New Industry Products

Astec Power Intros VS4/VS9 Module Switchers

February 25, 2003 by Jeff Shepard

Astec Power (Carlsbad, CA) has expanded its modular VS Series line of high-power switchers to include six-slot cases with a total output up to 2,500W. Using single-phase or three-phase ac input from 84V (single-phase) or 180V (three-phase) to 264Vac, the new models can be configured with as many as 18 different dc outputs ranging from 2V to 48V. The systems can contain up to six of Astec’s VS Series power-factor-controlled output modules in a case 5.0in x 10.8in x 11in (12.7cm x 27.4cm x 27.9cm).

Designed to supply complex instrumentation and large industrial applications, the new VS4 (single-phase) and VS9 (three-phase) models enhance the flexibility of the VS Series by offering six configurable slots that can supply a total of 18 outputs with a dc voltage selection of 2V, 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, 28V, 36V and 48V. Individual modules are available with power ratings of 300W, 600W, 750W, 900W, 1,200W and 1,500W in single-output voltages as well as 250W and 500W in multiple-output configurations. The new units provide flexibility to support larger applications with the same reliable single-output, dual-output and triple-output dc modules used in the existing VS Series two-slot and four-slot cases.

Evaluation units are available now. Pricing starts at about $0.50 per watt for a base configuration, including a three-year warranty.