DC/DC (24V to 12V) Power Conversion Module

A high-efficiency DC/DC module has been developed to support Voda's sensors and platforms with several unique features. The module implements bi-directional power flow with additional feedback loops such that the input voltage can be restricted to a minimum dropout or a maximum charge, while maintaining the output. Limiting and charging modes can be individually disabled and an on-board modulator selects fixed offsets to the output for power supply stacking. A fuel gauge meters and integrates current flow while monitoring other key parameters in the system. It also serves to store charging algorithms and information for battery packs. All voltages are adjustable and programmable; values and calibrations are stored in non-volatile memory.

 Power Management Controller

A motherboard for up to four power-conversion modules can serve up to four loads with extensive power management features. Each of the four power inputs can be driven by the local clock source in quadrature or sync, and with or without spread-spectrum clocking to develop the correct characteristics for a full-power system. All power supplies are tied to a bus with four loads. Each load's current is monitored and fused electronically to allow external system control. Programmable low-current back-up supplies are supplied to each load. A low-power microcontroller performs all communications, calibrations, and timing functions to allow up to four batteries to operate with an external power source as a charger or to exchange energy between battery packs and renewable energy power inputs instead of any of the batteries. Communications with the controller can be made over SPI, RS232, TTL serial, or a custom interrupt driven event.