Molex Introduces 3U VPX Power Supply for Space-Constrained Applications

Molex has unveiled the AirBorn 3U VPX power supply, designed to provide clean power in a compact form factor for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications with limited space. This new VPX model, a product of AirBorn, a Molex Company, inherits a robust architecture from the award-winning AirBorn 6U VPX power supply. Engineered for exceptional reliability and efficiency, the 3U version is tailored to excel in the most demanding operational environments.

Mike Cole, SVP and president of Aerospace and Defence Solutions at Molex, expressed, “AirBorn’s line of VPX power systems establishes new benchmarks for power density and efficiency, drawing on our extensive experience in developing reliable power solutions for the aerospace and defense sector. With the introduction of the 3U VPX Power Supply, we are addressing the toughest physical and electrical challenges in power supply design.”

Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs

The patent-pending VPX power supply family by AirBorn focuses on optimizing size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) while meeting VPX and VITA 62 open architecture and performance standards. The new 3U power system, compliant with SOSA standards, is approximately one-third the size and weight of the 6U model, offering a maximum output of 1000 W. It also ensures compliance with MIL-STD-1275 and MIL-STD-461 CE101/CE102 conducted emission test requirements, safeguarding sensitive electronics from voltage variations in military ground vehicles.

Moreover, the 3U VPX power supply integrates advanced internal filtering to meet stringent EMI/RF requirements. The built-in EMI suppression complies with MIL-STD-461-conducted EMI emission standards without external filtering, reducing interference at the source to enhance data transmission rates and minimize signal degradation and crosstalk.

Scott Poole, director of Design and Development Engineering at AirBorn, highlighted the benefits for customers building compact 3U VPX systems, stating, “The ability to utilize an all-in-one power supply that handles power conversion and EMI filtering on a single PCB is highly attractive. Our engineering expertise enables us to develop efficient power engines capable of clean switching, low noise, and ultra-clean output voltages, enhancing the performance of parallel VPX cards.”

Boosting Performance in a Compact Design

The AirBorn 3U VPX power supply is engineered to ensure continuous operation in challenging conditions typical for military ground vehicles, which often experience voltage spikes and surges. In scenarios where space is limited, the 3U VPX model can protect critical onboard systems in applications like LEO satellites, UAVs, industrial automation, robotics, and AI-driven distributed systems. This extension of military-grade ruggedness and reliability to diverse industries will appeal to engineers and integrators striving for flawless power delivery and seamless integration of sensitive electronics.

On a related note, BittWare, a Molex company with a 30-year legacy in the embedded computing sector, has announced an early access program to accelerate the development and integration of solutions utilizing a new 3U VPX card portfolio based on AMD’s next-gen embedded processor, RF, and FPGA technologies. Complementing the AirBorn VPX power systems, BittWare is selecting customers for this ruggedized, SOSA-aligned VPX family tailored for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, including radar, signal intelligence, electronic warfare, satellite communications, and UAVs.