BCM48BF040M200B00 - 200W 48V BCM Bus Converter | Vicor
MPN: BCM48BF040M200B00 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $73.2 | $732.00 |
| 100 | $67.85 | $6,785.00 |
| 500 | $62.4 | $31,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $57.95 | $57,950.00 |
BCM48BF040M200B00 Overview
A bus converter module (BCM) is a specialized isolated, fixed-ratio DC-DC converter used in distributed power architectures to step a higher-voltage distribution bus (such as 48V) down to an intermediate, lower-voltage bus (such as 4-6V) that downstream point-of-load (PoL) regulators can directly use. Within the broader power-conversion taxonomy, BCMs sit between the system-level AC-DC front end and the board-level PoL converters, providing galvanic isolation, high efficiency, and a building block for Factorized Power Architecture (FPA). Because the conversion ratio is fixed and determined by the transformer turns ratio, BCMs offer significantly higher efficiency and power density than variable-ratio converters operating at the same conditions.
Key features of the BCM48BF040M200B00 include typical conversion efficiency of 96% at full load, 1500 VDC isolation between input and output, parallel operation capability for higher output power, and integrated over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection. The device operates across a -40C to +125C junction temperature range and provides a power density exceeding 1000 W/in³, enabling compact 48V distribution in telecom, datacom, and industrial applications.
The BCM48BF040M200B00 uses a SAC sine-wave current steering topology with a planar transformer and proprietary control IC, switching at approximately 3 MHz effective frequency. The fixed K=1/8 ratio means output voltage tracks input voltage with a fixed proportional relationship, eliminating feedback loop compensation requirements and enabling sub-millisecond transient response. The chip-level packaging integrates magnetics, semiconductor switches, and control circuits into a thermally-enhanced co-molded structure with a large thermal interface area for direct heatsink attachment or cold-plate cooling.
Typical applications include 48V-to-PoL intermediate bus conversion in telecom and datacom equipment, Factorized Power Architecture (FPA) for servers and high-performance computing, industrial 48V battery and bus systems, and high-density power distribution for RF power amplifiers. The 1500 VDC isolation allows direct connection to rectified 48V telecom supplies while providing a safe, low-voltage distribution rail for downstream regulators.
When designing with this device, ensure the upstream 48V rail stays within the 38V to 55V operating window under all transient conditions, and use the manufacturer's recommended input/output capacitor network to control SAC ripple current. Parallel operation requires current-share circuitry; consult the Vicor datasheet for proper sense-pin and PR-pin wiring before stacking units.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparisons, and application guidance for the BCM48BF040M200B00, plus verified cross-references to adjacent Vicor BCM models in the same VI Chip footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for BCM48BF040M200B00 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
BCM48BF040M200A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF060M240A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF040M200B00
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$57.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →BCM48BF040M200B00 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | Sine Amplitude Converter (SAC), isolated fixed-ratio |
| Conversion Ratio (K) | 1/8 (K = 1/8) |
| Input Voltage Range | 38 V to 55 V |
| Nominal Input Voltage | 48 V |
| Output Voltage Range (Vin / 8) | 4.75 V to 6.875 V |
| Maximum Output Power | 200 W |
| Typical Efficiency | 96% at full load |
| Isolation Voltage (Input to Output) | 1500 VDC |
| Package | VI Chip (ChiP) surface-mount module |
| Package Dimensions | 9.5 mm x 25.4 mm (approx.) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (pick-and-place compatible) |
| Operating Junction Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Protection Features | Over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature |
| Parallel Operation | Supported (with current-share circuitry) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
BCM48BF040M200B00 9.5 mm x 25.4 mm (approx.) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for BCM48BF040M200B00 (9.5 mm x 25.4 mm (approx.) package). This power device features gate, drain, and source terminals. For non-polarized packages, refer to the manufacturer datasheet for exact pin 1 orientation and footprint details. Common applications include power supply design, motor driving, and load switching.
No detailed pinout data available for BCM48BF040M200B00.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
BCM48BF040M200B00 is suitable for 6 applications: 48V Telecom Intermediate Bus, Factorized Power Architecture (FPA), Datacom Server Power Distribution, Industrial 48V Battery Systems, RF Power Amplifier Power Supplies, LED Driver and High-Brightness Lighting.
48V Telecom Intermediate Bus
The BCM48BF040M200B00 is purpose-built for the standard 48V (38-55V) telecom distribution bus, stepping it down to a 4-6V intermediate bus at up to 200W with 96% typical efficiency. Its 1500 VDC isolation allows direct connection to rectified 48V battery plants while providing a safe, low-voltage rail for downstream PoL converters powering ASICs, FPGAs, and DSPs in base stations, optical line terminals, and core network switches.
Recommended
Factorized Power Architecture (FPA)
In Vicor's Factorized Power Architecture, the BCM48BF040M200B00 acts as the isolation and voltage transformation stage, feeding a Vicor PRM (Pre-Regulator Module) that performs regulation. The fixed K=1/8 ratio combined with the BCM's 96% efficiency and SAC topology enables a compact, high-density intermediate bus with 1500 VDC isolation, ideal for high-performance computing and server power delivery.
Recommended
Datacom Server Power Distribution
Modern hyperscale servers increasingly adopt 48V direct-to-board distribution to reduce I²R losses in bus bars. The BCM48BF040M200B00 bridges this 48V bus to a 4-6V intermediate rail that downstream buck converters use for CPU, GPU, and memory VRs. With 200W capacity per module and parallel operation support, designers can scale to 400W, 600W, or higher with N+1 redundancy, while the 96% efficiency keeps overall system efficiency above 90% even at light loads.
Recommended
Industrial 48V Battery Systems
Industrial equipment powered from 48V battery banks (forklifts, AGVs, remote telecom sites, solar battery systems) uses the BCM48BF040M200B00 to convert the wide-range 38-55V battery bus to a regulated 4-6V intermediate rail. The 96% efficiency extends battery runtime, while 1500 VDC isolation protects downstream electronics from battery ground faults and switching transients common in motor-driven industrial systems.
Recommended
RF Power Amplifier Power Supplies
Cellular base station and small-cell RF power amplifiers require clean, low-noise DC supplies to maintain spectral purity and EVM performance. The BCM48BF040M200B00 provides isolated 48V-to-4V conversion for the PA supply rail, with the SAC topology producing less conducted and radiated noise than hard-switched converters. The 1500 VDC isolation also separates the noisy PA ground from sensitive baseband and digital signal processing circuitry.
Recommended
LED Driver and High-Brightness Lighting
High-brightness LED lighting arrays in industrial, stage, and architectural applications often use 48V distribution for reduced cable losses, with the BCM48BF040M200B00 stepping this down to drive LED driver ICs directly. The 200W capacity supports multi-string LED arrays, while the SAC topology's zero-voltage/zero-current switching produces minimal EMI - a critical requirement for stage lighting and medical LED systems that must meet stringent EMI/EMC standards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for BCM48BF040M200B00 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | BCM48BF040M200A00 | BCM48BF060M240A00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VI Chip (ChiP) SMD | VI Chip (ChiP) SMD - same | VI Chip (ChiP) SMD - same |
| Brand | Vicor | Vicor | Vicor |
| Topology | SAC fixed-ratio isolated | SAC fixed-ratio isolated | SAC fixed-ratio isolated |
| Conversion Ratio (K) | 1/8 | 1/8 | 1/8 |
| Input Voltage Range | 38V to 55V | 38V to 55V | 38V to 55V |
| Nominal Output Voltage | 4V (Vin=38V) / 6V (Vin=48V) / 6.875V (Vin=55V) | 4V / 6V / 6.875V | 6V (Vin=48V) / 7.5V (Vin=60V input part) |
| Maximum Output Power | 200 W | 200 W | 240 W (+20%) |
| Typical Efficiency | 96% | 95% to 96% | 96% |
| Isolation Voltage | 1500 VDC | 1500 VDC | 1500 VDC |
| Revision | B (current production) | A (earlier revision) | A (earlier revision) |
Key Differentiators
- Latest B revision with refined electrical characteristics (vs BCM48BF040M200A00)
- K=1/8 optimized for 48V-to-4V (lowest in BCM family) (vs BCM48BF060M240A00 (K=1/8, 48V-to-6V))
- 1500 VDC isolation in a surface-mount module (vs Discrete 48V buck topology)
Design Notes
The BCM48BF040M200B00's VI Chip package dissipates up to ~8W at 200W output and 96% efficiency (4W loss per module). The co-molded top thermal interface area must be coupled to a heatsink or cold plate to keep junction temperature below 125C. Estimated: at 8W loss with theta_JA of approximately 10 C/W on a well-cooled VI Chip, junction rises ~80C above baseplate; verify against the datasheet thermal derating curve for your specific mounting and airflow condition.
Use the manufacturer's recommended PCB land pattern and thermal via array beneath the VI Chip footprint to spread heat into inner copper planes. Place input and output bulk capacitors within 5 mm of the module pads to minimize SAC ripple-current loop area. The PR (parallel) and SG (signal ground) pins must be wired per the Vicor datasheet when using parallel operation - poor routing here degrades current sharing accuracy.
Do not confuse the BCM48BF040M200B00 (200W, K=1/8, 4V nominal) with the BCM48BF060M240A00 (240W, K=1/8, 6V nominal); their output voltages differ and substituting one for the other will push downstream regulators out of their input range. Also verify input transients stay within 38-55V - telecom plants can swing above 55V during load steps, which will trigger the BCM's input OVP. Add a TVS or upstream limiter if the source bus is unregulated.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Vicor product page. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable - this is an industrial/telecom module, not an automotive-grade part. For automotive applications use Vicor's automotive-qualified BCM variants.
