VICOR VI Chip VTM User manual

UG:014 Page 1
VI Chip®VTM™ Evaluation Board
USER GUIDE | UG:014
Introduction 1
Features 2
Board Description 3
General Components 4
Test Points and
Sockets Description 5
Schematic 6
Assembly Drawings 8
Bill of Materials 9
PRM™ & VTM™
Evaluation Boards 10
Stand-Alone Operation vs.
PRM-VTM Operation 10
PRM-VTM Non-Isolated
Remote Sense 10
Paralleling 11
Push-Pin
Heat Sink Installation 11
Using the VTM Evaluation Board
for Reverse Operation 11
Part Ordering Information 11
Contents Page
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Please read this document before setting up a VTM evaluation board.
This user guide is not comprehensive and the operator should not substitute it for common sense and
good practice. The following procedures should be followed during operation:
 Wear approved safety glasses when testing electronic product.
 Provide strain relief for wires and secure the board on the test bench to avoid displacement.
 Remove the power and use caution when connecting and disconnecting all test probes and interface
lines to avoid unintentional short circuits and contact with hot surfaces.
 Never attempt to disconnect the evaluation board from a PRM™ evaluation board while power is
applied. This system is not designed to demonstrate the hot-plug capability.
Introduction
This evaluation board offers a convenient means to evaluate the performance of the Vicor VTM current
multiplier. All evaluation boards include sockets for easy plug-and-play insertion and removal of
through-hole components and wires. The board provides lugs for power connections, connectors for
easy PRM-VTM evaluation board interconnects and Kelvin voltage-measurement test points of all pins of
the VTM. Please refer to the appropriate VTM data sheet for performance and operating limits, available
for downloading at www.vicorpower.com.

UG:014 Page 2
Contents
All VTM™ evaluation boards arrive with the following contents.
(The user guide can be downloaded from www.vicorpower.com.)
 1 x VTM Evaluation board
 1 x VI Chip®push-pin heat sink
 2 x VI Chip push pins for heat-sink installation
 1 x Hardware kit
 2 x Through-hole mating connectors
 1 x Through-hole 22µF input capacitor
Features
1. Input filtering: ceramic capacitors and sockets for installation of through-hole
aluminum electrolytic capacitor
2. Output filtering: ceramic capacitors
3. Oscilloscope probe jack for output voltage signal measurement
4. Kelvin test points for measurement of input voltage, output voltage and all signal pins of the VTM
5. Sockets for each test point for easy installation of through-hole components and solid wires to
facilitate wiring to external circuitry and test equipment
6. Input and output lugs for power supply and load connections
7. Input power and signal connectors for testing with PRM™ module
8. Provisions for non-isolated remote-sense operation with PRM evaluation board
a. Provision to inject network analyzer signals
b. 2512 resistor footprint for installation of zero-ohm resistor to break the VTM isolation for
non-isolated remote-sense operation
c. Sense pins with local-sense resistors to +OUT and –OUT

UG:014 Page 3
Figure 1
Board description
9
10
7
8
5
6
3
4
1
2
–OUT
–OUT
VC
VC
–OUT
–OUT
+OUT
+OUT
+OUT
+OUT
9
10
7
8
5
6
3
4
1
2
–S
+S
V_TM
V_PC
VTM_–IN
V_IM
Figure 2
Power/signal connectors pinout
(front view)
Board Description
The following section provides a detailed description of the evaluation board components,
test points and sockets.
J11
Signal Connector
J14
Power/Signal Connector

UG:014 Page 4
General Components
1. VTM™ (PS10).
2. Input lugs (+IN and –IN): Sized for #10 hardware. Use these for making connection to the input
source. This board does not contain reverse-polarity protection. Check for proper polarity before
applying power.
3. Input filtering: Input capacitor (CIN) and filtering (ceramic capacitors) allows for stable operation
with most input sources. Sockets can be used for easy installation of aluminum-electrolytic
input capacitor.
4. Power/Signal connector (J14): Used to receive the power (+OUT/–OUT) and VC from upstream
PRM™ board when used.
5. Signal connector (J11): Used to transfer VTM PC, IM, TM, –IN and output sense signals between
the VTM and PRM boards. TM pin of the VTM provides feedback to the VT pin of the PRM in
adaptive-loop operation of PRM and VTM. +S and –S signals provide voltage sensing to the PRM
remote-sense circuitry for non-isolated remote-sense operation.
6. Output lugs (+OUT, –OUT): Sized for #10 hardware. Use these lugs to connect the output directly
to the load.
7. Output filtering (ceramic capacitors): Helps to minimize switching ripple of the output voltage.
8. Output oscilloscope probe jack (J12): Used for making accurate scope measurements of the
output voltage (i.e., ripple). Remove scope grounding lead and insert probe directly into jack
ensuring a good connection between the jack and the probe ground barrel. Do not attempt to
install while power is applied. May not be compatible with all scope probes.
9. TM filtering: Filters the TM signal noise. Corner frequency of the filter is set well below the VTM
switching frequency.
10. Sense pins and local-sense resistors: Used to sense the output votage of the VTM for
non-isolated remote-sense operation. Local sense resistors can be bypassed by connecting twisted
pair from the sense test points directly to the load.
11. VTM isolation boundary: Zero-ohm shunt can be soldered or use sockets to break the isolation
for non-isolated remote-sense operation of VTM board and PRM board.
12. Heat-sink push pins: Secure the heat sink to the board using these pins. Use of a fan across the
heat sink is highly recommended for proper cooling.
13. Mating connectors: Connect the PRM and VTM with the connecters to share power and
signal connection.

UG:014 Page 5
Test Points and Sockets Description
Each test-point socket accepts 0.015 – 0.025 inch diameter leads of solid wires and through-hole
components for use with external circuitry and test equipment. All test points are aligned on the board’s
edge for easy access, measurement and external circuitry connections. Each point is labeled and is
accompanied by an additional adjacent socket.
Reference
Designator
Functional
Name Functional Description
TP20
TP21
+IN
–IN
Input voltage test points provide Kelvin connection to input pins of the VTM™.
Use these test points for measuring the input voltage of the VTM to avoid error
due to interconnect losses.
H20
H21
+IN
–IN Sockets for +IN and –IN test points. Kelvin connected to the VTM input pins.
TP17
TP22
+OUT
–OUT
Output voltage test points provide Kelvin connection to output pins of the
VTM. Use these test points for measuring the output voltage of the VTM to
avoid error due to interconnect losses.
H17
H22
+OUT
–OUT
Sockets for +OUT and –OUT test points. Kelvin connected to the VTM
output pins.
TP12 VC
VC test point provides Kelvin connection to VC pin of the VTM. Can be used
to apply and measure the VC signal with reference to –IN signal. VC is used to
enable the VTM. Apply 14V to VC to enable the VTM, when not using PRM.
H12 VC Socket for VC test point. Kelvin connected to VC pin of the VTM. Aligned with
–IN socket for placing through hole resistor from VC to –IN.
TP10 PC
PC test point provides Kelvin connection to PC pin of the VTM. Can be used
to measure the PC signal with reference to –IN signal. PC can be used to
disable the VTM in the presence of input power. Connecting PC to –IN will
disable the VTM.
H10 PC Socket for PC test point. Kelvin connected to PC pin of the VTM.
TP11 TM TM test point provides Kelvin connection to TM pin of the VTM. Can be used
to measure and monitor the TM signal with reference to –IN signal.
H11 TM Socket for TM test point. Kelvin connected to TM signal of the VTM
TP16 FILTERED
TM
Provides the low noise measurement of TM signal. Output of the TM RC filter
can be measured using this testpoint with reference to –IN.
H15 FILTERED
TM Socket for TP16 test point.
TP13 –IN –IN test point provides Kelvin connection to –IN pin of the VTM. All signals on
input side of the VTM are measured with reference to –IN signal of the VTM.
H13 –IN Socket for –IN test point.
TP15
TP14
+S
–S
Output sense test points provide connection to the output pins of VTM
through local-sense resistors. Routed to connector J11 for use in
differential non-isolated remote-sense circuitry for remote-sense operation of
VTM and PRM™.
H15
H14
+S
–S Sockets for +S and –S test points.
TP18
TP19 AC SIG INJ
Can be used to inject the isolated signal of network analyzer for bode plot
measurement to measure the stability in remote-sense operation using VTM
and PRM
H18
H19 AC SIG INJ Sockets for AC +/– test points.
TP30 IM
IM test point provides the Kelvin connection to IM pin. Can be used to measure
the IM signal of the half VTM. IM can be used to monitor the output current of
the VTM. Available on half-VTM boards only.
H27 IM Socket for IM test point.
Table 1
Test points and
sockets description

UG:014 Page 6
Schematic
1206 C12
1206
C16
1206
C13
1206
C17
1206
C14
1206
C18
1206
C15
1206
C19
TP11TP10
TP20
TP17 TP22
TP21
TP12
1210
C21
1210
C22
1210
C20
1206
R16
1206
R15
1206
R13
J13
J10 J16
TP24
TP25
TP26
J12
VC
TM
PC
PC TM VC
-IN
H12
H13
PC
TM
+OUT
-OUT
-IN
+OUT
-OUT
H23
H24
VC
H11
H10
CIN
1206
R18
TP14 TP15
-SENSE +SENSE
1206
R17
0603
R11
0603
R10
H18 H19
TP19TP18
0603
R14
0603
C11
TMTM_F
-IN
1206 R12
0603
C10
TP16 H14 H15
NO GND
HS10
TP13
H16
+IN -IN
+OUT
-OUT
TM
VTM
VC
PC
PRIMARY SECONDARY
ISOLATION BOUNDRY
PS10
VTM_OFF_BD_VIBRICK
2512 R19
H25 H26
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J14
FIDUCIAL FID01
FIDUCIAL FID02
H21
H20
H22
H17
KELVIN WITH DIFFERENTIAL ROUTING
KELVIN
TP29
TP27
TP23
TP28
J15
-IN
KELVIN -IN
KELVIN -IN
Figure 3a
Full-chip VTM™
evaluation board

UG:014 Page 7
Schematic (Cont.)
1206 C12
1206
C16
1206
C13
1206
C17
1206
C14
1206
C18
1206
C15
1206
C19
TP11TP10
TP20
TP17 TP22
TP21
TP12
1210
C21
1210
C22
1210
C20
1206
R16
1206
R15
1206
R13
J13
J10 J16
TP24
TP25
TP26
J12
VC
TM
PC
PC TM VC
-IN
H12
H13
TM
+OUT
-OUT
-IN
+OUT
-OUT
H23
H24
VC
H11
H10
CIN
1206
R18
TP14 TP15
-SENSE +SENSE
1206
R17
0603
R11
0603
R10
H18 H19
TP19TP18
0603
R14
0603
C11
TMTM_F
-IN
1206 R12
0603
C10
TP16 H14 H15
NO GND
HS10
TP13
H16
2512 R19
H25 H26
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J14
FIDUCIAL FID01
FIDUCIAL
FID02
H21
H20
H22
H17
KELVIN WITH DIFFERENTIAL ROUTING
KELVIN
TP29
TP27
TP23
TP28
J15
-IN
KELVIN -IN
KELVIN -IN
IM
TP30
IM
H27
0603 R20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J11
TP31
+IN -IN
+OUT
-OUT
TM HALF VTM
VC
PC
PRIMARY SECONDARY
ISOLATION BOUNDRY
IM
PS10
IM
PC
Figure 3b
Half-chip VTM™
evaluation board

UG:014 Page 8
Assembly Drawings
PF15
TP22
H26H25
H24 H23
H22
H21
H20
H19
H18
H17
H16
H15
H14
H13
H12
H11
H10
TP21 TP20
TP19TP18
TP17
TP16
TP15
TP14
TP13 TP12 TP11 TP10
PS10 J12
HS10
R19
R18
R17
R16
R15
R14
R13
R12
R11
R10
J14
J11
C22 C21 C20
C19
C18
C17
C16
C15
C14
C13
C12
C11
C10
FID02
FID01
J10J13
J15 J16
PF15
TP22
H26H25
H24 H23
H22
H21
H20
H19
H18
H17
H16
H15
H14
H13
H12
H11
H10
TP21 TP20
TP19TP18
TP17
TP16
TP15
TP14
TP13 TP12 TP11 TP10
PS10 J12
HS10
R19
R18
R17
R16
R15
R14
R13
R12
R11
R10
J14
J11
C22 C21 C20
C19
C18
C17
C16
C15
C14
C13
C12
C11
C10
FID02
FID01
J10J13
J15 J16
R20
TP30
H27
PF18
Figure 4a
Top view: full-chip VTM™
evaluation board
Figure 4b
Top view: half-chip VTM
evaluation board

UG:014 Page 9
Bill of Materials
Following table describes the common components of all VTM™ evaluation boards.
Following table describes the design-specific components of all VTM evaluation boards.
Reference
Designator Description Manufacturer Manufacturer
Part Number
C10 Not applied
C11 CAP X7R 0.1µF 10% 100V 0603 Murata Manufacturing GRM188R72A104KA35D
C12 – C19 Design specific – see Table 3
C20 – C22 CAP X7R 2.2µF 10% 100V 1210
0.102 MAX HT
TDK Corp.
Of America C3225X7R2A225KT5LOU
CIN_PUT_IN_BOX CAP ALEL 22µF 20% 100V
RADIAL 8 x 11.5 Panasonic EEUFC2A220
H10 – H27 PIN RECPT 0.015/0.025 DIA 0667 SER TH Mill-Max 0667-0-57-15-30-27-1
HEADER_IN_BOX CONN 10POS HEADER STR M-M
3A/0.100 Sullins PEC05DABN
J11
J14
CONN 10 PINS 2.54MM PITCH
DUAL ROW SM HO
Global Connector
Technology BG225-10-A-N-A
J12 JACK VERTICAL MECH
THRU HOLE Tektronix 131-5031-00
PCB Design specific – see Table 3
PS10 Design specific – see Table 3
R10 Not applied
R11 Not applied
R12 Not applied
R13, R15 RES 10Ω 1/4W 1% 1206 KOA Speer Electronics RK73H2BTTD10R0F
R14 RES 1kΩ 1/10W 1% 0603 KOA Speer Electronics RK73H1JTTD1001F
R16, R17 RES 20Ω 1/4W 1% 1206 KOA Speer Electronics RK73H2BTTD20R0F
R18 RES 10mΩ 1/4W 1% 1206 Vishay WSL1206R0100FEA
R19 Not applied
TP10 – TP22, TP30 TEST POINT, SURFACE MOUNT Keystone Electronics 5017
Table 2
Common components
Table 3
Design-specific components Reference
Designator Description Manufacturer Manufacturer
Part Number Evaluation Board
C12 – C19 CAP X5R 47µF
20% 6.3V 1206
Murata
Manufacturing GRM31CR60J476ME19K K = 1/12, 1/16,
1/24, 1/32 VTMs
C12 – C19 CAP X5R 10µF
10% 25V 1206
Murata
Manufacturing GRM31CR61E106KA12L K = 1/3, 1/4, 1/5,
1/6, 1/8 VTMs
C12 – C19 CAP X7R 1.0µF
10% 100V 1206
Murata
Manufacturing GRM31CR72A105KA01L K = 1, 2/3,
1/2, VTMs
PCB SNGLTD PCB FULL
CHIP VTM CB Vicor 39261 Full-chip
VTM boards
PCB SNGLTD PCB HALF
CHIP VTM CB Vicor 39262 Half-chip
VTM boards
PS10 Full-chip / half-chip VTM, Part Number refer to data sheet

UG:014 Page 10
Figure 5
PRM evaluation board
connection to
VTM evaluation board
PRM™ & VTM™ Evaluation Boards
The VTM evaluation board has been designed for compatibility with all PRM evaluation boards to
accommodate any PRM-VTM combination. The VTM evaluation board contains dual connectors
designed to mate with J10 and J13 on PRM board. An additional signal connector shares VTM signal
pins along with TM, S+ and S– to the PRM board. When connected to a PRM evaluation board
the TM signal provides feedback to the VT pin of the PRM enabling temperature compensation in
adaptive-loop configuration.
Stand-Alone Operation vs. PRM-VTM Operation
In standalone VTM operation, the VTM cannot self-start with only an input voltage applied. A voltage
of 14V must be applied to its VC pin or test point for it to become active. Ensure that the applied VC
slew rate is within the specified limits of the device. The VC voltage may be removed once the VTM has
started and the input voltage has reached 26V or VC can be applied continuously to allow operation
down below 26V input voltage. When connected together, the PRM provides power and the VC pulse
via the J14 connector to the VTM. A 22µF, 100V electrolytic input capacitor is provided with the board
and is recommended in stand-alone VTM operation.
Refer to the VI Chip®PRM evaluation board UG:013 for more information on various modes of
PRM+VTM operation.
PRM-VTM Non-Isolated Remote Sense
To demonstrate non-isolated remote sense with a PRM evaluation board, the VTM isolation must be
broken by tying VTM –IN to –OUT. This can be done using sockets on both side of R19 resistor footprint
or by soldering a 2512 zero-ohm resistor at the R19 location. Output sense test points are routed to
connector J11 and provide feedback to the PRM remote-sense circuitry. By default, the +S and –S pins
are connected to the output pins of VTM through local-sense resistors. To demonstrate sensing at a
remote point-of-load, the local-sense resistors can be bypassed by connecting the +S and –S test points
to the desired sense location. Use a twisted pair to avoid noise pickup.
It is recommended to use a network analyzer to measure the closed-loop frequency response when
adjusting compensation. The VTM boards provide test points which can be used to inject the network
analyzer AC signal and measure the closed-loop response. For PRM-VTM remote-sense mode, test
points are provided on the VTM board in series with the +S connections (Labeled “RS SIG INJ +/–“) and
should be used.

UG:014 Page 11
Paralleling
The paralleling and current sharing capability of the devices can be demonstrated by stacking multiple
evaluation boards and interconnecting the inputs and outputs with standoffs of sufficient current rating
to create a parallel array. When paralleling VTMs, in standalone VTM™ operation, VC pins should be
connected together to enable the synchronized start up.
PRM™ boards can also be connected in parallel to create high-power PRM-VTM arrays. PRM input,
outputs and interconnect signals need to be connected in parallel using same-size standoffs. Each VTM
requires a VC signal from a PRM in order to start and it is recommended to connect one PRM VC to
one VTM VC using the connector J13 on PRM board and J14 on VTM board when possible. If needed a
single PRM VC can be used to drive up to two VTMs (will require additional off-board connections).
Push-Pin Heat Sink Installation
Each VTM demonstration board comes with its own heat sink and push pins for installation. Before
testing, it is highly recommended that the heat sink be installed in the appropriate location for each
board. When installing the push-pin heat sink, use caution not to exceed the maximum compression on
the device listed in the data sheet. For most lab environments a fan blowing across the evaluation board
is recommended.
Using the VTM Evaluation Board for Reverse Operation
VTMs are capable of bidirectional power transfer between the primary and secondary power terminals.
Certain VTMs such as VTM48EF040T050B0R and VTM48EF120T025A0R are qualified for continuous
operation in reverse (power transfer from secondary to primary).
Reversible VTMs are usually designated with an R as the last character of the part number, however,
refer to the data sheet to determine if a particular VTM is qualified for continuous reverse operation.
Reverse operation with a PRM-VTM configuration is beyond the scope of this document. In stand-alone
operation, the applied VC voltage must be referenced to –PRI (–IN). VC can be applied before or after
the secondary (source) voltage. Applying VC after the secondary voltage will result in a non-negligible
amount secondary inrush current as described in the data sheet. Refer to the data sheet for the peak
secondary inrush value and ensure the source is rated appropriately. Fusing for the evaluation board is
located on the primary side. If fusing on the secondary (source) side is required, then it should be added
externally based on the device ratings.
In order to test a qualified VTM in the reverse direction, follow the the procedure for VTM stand-alone
operation and make the following changes:
1. Connect the voltage source to the secondary (output) lugs.
2. Connect the load to the primary (input) lugs.
Ensure the applied source voltage has the correct polarity and is within the secondary voltage ratings of
the VTM. It may be necessary to install an input capacitor across the secondary terminals to decouple
the input source.
Part Ordering Information
The VTM evaluation boards can be ordered from the Vicor website.
To order the demo boards, substitute VTM with VTD in VTM part number.
See http://www.vicorpower.com/dc-dc-converters-board-mount/vtm for part number listing.

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10/18 Rev 1.3 Page 12
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