New power supply extends innovation of 6U platform within compact VITA 62 form factor

Molex has introduced the AirBorn 3U VPX Power Supply, delivering clean power in a smaller form factor to unlock capacity in space-constrained aerospace, defence and commercial applications. As the latest innovation from AirBorn, a Molex Company, this newest VPX model is constructed on the robust architecture and award-winning innovation of the AirBorn 6U VPX Power Supply. The new 3U version has been engineered to deliver unparalleled reliability and efficiency for the most challenging operational environments.

“AirBorn’s line of VPX power systems sets new standards for power density and efficiency, based on our decades of experience developing, testing and deploying highly reliable power solutions for the aerospace and defence industry,” said Mike Cole, SVP and president, Aerospace and Defence Solutions, Molex. “With the new 3U VPX Power Supply, we continue to overcome the most formidable physical and electrical challenges in power supply design.”

The patent-pending VPX Power Supply family optimises SWaP-C while meeting VPX and VITA 62 open architecture and performance needs. Approximately one-third the size and weight of the 6U VPX Power Supply, the new SOSA-compliant 3U power system has been developed to achieve a maximum output of 1,000W and offers out-of-the-box compliance with MIL-STD-1275 and MIL-STD-461 CE101/CE102 conducted emission test requirements. Adherence safeguards sensitive electronics from extreme voltage variations inherent in military ground vehicles, while saving time, effort and cost in product design, testing and qualification.

Also, the power supply includes AirBorn’s advanced internal filtering to meet stringent EMI/RF requirements. Integrated EMI suppression capability is created to meet MIL-STD-461-conducted EMI emission needs without external filtering. A testament to its proven power engineering expertise, this unique functionality mitigates interference at the source to reduce signal degradation, lower crosstalk, and enhance data transmission rates.

“For customers building highly compact 3U VPX systems, the opportunity to leverage an ‘all-in-one’ power supply that handles power conversion and EMI filtering on a single printed circuit board is very compelling,” said Scott Poole, director, Design and Development Engineering at AirBorn. “We apply extensive engineering expertise and special processes to develop highly efficient power engines capable of achieving low noise switching, clean conducted emissions, ultra-clean output voltages and versatility in parallel VPX cards.”

The AirBorn 3U VPX Power Supply is well-positioned to deliver continuous operation in rigorous conditions common for military ground vehicles, which can produce voltage spikes and surges. When space is at a premium, the new model can safeguard vital onboard systems and applications, such as LEO satellites, UAVs, industrial automation, robotics and AI-driven distributed systems. This transfer of military-grade ruggedisation and reliability to other applications and industries will be universally appealing to engineers and systems integrators dedicated to ensuring flawless power delivery and seamless systems integration of sensitive electronics.