User Guide UG:008
vicorpower.com
800-735-6200
Rev. 1.1
11/10
Page 1 of 19
The half-chip PRM-RS Customer Board described in this document is designed for use with the
Remote Sense (RS) family of half-chip PRMs, and demonstrates the benefits of Factorized Power
Architecture™. This demonstration board is not designed for installation in end-user equipment.
The system demonstrates the use of a PRM Regulator and a VTM™ Current Multiplier for general
laboratory evaluation only.
Please read this document before setting up a customer demonstration board.
The User Guide is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for common sense and good
practice. For example:
1. When testing electronic products always use approved safety glasses.
2. Provide a strain relief for wires and place the system on the bench in such a way as to prevent
accidental dislodgment from the bench top.
3. Remove power and use caution when connecting and disconnecting test probes and interface
lines to avoid inadvertent short circuits and contact with hot surfaces.
4. Never use a jumper in place of the fuse. Replace the fuse only with its equivalent type
and rating.
5. Never attempt to disconnect the demonstration board from a VTM Customer Board while
power is applied. This system is not designed to demonstrate hot plug capability.
1.0 Introduction
The half-chip PRM-RS Customer Board can be used to demonstrate a stand-alone regulator or in
conjunction with a VTM Customer Board to enable demonstration of a Factorized Power
Architecture (FPA) system. There are many combinations possible using PRM and VTM Customer
Boards, but the focus in this user guide is using one PRM Customer Board and one VTM
Customer Board. The half-chip PRM Customer Board can be configured for local sensing (at the
PRM output), or non-isolated remote sensing (at the VTM output). The half-chip PRM Customer
Board is nominally configured for local sensing where the voltage feedback circuit regulates the
output voltage of the PRM. Implementing remote sensing requires component changes and
rework to the board which is detailed in section 8.3.
1.1 Part Numbers and Ratings
Refer to the specific PRM data sheet for ratings of the device. It is important to remain
within the device limits when testing.
1.2 Contents
The half-chip PRM-RS Customer Board arrives with the following contents:
1. 1 x half-chip PRM-RS Customer Board fully populated
2. 1 x 11mm V·I Chip push pin heat sink
3. 2 x V·I Chip push pins for heat sink installation
4. 2 x V·I Chip push pin heat sink grounding clip
5. 2 x 10 pin male to male headers
Half-chip PRM™-RS Customer Board User Guide
Contents
Page
Introduction
1
Features
2
General
2 – 4
Schematic
5
Bill of Material
7
VTM Boards
8
Testing
10
Modifications
16
Conclusions
19
