Split-Pi DC/DC Controller
UDIO series High Efficiency “SPLIT-PI” Bi-lateral Universal non-isolated DC-DC controllers
Snapshot information:
- 0-60 volts input/0-60 volts output
- TRUE DC (not PWM). Millivolt ripple
- 25 Amps max - Source or Sink ("IN and OUT")
- 1.5 kW max
- Seamless UP/DOWN conversion
- Serial digital control
- Bi-directional current control
- Common GND non-isolated
Applications include:
- DC motor control, with inherent regeneration, output from 0 to twice supply voltage (other ratios possible)
- Electric vehicles
- Green energy conversion
- Battery bank management - management of LiIon packs
- Sinusoidal and arbitrary function generation at high powers, for low frequency transducers and true sine mains generation
First product in an anodised case showing power and data connectors
A Technical Summary is included here. We expect to have a downloadable pdf data-sheet available from here soon.
The UDIO DC-DC controllers are the first product series based on a new patented DC-DC controller topology named 'SPLIT-PI', and offer features not otherwise available in the market. UDIO stands for “Up-Down-In-Out”: these are Three Terminal (common ground), Positive Unipolar (+V in, +V out) controllers that can convert both up and down (Boost and Buck) AND pass full current both forward and backwards (Source or Sink), all seamlessly under software or conventional analogue control.
They will be available at rated power levels from 1.5kW upwards, and are principally useful as a low voltage (<100V) DC PM motor controllers, standard 'OEM' programmable power supplies, and in Green Energy control. Main features are:
- Very high efficiency >98% at max rated voltage and current, 99%+ typical mid loads
- Output voltage seamlessly from 0 to 2 times input voltage (0-n (where n<5) by special order)
- Bi-lateral current control: current can flow in either direction through the converter, allowing regenerative braking in motor controls, and charge balancing in battery systems. There is a natural 'voltage source' characteristic with low (typ 15mOhm) apparent output impedance.
- Multi-option digital and analogue control, isolated current loop, RS232 (via adaptor), digital ‘pot’, analogue 'pot', 0-10V and 0-5V analogue voltage. Devices are addressable and multiple units can be controlled via one isolated current loop.
- Accurate input and output voltage and current data feedback via digital ports allowing external closed loop control (on top of internal voltage source control characteristic)
The UDIO series is the first product range using this technology and is designed to cover a wide range of applications. Some examples are;
DC motor control, allowing dynamic braking (DC supply or AC/PSU and ballast load) or regenerative braking (battery source only). This is a TRUE DC (Form Factor = 1) supply, motors run cooler. The unit has a continuous rating and identical efficiency in the reverse mode, and therefore motors can run as dynamos continuously (or within motor specification).
Charge control from alternators, dynamos and other sources to batteries, for instance in solar, photo-voltaic or wind power applications. Also in electric vehicles where a power source can replace a motor connection to permit rapid battery charging.
Programmable dynamic voltage source. The device has an open loop bandwidth of up to 1kHz, and can produce ramps and more complex voltage waveforms. It has a natural open loop ‘voltage source’ characteristic, and so it can control reactive loads. It can for instance discharge capacitative loads and return the energy to a battery source.
Charge balancing and bi-directional power conversion in battery systems. The device can move charge from one battery to another, for instance in vehicles with auxiliary batteries. It can control power between two different voltage busses, for instance in ’42 volt’ car systems it can work between the ‘42’ volt and ’14’ volt’ busses, balancing loads and reducing the need for excess battery capacity. It can control the current in either direction, and can charge 'uphill' from lower to higher voltage.
Simply as a power supply. The efficiency of these devices makes them ideal (and economically viable) as simple power supplies. Because they work above and below supply, they can for instance produce a stabilised 12V supply from a 12V vehicle source (which might go from 6V to 17V between starting and high rate charging). The programmable features make them useful as part of high power test supplies and DC loads (with suitable power sink, such as rechargeable battery supply).
Physical details
Size - 50mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 328mm (L) excluding connections and heatsink
Weight - 1.5kg (NB: 1kW/kg power:mass ratio)
For further information, technical AND sales, please contact us as per details below. We can answer most questions quickly and can send a DRAFT data-sheet with further information.
These devices have been developed by Scimar Engineering Ltd and are manufactured under licence from 3DI Power Ltd.