Standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system with plug-in power modules and common plug-in control module

摘要

A standard electronics rack-mounted dimming control system includes a chassis having spaces for power modules and a control module which can be inserted into and removed from the chassis without removing the chassis from the rack. Control electronics for generating drive signals for power control devices in the power modules are consolidated in the control module, thereby reducing the per-channel cost of the power modules an protecting the control electronics from heat generating power devices in the power modules. A power module includes an integral chassis and heatsink which forms the top, bottom and side walls of the module. The integral chassis and heatsink includes fins running the length of the module so that cooling air can flow through grooves between the fins when two modules are arranged side by side in the chassis. The integral chassis and heatsink also includes a groove having two shoulders running the length of the module which allows components to be mounted to the module using a captive nut in the groove.