DC-DC converter family powers modern railway applications

Vicor has released its next generation of DCMs with a family of wide input range (43 – 154V input) 3623 (36 x 23mm) ChiPs with power levels up to 240W and 93% efficiency, targeted at new rail transportation and infrastructure applications.

Modern rail infrastructure requires a wide range of DC-DC converters to power a variety of new services for both freight and commuter markets.



Commuter rail systems require mobile office communication capabilities with the infotainment capabilities of home.

Freight rail systems require monitoring and control capabilities to assure the safe and timely delivery of all goods onboard.

While both commuter and freight systems demand reliable and high-performance power systems for the necessary safety and security measures (onboard and at station).

The DCM is an isolated, regulated DC-DC converter module that can operate from an unregulated, wide range input to generate an isolated DC output.

These new ChiP DCMs simplify power system designs by supporting multiple input voltage ranges in a single ChiP.

With efficiencies up to 93% in a ChiP package less than 1.5in2, these DCMs offer engineers leading density and efficiency.

All models are also available in an M-Grade version capable of operating down to -55°C.