Determining the durability and reliability of power electronics starts with strategies for estimating the lifespan. In mechanics, it is obvious that moving parts wear under friction, and the countermeasure is also clear: lubrication. Lubrication reduces friction and thus wear, or vice versa, extending service life. Power electronic components are also subject to wear. Since this […]
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Post-quantum crypto standardization — what’s the end game?
The post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standardization program being run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing encryption algorithms to protect classical computers from attacks by quantum computers. NIST has announced the first four PQC algorithms and is preparing them for final development. In the meantime, organizations of all types are analyzing the […]
What plating options are available for high-power connectors?
Plating options are numerous and tend to fall into four categories: noble metals, passive metals, alloys, and dispersions. The first three categories are well established, while dispersions are just beginning to appear in response to the need for high-power connectivity in electric vehicle (EV) charging and similar applications. This FAQ starts with a brief review […]
How do SFP, SFP+, and QSFP compare?
Pluggable modules come in many variants, each designed for a specific purpose. Small form factor pluggable (SPF) technology was developed to support high-speed interconnects between servers, storage, and communications equipment in data centers and similar environments. Over time, the multi-source agreement (MSA) that specifies SPF has evolved to include new formats, including SFP, SFP+, SFP28,…
EMC summit gives engineers tips and fundamentals
An IEEE EMC Society chapter provided training on FCC Part 15, shielding effectiveness, and EMC art & science. Boxborough, Mass — Interference among electronic devices never goes away. Engineers who aren’t EMC experts seem to need constant introductions and reminders of how to reduce interference because every design is different. EMI/EMC issues keep popping up, […]
How does the PCIe protocol stack work?
The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. It’s the common motherboard interface in systems from personal computers to servers and storage devices and is used with graphics cards, sound cards, hard disk drive host adapters, SSDs, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet hardware connections. It uses a three-layer protocol stack to […]
What’s the difference between a PCIe analyzer and jammer?
Protocol analyzers and jammers let you test and troubleshoot the performance of PCIe interconnects. From generation to generation, PCIe speeds double. Today’s protocols can be challenging to test and qualify. In addition, advanced applications such as the non-volatile memory express (NVMe) solid-state drive (SSD) memory protocol developed specifically for use with PCIe require sophisticated testing […]
Emerson acquires NI: There goes another one
NI will now join the long list of T and M companies whose names we’ll see only online, on eBay, and at electronics flea markets. Product names such as LabVIEW should live on.
Trends for GaN adoption in xEV and clean energy power systems
Gate drivers hold the key for efficient wide bandgap semiconductor adoption on the road to sustainability. Innovative companies are developing disruptive new technologies that move the world towards a safer and more sustainable future. Wide bandgap semiconductors, notably GaN and SiC transistors, are a present-day example of a rapidly emerging and disruptive technology that dramatically […]
Bidirectional power for EVs: the practical and creative opportunities using power modules
Given the coexistence of 400 V and 800 V EVs on the road, what options are there to harmonize these two distinct architectures? We all know the race is on for electrification, whether through government mandates and incentives or consumers demanding green transportation solutions with higher performance, longer range, and more features. Car makers are […]
