Brushless DC and stepper motors may get more attention than the classic brushed DC motor, but the latter may still be a better choice in some applications. Most designers looking to choose a small DC motor – a sub- or fractional-horsepower unit, typically – usually look initially at just two options: the brushless DC (BLDC) […]
Power Electronic Tips
Grid converter puts locally generated power on power grids
Siemens presents a new power conversion system for battery storage applications. The SINAMICS PCS grid converter makes locally generated batter power usable for industrial and public power grids. SINAMICS PCS controls the charging and discharging process of the battery and helps to handle load peaks and grid disturbances via the battery storage, to store the […]
Using simulation to optimize GaN-powered designs
Comparisons of transistor device models and simulation techniques illustrate which approach works best for specific design scenarios. Lei Kou, Lucas Lu, GaN Systems When designing a new system based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) power transistors, simulation provides engineers with a powerful design optimization tool. Through simulation, designers can estimate system efficiency, choose the appropriate device […]
Putting supercapacitors to work
There are a variety of modern applications in which supercapacitors are better candidates than either batteries or ordinary capacitors. George Wundsam, Cornell Dubilier Supercapacitors are not new. First developed in the 1950s, commercial versions were marketed over 40 years ago. At that time, supercapacitors were certainly not on a fast track to practical application. They […]
IEDM: Mating GaN with CMOS
Gallium nitride (GaN) is a promising material for RF/mmWave and power applications because of its ability to operate at higher voltages and frequencies than silicon while exhibiting lower losses. The integration of GaN technology with CMOS technology, especially if built using mainstream silicon CMOS tools and fabrication processes, could usher in inexpensive next-generation PC/mobile devices […]
Protecting fast EV charging stations
Several standards dictate safety measures that fast charging stations must employ. Philippe Di Fulvio, Littelfuse, Inc. An estimated 5.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) were on the road in 2020. By 2025, the expectation is that over 24 million EVs will be in use. A significant limitation to wider EV adoption is the public charging infrastructure […]
Full bridge LLC transformer/resonant choke combo targets EV inverter apps
PREMO releases the new 11kW 3DPower solution, a Full Bridge LLC Transformer 150 µH + Resonant Choke 25 µH merged in 1 single unit. This innovation provides up to 40-50% reduction in volume compared with current discrete industrial solutions for the same power management. Most of the Power Converters (resonant topologies) in the market have […]
40-V, 1.3-milliohm eGaN FETs optimized for high power density apps
Efficient Power Conversion Corporation expands the selection of low voltage, off-the-shelf gallium nitride transistors with the introduction of the EPC2067 (1.3 mΩ typical, 40 V) eGaN FET. The EPC2067 is ideal for applications with demanding requirements for high power density performance including 48 V – 54 V input servers. Lower gate charges and zero reverse […]
Lightweight dc/dc converters target fuel cell applications
With its new DCHV320 DC-DC converter, BrightLoop Converters is aiming to provide the best off-the-shelf DC-DC conversion solution to fuel cell vehicles by focusing on extreme power density and versatility. In a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the fuel cell produces electricity to power the high-voltage batteries needed to run the electric motor. However, fuel […]
Dispensable thermal gap filler provides 2 to 7 W/m-K thermal conductivity
New 2 to 7 W/m-K dispensable thermal interface gap fillers are dispensable are dispensable thermal interface materials suitable for many types of applications, including thin bond line and gap filler applications. Both silicone and non-silicone options are available as well as one-part and two-part options. Various types of dispensing systems range from low-cost approaches for […]