TDK-Lambda News

With the new Vega Smartplus, Lambda has taken the design of configurable switch mode power supplies another significant step forward by introducing customer configurable ‘firmware’. By adding microcontrollers to its latest generation AC-DC supply Lambda has created an extremely interactive power supply, allowing users to monitor and adjust a wide range of parameters and functions including output voltage and current limit, sequencing, status signals for module good and fan speed, operating hours and serial numbers.

“Vega Smartplus is the most advanced power supply of it’s kind. It offers users the ability to program and monitor parameters far beyond simple voltage/current programming and status monitoring,” said Martin Southam, Lambda’s sales and marketing director. “We have addressed a wide range of customer needs that previously could only be satisfied by full custom designs. Vega Smartplus brings an off-the-shelf solution.”

At the heart of the new development is a system of 8-bit microcontrollers. Communication is via an RS232/RS485 serial interface. A set of ActiveX controls allows the end user to communicate using Windows-based software. A simple-to-use GUI (graphical user interface) is also provided and Windows-based menu screens give designers access to the monitor and configurator modes. Up to 32 units can be controlled by the software. The user simply assigns each PSU a number and on entering its number can view each individual PSU’s status and parameters. From the main menu the user can choose two options: interactive program or EEPROM configurator. From the interactive program users can access the interactive and monitor mode screens. These essentially display the status of each power supply and up to five outputs, showing actual voltage and current and the rated settings. These screens also show the number of hours the power supply has been operating. This counter provides users with an excellent service indicator not just for the power supply itself but also for other ‘consumable’ parts within the customer’s system.

The Vega Smartplus EEPROM configurator screen lets users make changes to the power supply’s default parameters. Through this screen users can make changes to the unit’s ‘global’ options, including parameters such as fan fail signal polarity and DC good signal polarity and also reconfigure each individual power module within the supply. Each individual output can have its voltage setpoint adjusted and startup delays can be applied for sequencing outputs. One of three current limit modes an be selected: constant current, hiccup or latching, with the ability to modify activation and reset times.

Vega Smartplus is exactly the same size as a standard Vega, enabling customers to easily upgrade or fit different versions to high-end and low-end offerings of their products.

It can also be used as a powerful development tool that allows designers to carefully monitor the actual power being consumed by their prototype systems. From the data gathered, full production systems can then be fitted with either Vega Smartplus or standard Vega units delivering precisely the amount of power needed - thus eliminating the possibility of over or under specifying the power supply.

Lambda’s innovative Vega Smartplus range of configurable power supplies is available in 450W and 650W ratings. Input voltage range is from 90 to 264V AC making it suitable for use worldwide. At 0.35W/cm³ it has an unrivalled power density, no minimum load requirement, low ripple of 1% and one to five fixed or adjustable outputs that give designers a choice of output voltages from 1.8 to 62V.