Tech Forum

November 2011

Power Conversion

I would like to make a special power supply/converter with a difference. It can be supplied from:

A nominal 12 VDC (nine to 15 actual) from a vehicle supply.
Or by a nominal 24/28 VDC supply (20 to 32) from a vehicle or aircraft supply.
Or, by international mains (90 to 250 VAC).
All three inputs need to be isolated and capable of being accidentally or deliberately connected at the same time.
Have all three inputs tolerant to transients, e.g., mains derived from generator.

The unit needs to have four outputs, all of which are DC and each of which is configurable internally by a trim pot to deliver four output voltages between 10 and 24 VDC (e.g., 12V, 15V, 18V, and 22V).

Output to be unaffected by change of input source.
Once set, each output voltage needs to maintain a tolerance of ±0.5 VDC, regardless of input changes.
Each output to be capable of delivering 120 watts.
Robust, portable unit.

I understand that these parameters are often mutually exclusive, but the following considerations are also desirable:

Low weight.
Small size.
Low heat dissipation.
Low noise.
Low interference.
High quality.

If the overall concept is too big, perhaps someone could direct me to previous power conversion solutions that may be married together to give a solution, and highlight the isolation issues that may apply regarding multiple input connections.

#11115
Kevin Dickinson
Mudgee, NSW Australia

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