Robotics & Automation Power Solutions
Compact, high-efficiency power solutions specifically designed for robotics, automation, and servo applications. Our power modules deliver high power density and fast transient response essential for dynamic robot systems with precise motion control requirements.
Powering Intelligent Automation Systems
Robotics and automation systems require power solutions that deliver high efficiency and power density in minimal space while providing the fast transient response critical for precise motion control. Modern robots, cobots, and automated systems must operate efficiently with minimal thermal impact while providing reliable power for servos, processors, vision systems, and communication modules.
Our robotics power solutions address the unique requirements of robotic systems including space constraints, dynamic load characteristics, electromagnetic compatibility, and safety considerations. The high efficiency of our modules reduces thermal dissipation in enclosed robot joints and control systems, while our compact packages maximize available space for other components.
Robotics & Automation Applications
Industrial Robots
Power systems for articulated arms, SCARA, delta, and cartesian robots in manufacturing automation.
Requirements:
- Compact form factor
- Fast transient response
- Wide temperature operation
- Vibration-resistant
- High efficiency
Uses:
- Joint Servo Control
- End Effector Power
- Integrated Vision
- Communication Systems
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Power solutions for safe human-robot collaboration applications with enhanced safety requirements.
Key Features:
- Enhanced safety features
- Low EMI for sensitive environments
- Safe output shutdown capability
- Compact and lightweight
- Reliable safety-critical operation
Applications:
- Assembly & Inspection
- Packaging & Palletizing
- Material Handling
- Quality Assurance
Mobile Robots & AGVs
Power systems for autonomous mobile robots, AGVs, and AMRs with battery management capabilities.
Characteristics:
- Battery management
- Wide input voltage range
- Battery discharge management
- Efficient power conversion
- Compact size for mobility
Systems:
- Warehouse AGVs
- Delivery Robots
- Autonomous Tractors
- Inspection Drones
Servo Drive Systems
High-efficiency power conversion for precise motion control systems with dynamic load requirements.
Critical Requirements:
- Fast transient response
- High efficiency for thermal management
- Low noise operation
- Wide voltage range
- Robust design
Use Cases:
- Motor Drive Control
- Position Feedback Systems
- Encoder Power Supplies
- Amplifier Power Rails
Factory Automation
Power solutions for PLCs, sensors, actuators, and other industrial control systems.
Key Specifications:
- Industrial temperature range
- DIN rail compatibility
- EMI/EMC compliance
- Wide input voltage
- Long-term reliability
Automation Components:
- PLC Power Supplies
- Sensor Power Rails
- Actuator Control Power
- Network Equipment Power
Technology Advantages for Robotics
High Power Density
Robotics applications have extreme space constraints that demand maximum power in minimum volume. Our ChiP and VIA technologies enable power densities that fit within robot joints and control systems.
- Up to 300W/in³ power density with ChiP
- Reduced system weight for mobile robots
- More space for other components
- Higher integration capability
- Compact servo drive designs
Fast Transient Response
Robot systems have rapidly changing loads as servos accelerate and decelerate. Fast transient response is critical for stable performance.
- Preserved power delivery network dynamics
- Factorized Power Architecture options
- Fast regulation and isolation
- Dynamic response for servo systems
- Stable power under load changes
Low EMI/EMC
Robots often include sensitive sensors and communication systems that can be affected by power supply noise. Our ZVS technology inherently produces low EMI.
- ZVS architecture reduces switching noise
- Minimal interference with sensors
- Compliance with industrial standards
- Preserved signal integrity
- Integration-friendly design
Efficient Heat Management
In enclosed robot joints and control cabinets, thermal management is critical. High efficiency reduces thermal dissipation requirements.
- Up to 96% efficiency in DCMs
- Reduced cooling requirements
- Higher reliability in enclosed spaces
- Thermal management in joint actuators
- Compact cooling solutions
Robotics Design Considerations
Servo Power Requirements
Servo systems present unique power challenges with rapidly changing current demands:
- Current peaks during acceleration
- Regenerative power during braking
- Fast current change requirements
- Multiple voltage rails needed
- EMI-sensitive feedback systems
Recommended Approach:
- Use FPA for high-current servo rails
- Separate low-noise supplies for sensors
- Hierarchical power architecture
- Proper filtering and grounding
Mobile Power Challenges
Mobile robots and AGVs face unique power challenges:
- Variable battery voltage during discharge
- Weight constraints for mobility
- Efficiency for battery life extension
- Wide input voltage ranges
- Energy harvesting opportunities
Mobile Solutions:
- Wide-input voltage modules
- High-efficiency conversion
- Energy recovery systems
- Low quiescent power
Environmental Requirements
Robotics systems operate in diverse environments with specific requirements:
Industrial Environments:
- Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Vibration and shock resistance
- Dust and moisture protection
- EMI from other equipment
- Wide voltage variations
Collaborative Systems:
- Enhanced safety requirements
- Electromagnetic compatibility
- Low acoustic noise
- Safe failure modes
- Human-safe voltage levels
Outdoor/Mobile:
- Weather resistance
- Wide temperature ranges
- UV resistance
- Seismic/vibration tolerance
- Contamination protection
Recommended Products for Robotics Applications
DCM for Servo Power
Fixed-ratio bus converters with galvanic isolation for servo and motor drive applications.
- High efficiency >95%
- Galvanic isolation
- Fast transient response
- Compact ChiP packages
- Low EMI due to ZVS
Factorized Power Architecture
PRM + VTM combination for high-current servo applications with preserved dynamics.
- Current multiplication with FPA
- Preserved power delivery dynamics
- Galvanic isolation
- Fast transient response
- High power density
BCM for Current Multiplication
Bus Converter Modules for applications requiring current multiplication with galvanic isolation.
- High efficiency >96%
- Current multiplication
- Galvanic isolation
- Wide temperature operation
- Robust construction
ChiP Packaging Technology
Converter in Package technology for maximum power density in minimal space.
- Eliminates external components
- Low EMI due to small loop area
- High power density
- Simplified assembly
- Robust surface mount
NBM for Backup Power
Bi-directional modules for uninterruptible power in safety-critical robotic systems.
- Bi-directional power flow
- For backup power applications
- Seamless power transitions
- Safety system support
Custom Power Trees
Tailored power architectures for specific robotic applications and form factors.
- Application-specific designs
- Optimized for space constraints
- Integrated control features
- Specialized protection
System Architecture Examples
Robotic Arm Power Architecture
In a 6-axis robotic arm, space and weight are critical in each joint while power demands can be highly dynamic:
- Main bus voltage (often 24V or 48V) distributed to each axis
- Compact power modules in each joint for servo amplifiers
- Separate low-noise rails for encoders and sensors
- Fast transient response for motion control
Implementation:
Use DCM or BCM modules in ChiP packages for servo rail generation. High-efficiency conversion is critical to minimize thermal dissipation in enclosed joints. Low EMI to prevent interference with position encoders and sensor systems.
Mobile Robot Power System
Mobile robots and AGVs require efficient conversion from battery voltage to multiple system rails:
- Battery voltage management (Li-ion, LiFePO4, etc.)
- Multiple voltage rails from single battery
- Efficiency for maximum runtime
- Energy recovery during braking
Design Approach:
Wide-input voltage modules to accommodate battery discharge curve. High-efficiency conversion to maximize runtime. Separate power trees for critical systems vs. less critical functions. Battery management systems with charge and discharge control.
Factory Automation Power Distribution
Distributed power for sensors, actuators, and control systems throughout a factory floor:
- Distributed 24V DC power to field devices
- Local conversion for specific requirements
- EMC compliance for industrial environments
- Long-term reliability in harsh environments
System Design:
DIN rail power supplies for centralized conversion. Local point-of-load conversion using DCM or PRM modules. EMI filtering and surge protection for industrial environments. Redundant systems for critical applications.
Cobot Safety System Power
Collaborative robots require redundant and safe power systems for human-robot safety:
- Redundant power supplies for safety functions
- Fault-tolerant power for safety systems
- Safe shutdown capability
- Human-safe voltage levels
Safety Implementation:
Functional safety-rated components (SIL/PL ratings). Redundant power paths for critical safety functions. Safe output behavior in fault conditions. Diagnostic coverage for safety functions.
Performance Requirements by Application
| Application | Power Density | Efficiency | Transient Speed | EMI Requirements | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Robots | High | >95% | Fast | Moderate | High |
| Collaborative Robots | High | >95% | Fast | Strict | Very High |
| Mobile Robots | Medium-High | >96% | Medium | Moderate | High |
| Servo Systems | High | >96% | Very Fast | Strict | High |
| Factory Automation | Medium | >93% | Medium | Moderate | Very High |
Robotic System Design Support
Motion Control Power Design
Specialized support for servo and motion control power systems.
EMC/EMI Optimization
Guidance on minimizing electromagnetic interference in robotic systems.
Thermal Management
Design assistance for thermal challenges in enclosed robot systems.
System Integration
Help with integrating power systems into complete robotic solutions.
Safety System Design
Support for safety-rated power systems in collaborative robots.
Mobile Power Systems
Design assistance for power management in mobile robot platforms.
Power Your Next Robotic System
Our robotics specialists have extensive experience with power solutions for robotic and automation systems. Contact us for application-specific recommendations and design support.