-in replacement.
Comparison with Common Alternatives
|
Feature |
Vicor VI‑JNM‑CZ |
Typical 25 W Converter |
|---|---|---|
|
Efficiency |
~90% |
82–87% |
|
Isolation Voltage |
3 kV RMS |
1.5 kV typical |
|
Operating Temp |
–25 °C to +100 °C |
0 °C to +70 °C |
|
Size (mm) |
58 × 70 × 12.7 |
Often larger or smaller |
|
Remote Sense |
Supported |
Rare |
|
Input Range |
36–76 V |
36–60 V |
Design Tips
- Thermal Design: Use heatsinks or baseplate conduction to handle loads near 25 W. Consider airflow for sealed enclosures.
- Input Filtering: Add LC filters to meet EMI standards (CISPR 22 Class B).
- Layout Guidelines: Maintain clear separation between high-voltage input and low-voltage output zones.
- Remote Sensing: Connect +S / –S lines to load terminals to maintain output voltage accuracy under dynamic loads.
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