System Features
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual
21
P
OWER
D
ELIVERY
C
ONSIDERATIONS
The VL-EPICs-36 draws up to 27.5W (5.5A) as measured on a typical time averaging ammeter.
The board can experience large, short-term current transients during operation, so care must be
taken to provide robust power to the board. A good power delivery method eliminates such
problems as voltage drop and lead inductance. Using the VersaLogic approved power supply
(VL-PS200-ATX) and power cable (VL-CBR-2022) will ensure high quality power delivery to
the board. Customers who design their own power delivery methods should take into
consideration the guidelines below to ensure good power connections.
Also note that the 5V @ 4.8A (model S) or 3.2A (model E) typical operating current does not
include any off-board power usage that may be fed through the VL-EPICs-36 power connector.
PC/104 boards on the expansion site and USB devices plugged into the board will source
additional 5V power through the VL- EPICs-36 power connector.
Do not use wire smaller than 18 AWG. Use high quality UL 1007 compliant stranded
wire.
The length of the wire should not exceed 18".
Avoid using any additional connectors in the power delivery system.
The power and ground leads should be twisted together, or as close together as possible
to reduce lead inductance.
A separate conductor must be used for each of the power pins.
All 5V pins and all ground pins must be independently connected between the power
source and the power connector.
Implement the remote sense feature on your power supply if it has one. Connect the
remote sense lines in tandem with one of the power connector 5V and ground pins. This
is done at the connector to compensate for losses in the power wires.
Use a high quality power supply that can supply a stable voltage while reacting to widely varying
current draws.
L
ITHIUM
B
ATTERY
Warning!
To prevent shorting, premature failure or damage to the lithium battery, do not
place the board on a conductive surface such as metal, black conductive foam or
the outside surface of a metalized ESD protective pouch. The lithium battery may
explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. Dispose
of used batteries promptly.
Normal battery voltage should be at least 3.0V. If the voltage drops below 2.0V, contact the
factory for a replacement (part number HB3/0-1). The life expectancy under normal use is
approximately 10 years.
