The A80803 leverages multi-topology conversion and patented IP to enable smooth high/low/high beam transitions in a single integrated circuit (IC). The A80804 linear LED driver provides high power for automotive lighting applications through multiple, independently-configurable channels. Both products help designers reduce the number of ICs required to create safety-enhanced automotive lighting systems, enabling higher performance […]
Power Electronic Tips
Bidirectional 48-12-V two-phase converter demo board targets mild-hybrid vehicle apps
EPC announces the availability of the EPC9163, a 2 kW, two-phase 48 V – 12 V bidirectional converter that operates with 96.5 % efficiency in a very small footprint. The design of this demonstration board is scalable; that is, two converters can be paralleled to achieve 4 kW or three converters can be paralleled to […]
High-power chip resistors feature low thermal resistance
The WHPC0508X, WHPC0612X, and WHPC1020X extra-high-power resistors from TT Electronics are ideal for compact power supply and motion control applications, these resistors feature inverse geometry with the terminations on the long sides. This gives the new WHPC chip resistors very high thermal contact with the PCB and low thermal impedance. As a result, it is […]
Pouch-type EDLCs for thin-and-light circuit designs
Supercapacitors now come in a small, thin format that makes them candidates for uses characterized by cramped quarters. Shinji Higuma, TDK Corp. In the next several years, the internet of things (IoT) will include tens of billions of connected devices. Consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive applications will feature connected devices, but not all connected devices […]
The brushed DC motor: Still a very viable option, Part 1: Operation
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) […]
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 […]