机器人电源问答

Vicor主要现场应用工程师Tom Curatolo和Vicor主要应用工程师David Berry

机器人技术为制造业，交付，仓库库存管理和农业收获的经济做出了重要贡献。大多数移动机器人都由电池加油，这意味着可用的能源是有限的，并且需要定期充值会限制机器人的活动时间。因此，电力转换的效率至关重要，但仅是电力转换的一个方面，可以显着影响移动机器人的性能，功能和可靠性。精心设计的电力传递网络（PDN）不仅提高了效率，还可以降低重量和尺寸，使扩展范围和释放空间以获得更大的有效载荷和更多功能。

当今的有效载荷需求超过了传统电力系统设计的功能。机器人设计师需要一种更好的方法来使用基于领先拓扑，体系结构和包装的PDN来传递电力。基于模块的PDN比传统砖更小，更轻，更高效，更灵活，这使得建造不断有能力的机器人possible. Module-based PDNs are also easier to implement than discrete solutions, which shortens time-to-market.

Vicor is the industry leader in module-based PDN design. Read on as we answer common questions about modular PDNs for robotic applications.

What are the key challenges faced by engineers working on Robotics, which your proposed solutions aim to solve?

The key challenge we see facing engineers today is the demand for smaller, lighter-weight, higher-power designs. In many applications, there is a need to carry a larger payload (a variety of enhanced and complex electronics such as sensors, cameras, tools with communications, and control). In addition, the robot needs to be smaller and lighter to make it easier to transport and robust enough to deal with various environments.

Such applications often involve remote operation, performance of intricate tasks, and risks from failure, which combine to put an emphasis on the need to improve data transmission speed, sensor accuracy, and image quality. Management of power-supply EMI typically is a fundamental requirement as well.

由各种行业4.0倡议驱动，制造业正在发生变化。随着这一开发，必须解决紧密耦合和互联网支持的机器人解决方案。使用移动机器人（称为自主引导的车辆（AGV））以及使用灵活的协作机器人系统与机器人直接协作的移动机器人（称为自主引导车辆（AGV））的柔性网络，对变更特别重要。

除了使这些生产系统更加灵活外，工程师还努力进一步增加正常运行时间。对自动化解决方案的需求，例如机器人，驱动器等各个子系统，移动自动驾驶机器人的充电系统以及电源分配，有助于增加对系统效率的需求。

We aim to solve these challenges through Vicor next-generation power modules that deliver higher density and higher efficiency than other DC-DC converters.

有多少种产品专注于机器人空间？

Vicor offers a variety of power modules that address the demands of Robotic applications with either DC or AC input requirements. The DCM™ DC-DC converterproduct familyoffers significant improvement over competitive DC-DC converter solutions.

In addition, increased power density can be achieved with the PRM™ regulator, a high-performance buck-boost regulator. ThePRMcreates an intermediate bus of 24 to 48 V with 96% to 98% efficiency to power servos and downstream power modules, including fixed-ratioNBM™总线转换器和零电压转换ZVS BuckandZVS Buck-Boostregulators. These modules can also be paralleled for higher-power conversion.

对于每种产品，您还可以指出最适合它们的应用程序吗？

Typically, each product has specific attributes; the design goal of the engineer will dictate which module(s) provide the overwhelming advantage. Vicor products and modular power design strategies have been ideally suited for many robotic applications, including bomb disposal,农业收获，，，，warehouse inventory运动，校园交付和消费者delivery。

其中一些应用是束缚的或使用接线线束进行电动传递。其他应用程序采用由电池供电的机器人，使电源转换效率（以及大小和重量）至关重要。

A modular power approach makes it easy to address challenges like load capacity, placement, and user functionality requirements. Vicor offers an online selector tool called the电力系统设计师帮助选择适当的体系结构和特定模块，以优化针对特定应用需求的PDN。

If design engineers want to review your solutions for designs that they are currently working on, do you offer any simulation or assistance?

是的，Vicor在线提供了使用热管理和模块计算器的在线模拟和协助的有价值的工具。此外，我们还提供演示板，我们的应用工程师可以帮助您进行设计评论。

对于想要样品的设计工程师，您是直接提供它们还是可以从领先的目录分销商那里购买？

Standard product samples can be ordered from Digi-Key, Mouser, and Arrow, plus solutions for Robotic systems can be discussed thoroughly with the Vicor applications engineering team.

您的客户为什么要避免自己设计自己的电力系统？

We achieve high power density, efficiency, and thermal management through advanced proprietary topologies and packaging. In addition, we achieve high quality and reliability through disciplined, automated manufacturing. It would be difficult to achieve the same power density and efficiency without access to Vicor intellectual property and manufacturing expertise.

Any pricing indicators that you can share with our audience?

定价取决于许多因素，包括资格要求和OEM使用Vicor模块组合实施PDN。客户将通过Vicor模块化解决方案实现大量成本，这有助于降低整体系统成本。

For more information, please visitvicorpower.com/robotics