USER GUIDE UG:901 PMBus Interface and Accessories User Guide Mike Keene Applications Engineering Contents Page Introduction 1 Connector Information 3 Configuration Details 4 Application Details 6 GUI Configuration 6 Introduction The PMBus-USB Adapter enables communication with the PMBus interface of Vicor power modules using a Host PC. The PMBus control interface provides digital management capabilities and access to the telemetry monitoring and status reporting offered by the product. The PMBus-USB Adapter converts the PMBus interface to a USB communication protocol using an internal isolated controller, allowing users to easily connect to a Host PC (no driver installation is required with Windows operating systems). The Power System Configurator GUI, available from Vicor, provides a convenient means for monitoring and control of the power module. All PMBus capabilities and features of the connected power module are available through the GUI, allowing users to read and write into the status configuration registers of the module, observe input and output telemetry, monitor faults and obtain other additional device information. The PMBus-USB Adapter enables easy evaluation of the PMBus digital interface offered on select Vicor products in a test environment. Contact Vicor Applications for a complete list of compatible products. Please note that this User Guide applies only to the operation of the PMBus-USB Adapters listed below with Vicor converters and the Power System Configurator GUI. Support for VIA products that include PMBus communication capabilities is provided by the I2C-ADAPTER-A00 PMBus-USB Adapter and the Vicor Digital Interface Demo Board software. Compatible Adapter VDDB Part Number Bias Voltage I2C-ADAPTER-A02 5V supply output I2C-ADAPTER-A03 3.3V supply output UG:901 Page 1 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Hazardous voltages may be present on the interfaced Vicor power module. PERSONAL CONTACT WITH LINE VOLTAGE MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY, DISABILITY, OR DEATH. IMPROPER OR UNSAFE HANDLING OF THIS ACCESSORY AND RELATED POWER MODULE(S) MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Read the precautions below entirely BEFORE using the PMBus -USB Adapter. Do not operate the PMBus-USB Adapter unless you have the appropriate safety precautions in place on your bench to guarantee safety. The list below is not comprehensive and is not a substitute for common sense and good practice. n During operation, the power devices and surrounding structures can be operated safely at high temperatures. n Remove power from converter and use caution when connecting and disconnecting test probes and interface lines to avoid inadvertent short circuits and contact with hot surfaces. n Never use a jumper in place of the fuse. n Always use approved safety glasses when testing electronic products. Follow good laboratory practice and procedures. n Avoid creating ground loops when making measurements of the isolated input or output voltage and signals. n Care should be taken to protect the user from accidental contact with electrical terminals when operating under power. n Care should be taken to avoid reversing polarities if connecting to the opposite (solder) side of the board. n The PMBus-USB Adapter described in this document is designed for general laboratory evaluation, and is not suitable for installation in end user equipment or applications. n Refer to the specific Vicor power module data sheet of the interfaced product(s) for electrical, thermal, and mechanical product details. UG:901 Page 2