Long-life pacemakers powered by plutonium-based thermal decay were implanted beginning in the 1970s, but better battery technology, safety concerns, and regulatory issues made them obsolete within a few decades. The long-term implications Q: Assuming the RTG version works well, what happens when the patient passes away? A: That’s when the RTG saga gets even more […]
Power Electronic Tips
500 mA dual RETs offer high-power load switching for space-constrained applications
Nexperia released a new series of 500 mA dual resistor-equipped transistors (RET) in ultra-compact DFN2020(D)-6 packaging. These devices have been designed for load switching in wearables and smartphones as well as for use in digital circuits with higher power requirements. Such as space-constrained computing, communications, industrial, and automotive applications. Notably, the RET in DFN configuration […]
TVS hybrid array GbE device protects high speed data line applications
ProTek Devices announced the availability of the new PTA03-3.3ULC device which is a high power, low capacitance TVS hybrid array Gigabit Ethernet Protector. It is designed to protect high-speed data line applications from the damaging effects of ESD, EFT, and secondary transient threats. The PTA03-3.3ULC is a differential-mode port, fast transient protection array that features […]
SMD power inductor targets digital audio applications
Sumida Corporation, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and materials, has announced the launch of its new CDRH80D50 SMD Power Inductor. Inductance values range from 10 to 100µH, permitting a diverse range of circuit applications. The CDRH80D50 SMD Power Inductor is a ferrite drum core construction device with an air-gapped magnetic shield that reduces EMI, […]
A nuclear-powered cardiac pacemaker? Yes, but…. (Part 2)
Long-life pacemakers powered by plutonium-based thermal decay were implanted beginning in the 1970s, but better battery technology, safety concerns, and regulatory issues made them obsolete within a few decades. The technology Q: What did the nuclear pacemaker look like? How is it identified? A: The unit’s electronics are embedded in epoxy, with the plutonium power […]
FAQ on creepage and clearance: Part 3
Regulatory creepage and clearance requirements are increasingly affecting mainstream designs; understanding and meeting them is a complicated, multifaceted process. The final part of this article looks at an IC pair specifically designed for an enhanced creepage and clearance value, tools for helping with design, and also provides some “pre-electronics” perspective on the subject. Q: Are […]
Relay provides arc-flash protection in compact packages
The AF0025 series arc-flash relay is a cost-effective and OEM-focused solution that provides innovative arc-flash protection in a compact package. The relay significantly reduces arc-fault damage in AC and DC compartments by detecting the light from an arc flash using one or two optical sensors, and rapidly providing a trip signal. The compact design means […]
A nuclear-powered cardiac pacemaker? Yes, but…. (Part 1)
Long-life pacemakers powered by plutonium-based thermal decay were implanted beginning in the 1970s, but better battery technology, safety concerns, and regulatory issues made them obsolete within a few decades. Recently, I was surfing through my free over-the-air (OTA) TV channels and stumbled across a show from the 1970s called “To Tell the Truth” (there is […]
Schottkys in DPACK footprint offer drop-in improvements in power density, thermal performance.
Taiwan Semiconductor announces its new ThinDPAK family of ultra-fast-recovery Schottky rectifiers. ThinDPAK devices have the same footprint as standard DPAKs – but come in a thinner (1.33mm) package and offer superior power density and thermal performance. Fully AEC-Q qualified with a maximum operating temperature (Tj, max) of 175°C and typical reverse-recovery time of 25ns, ThinDPAKs assure […]
SiC Schottky barrier diodes deliver 5 A to 10 A
Bourns, Inc. announced it has expanded its 650 and 1200 V Silicon Carbide (SiC) Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) product family with 10 new models. The 10 new models added to the Bourns SiC SBD line are designed to address the increasing power density requirements in the latest transportation, renewable energy, and industrial systems. Bourns’ expanded wide […]
