Engineers who design power circuits around wide-bandgap semiconductors frequently make costly mistakes that relate to the switching behavior of transistors. Julian Styles | GaN Systems We need to face an awkward and embarrassing truth about ourselves in the world of power electronics. I’d like to ask you to try to be completely open and honest […]
How to electrocute yourself in a few easy steps
Here’s a fun project: Pop open an old microwave oven and scavenge the high-voltage transformer powering the cavity magnetron vacuum tube. Then use it to make yourself a Lichtenberg generator. But be sure there’s someone nearby to call an ambulance. Lichtenberg generators are used to create art and abstract objects by burning fractal patterns into […]
AWGs provide 24 to 48 channels of 60-MHz signals
Designed for engineers and scientists who need to simultaneously generate multiple electronic test signals, Spectrum Instrumentation’s latest line of Arbitrary Waveform Generators offers 24 to 48 synchronous channels in a single rack-unit with an economic cost-per-channel. The eight different variants achieve full remote control through a simple Ethernet connection to any PC or local area […]
RF signal generators feature affordable IQ synthesis
RIGOL’s new DSG800A models of signal generator provide support for internal and external IQ generation allowing engineers to quickly generate IQ traffic to simulate or validate their designs. Available in 2.1-GHz and 3.6-GHz models with a starting price of only $3,699, the DSG800A provides the most capable and affordable IQ generation product on the market. […]
Real-time spectrum analyzers carry economical price tag
A low-cost Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer called the RSA3000E brings the power of UltraReal real-time analysis to a new class of customer who previously had no access to this advanced capability. The RSA3000E combines the power of a high-performance Swept Spectrum Analyzer with the analysis capability of a Real-Time Analyzer at an unprecedented entry-level price point. […]
QFN-packaged buck converters put out 6 A
A new dc/dc converter portfolio is one of the smallest in its class of low-profile QFN-packaged buck regulator power modules. The RPX-2.5 module is exceptional due to its flip-chip technology which increases power density and improves thermal management. RECOM’s new power module offers a high power-density footprint on a 4.5x4x2-mm thermally-enhanced QFN package. The RPX-2.5 […]
Low-power isolated, regulated dc-dc modules cover 35 to 120 W
Power density, low weight and ease-of-use are critical considerations when designing isolated, regulated dc-dc converter systems for a broad range of robotics, UAV, rail, communications and defense/aerospace applications. The new DCM2322 ChiP family, a lower-power variant of the Vicor DCM3623 series, are targeted to meet these important requirements. Packaged in a 22x23x7-mm ChiP, the new […]
Spring-pin socket for optical engine chips
A new LGA socket, CBT-LGA-5019, addresses high-performance requirements for 1-mm pitch optical engine chips, self-contained electrical-to-optical transceiver units intended for computer interconnects. The contactor is a stamped-spring pin with 19-gm actuation force per pin and cycle life of 125,000 insertions. The self-inductance of the contactor is 0.93 nH, insertion loss is less than 1 dB […]
Active 20-A 40-Vdc EMC filters provide MIL-STD voltage surge, spike protection
The TDK-Lambda FQB series of EMC filters have a rating of 40 Vdc at 20 A. Voltage surge and spike protection for dc-dc converters is accomplished through the use of active technology. The FQB has a rugged encapsulated quarter-brick package with a choice of flanged or non-flanged baseplates. These modules are suitable for use in […]
High-temperature thyristors handle up to 250 Vrms
Five new series of high-temperature Alternistor TRIAC switching thyristors are designed for use as semiconductor switches in appliances and equipment powered by line AC voltages up to 250 VRMS. Available in five compact, surface-mount and through-hole packages, these components expand the Littelfuse TRIAC product line by making high 150°C maximum junction temperature devices available in […]