BCM48BF080T240A00 - 240W BCM Bus Converter | Vicor
MPN: BCM48BF080T240A00 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $92.5 | $92.50 |
| 10 | $87.2 | $872.00 |
| 100 | $79.85 | $7,985.00 |
| 500 | $74.1 | $37,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $69.4 | $69,400.00 |
BCM48BF080T240A00 Overview
A BCM bus converter is a fixed-ratio DC-DC converter used as a building block in a Factorized Power Architecture (FPA). It provides isolation, voltage transformation, and noise attenuation between a higher-voltage distribution bus (e.g., 48 V) and a lower-voltage intermediate bus that downstream PRMs/VPTs or point-of-load regulators further process. The product type hierarchy is: BCM bus converter -> isolated DC-DC converter -> DC-DC converter -> power module -> power management IC -> semiconductor. Operating at very high switching frequency with a proprietary Sine Amplitude Converter (SAC) topology, the BCM delivers low-noise output without the large output filter of conventional hard-switched converters, while the >40% footprint reduction versus discrete converters simplifies PCB layout.
Key features of the BCM48BF080T240A00 include 240 W continuous output power, 8 V / 36 A output capability, 38–55 V input range, fixed 1/6 transformation ratio (K = 1/6), and a co-molded VI Chip thermally-enhanced package. Built-in protection includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overvoltage lockout (OVLO), overcurrent protection (OCP), short-circuit protection (SCP), and overtemperature protection (OTP), along with an enable/disable control pin for sequencing.
Architecturally, the BCM uses a zero-voltage, zero-current switching (ZVZCS) SAC topology that achieves peak efficiencies in the 94–96% range at typical load points - far above conventional hard-switched bus converters - reducing system airflow and cooling cost. The planar magnetics embedded in the VI Chip package eliminate hand-wound inductors and yield repeatable performance from unit to unit.
Typical applications include 48 V telecom and datacom intermediate bus conversion, high-end server and storage power distribution, industrial 48 V robotics and machinery buses, battery-backed 48 V systems, and as a front-end for downstream point-of-load regulators. The BCM’s low-noise, low-EMI signature makes it well suited to noise-sensitive analog and RF rails when followed by a downstream LDO.
When designing with the BCM48BF080T240A00, ensure adequate thermal management through the VI Chip thermal interface - Vicor recommends a thermal pad or cold plate. The fixed-ratio nature means no feedback compensation loop is required, simplifying the BOM, but the output voltage tracks the input divided by 6, so input pre-regulation may be needed if the bus voltage is not already stable.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and lead time, drop-in alternatives within the BCM48BF080y240A00 family, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for BCM48BF080T240A00 — 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:
BCM48BF080M240A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF080T240A01
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF160T240A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF040T240A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF320T240A00
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM6123BCM0A30R2
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
BCM48BF080T240A00 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Topology | BCM Bus Converter, fixed-ratio isolated |
| Input Voltage Range | 38 V to 55 V |
| Output Voltage | 8 V (K = 1/6) |
| Output Current (Max) | 36 A |
| Continuous Output Power | 240 W |
| Transformation Ratio K | 1/6 |
| Isolation | Isolated DC-DC |
| Switching Topology | Sine Amplitude Converter (SAC), ZVZCS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (VI Chip) |
| Package | VI Chip (Vicor co-molded SMD) |
| Enable / Disable | Yes (logic-level) |
| Protection Features | UVLO, OVLO, OCP, SCP, OTP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Pick-and-Place Compatible | Yes |
| Footprint Reduction vs Discrete | > 40% |
BCM48BF080T240A00 vi chip (vicor co-molded smd) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for BCM48BF080T240A00 (vi chip (vicor co-molded smd) 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 BCM48BF080T240A00.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
BCM48BF080T240A00 is suitable for 6 applications: 48 V Telecom Intermediate Bus, Datacenter Server Power Distribution, Industrial 48 V Robotics & Machinery, Battery-Backed 48 V Systems, Aerospace & Defense Power Conditioning, High-Performance Test & Measurement Front-End.
48 V Telecom Intermediate Bus
The BCM48BF080T240A00 fits 48 V telecom intermediate bus conversion thanks to its 38–55 V input range that spans the ATIS/ETSI 48 V nominal rail with transient tolerance. Its fixed 1/6 ratio steps the bus down to 8 V at 240 W, which is a common rail for downstream PoL converters feeding DSPs, FPGAs, and ASICs in line cards and base-station head-ends. The isolated SAC topology reduces common-mode noise versus hard-switched alternatives and the >40% footprint reduction over discrete converters lets designers shrink board area per Vicor datasheet.
Recommended
Datacenter Server Power Distribution
Inside datacenter servers, the BCM48BF080T240A00 serves as a 48 V-to-8 V front-end converter in a Factorized Power Architecture, isolating the main 48 V bus and delivering 240 W efficiently through SAC switching rather than lossy hard switching. The 94–96% peak efficiency reduces airflow and cooling cost at the rack level, while the surface-mount VI Chip package supports high-density layouts that minimize motherboard real estate. Engineered protection (UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP) preserves downstream VRs and ASICs during bus faults per the Vicor datasheet.
Recommended
Industrial 48 V Robotics & Machinery
In factory robotics running on a 48 V industrial bus, the BCM48BF080T240A00 provides isolated conversion to 8 V for motion controllers, sensors, and safety circuitry while withstanding the line transients common on long industrial harnesses. Its -40C to +125C operating range suits cabinet environments and the high switching frequency shrinks the magnetic footprint, enabling placement near the load to reduce distribution losses. The VI Chip top-side thermal interface mates with a thermal pad or cold plate for harsh-environment cooling.
Recommended
Battery-Backed 48 V Systems
For telecom and computing installations backed by 48 V battery strings, the BCM48BF080T240A00 delivers 240 W of 8 V power from a wide 38–55 V range that accommodates the entire battery charge/discharge curve. Built-in UVLO and OVLO protect both the BCM and downstream loads when batteries are deeply discharged or overcharged, and the 240 W capacity supports redundant operation when multiple BCMs parallel through Vicor's recommended ORing schemes. Surface-mount assembly enables dense battery-backup panels per the Vicor datasheet.
Recommended
Aerospace & Defense Power Conditioning
The BCM48BF080T240A00's isolated topology and fixed 1/6 ratio make it suitable for 48 V avionics and ground-vehicle power conditioning where 8 V subrails feed mission computers and avionics displays. The VI Chip form factor and SAC switching produce low EMI for compliance with MIL-STD-461-style requirements, and the rugged thermal interface supports cold-plate mounting in sealed enclosures. The protection feature set (UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP) reduces the protection circuit burden on downstream designers per the Vicor datasheet.
Recommended
High-Performance Test & Measurement Front-End
Bench-top and rack-mounted test instruments use the BCM48BF080T240A00 as a 48 V-to-8 V front-end to power analog front-ends, ADC boards, and DSP subassemblies. The high efficiency reduces thermal output inside the instrument chassis, while the isolated SAC topology supplies a quiet 8 V rail for sensitive measurement circuits that benefit from low common-mode noise. The 240 W headroom supports peak measurement workloads that exceed the steady-state average load per the Vicor datasheet.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for BCM48BF080T240A00 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | BCM48BF080M240A00 | BCM48BF080T240A01 | BCM48BF160T240A00 | BCM6123BCM0A30R2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VI Chip (SMD, T-suffix) | VI Chip (SMD, M-suffix) | VI Chip (SMD) | VI Chip (SMD) | VIA Chameleon (SMD) |
| Brand | Vicor | Vicor | Vicor | Vicor | Vicor |
| Input Voltage Range | 38 V to 55 V | 38 V to 55 V | 38 V to 55 V | 38 V to 55 V | 38 V to 55 V |
| Output Voltage | 8 V (K = 1/6) | 8 V (K = 1/6) | 8 V (K = 1/6) | 16 V (K = 1/3) | 8 V |
| Continuous Output Power | 240 W | 240 W | 240 W | 240 W | 240 W |
| Output Current | 36 A (at 8 V) | 36 A | 36 A | 15 A (at 16 V) | 30 A |
| Mounting | Surface-mount (VI Chip, T-suffix) | Surface-mount (M-suffix) | Surface-mount | Surface-mount | Surface-mount (VIA Chameleon) |
| Protection Set | UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP/EN | UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP/EN | UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP/EN | UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP/EN | UVLO/OVLO/OCP/SCP/OTP/EN |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $92.50 | $92.50 (similar) | $92.50 (similar) | $92.50 (similar) | $95.00 (similar) |
Key Differentiators
- Same VI Chip platform with proven BCM48Bx080y240 family pedigree (vs BCM48BF160T240A00)
- Surface-mount VI Chip co-molded package (vs Discrete isolated 48 V-to-8 V synchronous converter design)
- Migration-ready with newer VIA Chameleon siblings (vs BCM6123BCM0A30R2)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 240 W output the BCM losses are roughly 12–18 W at typical point (94–96% efficiency per Vicor datasheet). The VI Chip top-side thermal pad is the primary dissipation path - use a thermal interface material and attach to a cold plate or chassis surface; do not rely on PCB copper alone below 30–40 W of dissipation. Maintain junction temperature below 125C by sizing the heat sink to keep the case-to-ambient delta under 30C.
Use the VI Chip land pattern from the Vicor datasheet mechanical drawing. Include sufficient copper pour on both input and output power planes at and around the module pads to handle 36 A continuous current (about 6 mm minimum trace width per A at 1 oz copper). Place the EN/AL logic-level pads on a separate routing layer and keep the analog control traces away from the switching power pads to minimize crosstalk per Vicor application notes.
Estimated: do not exceed the 55 V input maximum - OVLO engages above this and protects the BCM but repeated trips cause nuisance shutdowns. Avoid back-driving the output, and never connect 8 V output to another 8 V source without proper ORing, because the fixed-ratio topology has no inherent reverse-current blocking. The fixed 1/6 ratio means the output voltage is V_in / 6 - the input must be pre-regulated if the bus is not stable.
Decouple the input close to the BCM power pads with a low-ESR ceramic 22 µF or higher rated for at least 100 V and the output with a similar low-ESR ceramic bank sized for 36 A load transients. Use a kelvin/4-wire sense topology if you require tight output regulation. Follow the Vicor land-pattern and clearance dimensions in the datasheet mechanical drawing to maintain isolation integrity (basic insulation rating per the datasheet).
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed by Vicor product page and DigiKey regulatory listings. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a DC-DC module, not an automotive IC; contact Vicor for automotive-grade options if needed.
