CHATSWORTH, Calif., 31 Oct. 2009. Aitech Defense Systems Inc., independent manufacturer of open-architecture electronic boards and subsystem-level products for harsh, environmentally-demanding defense and aerospace applications, has unveiled the P230. The P230 is a rugged, 3U, conduction-cooled, high-efficiency power supply that operates a continuous input voltage range of 18 volts DC (VDC) to 36 VDC, ensuring excellent line and load regulation to protect embedded computing subsystems.

The P230 provides four industry-standard isolated voltage levels, or a combined total power capacity output of up to 150 watts, with an efficiency of better than 85 percent, reveals a company representative. This trait makes the P230 well suited for use in various small form-factor, robust, rugged VME-, CompactPCI-, and VPX-based subsystems for high-reliability, embedded computing applications.

The unit provides a variety of input and output circuit protections. All outputs are individually protected against short circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent.

The new device features an input power hold-up circuit. If the input voltage drops below 18 VDC, a separate power-fail detection circuit operates three control signals--SYSFAIL#, SYSRST#, and ACFAIL#--to enable the CPU to take all necessary emergency actions and store system parameters before the power shuts down. In addition, the DC-to-DC converters are equipped with internal thermal shutdown circuitry to protect them from damage due to potential system overheating.

Mechanical and thermal construction includes a protective aluminum housing for mechanical ruggedization, EMI/RFI shielding, and thermal conduction of heat to the system enclosure. A chemical conversion coating provides maximum heat transfer and corrosion resistance on thermal interface surfaces.

Wedge-locks hold the P230 in place and clamp it to the enclosure's thermal rails for optimum heat transfer. Extractors are included on the P230's top panel for easy removal.

An internal BIT (built-in test) mechanism monitors output voltages, whereas LEDs provide visual indication of the status of the four output voltages. A discrete ground/open input enables the power supply to be turned on and off remotely.

Military-rated models operate at temperatures from -55°C to +85°C (at the heat sink) when running at 85 percent of maximum rated power, and up to +75°C when operating at full rated power. The rugged models are rated for -40°C to +71°C at full rated power.

Environmental ratings with which the P230 complies include MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, and MIL-STD-810E.

Pricing for the P230 Power Supply starts at $2,750 in OEM quantities. Delivery is from stock to 20 weeks ARO.