500W 12 to 24V converter for tough environments

Gresham Power Electronics has introduced a 500W dc-dc converter for military and non-tactical vehicle mounted communications and security systems.

Called GPD500 is now available from the Salisbury-based power supply maker, which accepts inputs between 10 to 20Vdc and delivers regulated 24Vdc output, designed to meet the requirements of MIL-STD 1275D.

“Sophisticated electronics developed for military vehicles, is designed to be powered from 24/28Vdc and in most cases is unable to operate from the 12Vdc electrical systems found on non-tactical vehicles,” said Gresham. “Instead of making significant changes to the equipment design, this issue is solved by the GPD500.”

Efficiency is typically 96% at full load and operation is over ambients from -40 to 70°C.

The IP67 epoxy-sealed enclosure is 149 x 27 x 119mm, weighs 750g and meets MIL-STD-1275A.

Built-in thermal sensing provides over-temperature shut-down with automatic recovery, and other protections include: reverse input, current limit, short-circuit, input under-voltage shut down and input over-voltage protection.

Several units can be paralleled for more power.

Other foreseen applications include recreational vehicles, marine and other rugged environments, mobile broadcast, cellular base-station power, industrial controls, emergency back-up and solar power systems.