To get good performance from inductors in power supplies, you need to be careful about the AC characteristics. Physical inductors are complex structures, not ideal components. And the AC challenges with inductors are growing due to the higher operating frequencies of power supplies using silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power switches. This FAQ […]
Power Electronic Tips
Small, high-brightness RGB LEDs boast improved color mixing
Upward-lighting multicolor LEDs in the CL-V501 Series have improved color mixing, come in a small package, and exhibit high brightness. Multicolor LEDs have three dies of RGB (red, green and blue) in one package. This lets them generate various colors, including white, and are used for illumination or as indicators in many kinds of products […]
DC voltages, AC voltages and Stiff voltages
At its most basic level, voltage is a simple concept. Voltage, also referred to as electric potential difference or electromotive force (emf), is the difference in electric potential between two points. In the International System of Units (SI), one Volt equals one Joule of work per Coulomb of charge. In practical applications, voltage is simple, […]
RF amplifiers optimized for harsh operational conditions
Ampleon has announced a further expansion to its portfolio of next-generation amplifier ICs. These devices are based on the company’s Advanced Rugged Technology (ART). Thanks to the heavy-duty design employed, they are capable of dealing with the harshest of operational conditions. With 1400W and 1600W ratings, the devices in the new ART1K6x series operate over […]
Single-chip driver handles high frequency switching of GaN enhancement-mode FETs
STMicroelectronics’ STDRIVEG600 half-bridge gate driver has a high current output and 45ns propagation delay, closely matched between high-side and low-side outputs, to handle high-frequency switching of GaN enhancement-mode FETs. Also suitable for driving N-channel silicon MOSFETs at up to 20V, the STDRIVEG600 allows the flexibility to apply up to 6V gate-source voltage (VGS) on GaN […]
Automotive-compliant, current limit power switch can be set between 125mA and 1735mA
Diodes Incorporated introduces the AP22653Q programmable current limiting power switch. Streamlining power system design and assuring ongoing reliability, this automotive-compliant device provides a controlled and protected power path. It is rated to handle continuous load currents of up to 1.5A. Key applications include protection of vehicle USB ports and ECU supply rails, and infotainment and telematics […]
Miniature supercapacitors qualified for automotive uses
KEMET announces its new high-performance supercapacitors for automotive electronics, the FMD, and the FU0H series. This series delivers 1,000 hours at 85°C/85% RH-rated voltage and operating temperature ranging from -40°C to 85°C. The FMD series offers the highest lifetime with up to 4,000 hours. These supercapacitors are qualified for an automotive testing protocol. These capacitors […]
BGA heatsinks dissipate up to 11.69 W at 75°C ΔT in natural convection
CUI Devices’ Thermal Management Group announced the continued expansion of its heat sinks product portfolio with the addition of BGA heat sinks. Compatible with ball grid array (BGA) devices, the HSB family supports a wide range of sizes from 8.5 mm x 8.5 mm up to 60 mm x 60 mm with profiles from 6 mm up to 25 […]
Thermistors, thermocouples, and RTDs for thermal management
Thermal management is the ability to control the thermal environment of an electronic system. It is often associated with cooling heat-generating electronics, but it also encompasses generating heat in cold environments to maintain optimal system operation or power wax-based linear motors. As a result of the many uses for thermal management, a wide variety of […]
Fuses, eFuses, thermistors, and fusible resistors – which and when?
Fuses, eFuses, various types of thermistors, and fusible resistors can be used to provide varying levels of circuit protection. Fuses provide only the most basic level of overcurrent and short-circuit protection. Thermistors can be added to provide inrush current control, and a fusible resistor can provide both inrush current control and overcurrent/short-circuit protection. The most […]