Automotive & Transportation

    April 2018
    'Exceptional' Research Points Way Toward Quantum Discoveries

    Rice University scientists used nanotube films and polarized light to strongly couple light and matter progressively and on demand at room temperature. Their discovery of exceptional points in the resulting polaritons could allow researchers to explore novel quantum technologies like advanced information storage or one-dimensional lasers.

    HOUSTON - (April 30, 2018) - Rice University scientists are known for exceptional research, but a new paper led by physicist Junichiro Kono makes that point most literally. The discovery of exceptional points in a unique material created by Kono's lab is one of several revelations in a paper that appears in
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    Date:
    04/30/2018
    500VDC SMD Fuse Optimized for Electric Vehicle Applications Offers Short-Circuit Protection Up to 1500A
    CHICAGO — Littelfuse, Inc. introduced a series of surface-mount fuses with interrupting current ratings up to 1500A that are optimized for use in high-voltage automotive applications up to 350VAC or 450/500VDC. NANO2 885 Series Fuse is designed to protect electric vehicles against severe fault/short-circuit curr
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    Date:
    04/30/2018
    Vincotech Joins the Charging Interface Initiative
    Vincotech has joined Charging Interface Initiative e. V., an association set up by Germany's automotive luminaries to entrench the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the definitive technology for battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). Vincotech and CharIN's founding members, which include Audi, BMW, Daimler, P
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    The Schaffner Group introduces ecosine active sync series, the new generation of modular, compact, effective and reliable active harmonic filters
    Schaffner is again setting a benchmark with its product offering for harmonics mitigation solutions. ecosine® active sync utilises superior technology to reliably mitigate excessive harmonics with an evolutionary modular product concept. With the new ecosine active sync filters FN3530/31/40/41, FN3532/42 and FN3545
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    Ultra-Wide Input DC/DC Converters for Railway and High-Voltage
    The ultra-wide input-voltage range of the latest DC/DC converters from Dengrove Electronic Components gives extra flexibility when designing equipment to be powered from high-voltage batteries, or to operate from various different standardised supply voltages. Now in stock at Dengrove, the RECOM RPA100H and RPA20
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    Ultra-soft IGBT freewheeling diodes offer industry leading low losses
    Infineon Technologies Bipolar GmbH & Co. KG launches a new diode family especially designed for modern IGBT applications: Infineon ® Prime Soft. This diode features an improved turn-off capability which now rates at 5 kA/µs. Prime Soft builds on the well-received IGCT freewheeling diode family which is based on
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    Chassis-Mount 500 W and 1000 W DC-DC Converters Designed for Railway Applications
    Santa Clara, CA - Bel Power Solutions and Protection announces the RCM500 (500 W) and RCM1000 (1000 W) chassis-mount DC-DC converters, which are designed for railway applications where compactness and high reliability are required. These new RCM Series products are fully isolated and highly efficient over a br
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    Vicor Launches 12V to 48V NBM Module at GTC 2018
    Vicor Corporation has announced a 12V to 48V non-isolated up converter to support 48V high-performance GPUs in data centers that are still relying on legacy 12V power distribution. The 2317 NBM converts 12V to 48V with over 98% peak efficiency, 750W continuous and 1kW peak power in a 23 x 17 x 7.4mm surface
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    Date:
    04/26/2018
    The pursuit of higher efficiency has been a driving factor in industry progress since electricity was first harnessed.  The introduction of solid state transistors in switching applications enabled the switching power converter and created a step function improvement in power conversion efficiency.  Advances in
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    High reliability thick-film resistors from TT Electronics get smaller
    TT Electronics has announced the introduction of two additional resistor types that expand and enhance its high-reliability CR and HR series. The latest versions of these thick-film chip resistors are in the smaller 0603 size and hence offer greater opportunities for use in compact circuits where guaranteed per
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    Robust high efficiency 50W to 600W DC-DC converters for railway applications
    XP Power has unveiled a new extensive family of cost-effective high-power density DC-DC converters for railway traction, rolling stock, and harsh environment applications. Offering a wide selection of power handling capability from 50W up to 600W, traction battery voltages of 24, 36, 48, 72 & 110 VDC are cov
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    Würth Elektronik eiSos expands its MagI³C series of power module
    With the MagI³C-VDMM (Variable Step Down MicroModule), Würth Elektronik eiSos expands its product series of power modules with high power density, very few external components and outstanding electromagnetic compatibility. The step-down converter with variable output voltage is a particularly compact solutio
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    Now in stock at TTI, Inc. and ideal for demanding automotive applications are Panasonic’s LP-Series power choke coils and ZE-Series Hybrid capacitors
    Now available in Europe through TTI are Panasonic’s highly power efficient LP-Series power choke coils and ZE-Series Conductive Polymer Hybrid Aluminum SMD technology capacitors featuring a high ripple current (up to 2.0A) and a low ESR value. Rugged LP series power choke coils offer inductance stability over a broad
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    Renesas Electronics Introduces ISL91302B, ISL91301A, and ISL91301B Multiphase PMICs with Highest Efficiency and Smallest Footprint
    Renesas announced three programmable power management ICs (PMICs) that offer the highest power efficiency and smallest footprint for application processors in smartphones and tablets: the ISL91302B, ISL91301A, and ISL91301B PMICs. The PMICs also deliver power to artificial intelligence (AI) processors, FPGAs,
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    ABB launches world’s fastest e-vehicle charger at Hannover Messe, strengthening its leadership in sustainable mobility
    By operating at powers of up to 350 kilowatts, the newest model from ABB, Terra High Power charger, adds up to 200 kilometers of range to an electric vehicle in just 8 minutes. The new charger is ideally suited for use at highway rest stops and petrol stations. ABB chargers are being installed around the world, a
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    New Ultracapacitor and Battery-Powered DC UPS announced by BLOCK
    BLOCK announces the introduction of two new 24V/40A uninterruptible power supplies. These DC input UPS ensure reliable availability of safety-critical systems in the case of power failure. BLOCK UPS supports 12V, 24V and 48V systems and can be either battery-powered or use capacitive energy storage. Product sel
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    Ultra slim device guarantees 5kV isolation and 8.0mm creepage and clearance distances
    Toshiba Electronics Europe today announced the launch of a new gate driver photocoupler housed in a low-profile SO8L package. The TLP5832 delivers 2.5A peak output current (IOPH,IOPL) and can directly drive medium-class IGBTs and MOSFETs in applications such as inverters for industrial, air conditioning and solar appli
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    Date:
    04/25/2018
    The introduction of improved semiconductor devices, namely wide bandgap types such as Silicon Carbide(SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) will enable significantly higher performance power switching applications, especially in applications such as automotive traction inverters.    SiC power semiconductor technolog
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    Date:
    04/24/2018
    It’s all about materials

    Ally Winning, European Editor, PSD

    Welcome to the May edition of PSD. This year seems to be constantly busy and the time is flying in. Maybe it is because the industry is on the crest of a wave at the moment, or it may be that the number of important events is increasing and we are constantly in the lead up to another one. This month, we start to
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    Date:
    04/24/2018
    In-House Processing Brings Cost-Effective AI

    Ally Winning, European Editor, PSD

    Earlier this year I wrote a blog on Google and its tensor processing units. The company had just launched the second generation of its powerful ICs that provide the computing power for its vast datacentres around the world. The processors are specifically designed for the complex AI computational tasks found in
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    Date:
    04/24/2018
    Automated Driving Technologies Will Never Be Perfect
    As a species, we have an innate fear of a fictional robot apocalypse, and it colors our every reaction to semi-autonomous and autonomous systems. Case in point – the agita over the handful of semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicle fatal crashes. Back in March, a Tesla Model X ran into a concrete lane divider at high speed, killing the driver in a horrific fiery wreck. The hook? The vehicle’s autop
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    Date:
    04/23/2018
    30 Watt Medical DC-DC Converter Features Wide 2:1 Input Range in 1x2'' Footprint
    TRACO POWER has announced the release of their THM 30 family of medical 30 Watt DC/DC converters with wide 2:1 input range in the industry standard 1 x 2” footprint. The THM 30 Series are a reliable solution not only for medical equipment but also for demanding ITE applications such as transportation, control &am
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    Date:
    04/20/2018
    TMR 3WIR and TMR 6WIR Series
    The TMR 3WIR and the TMR 6WIR series are a set of 3/6 Watt DC/DC converters in a SIP-8 metal case. The design purpose of these series was to miniaturized low power DC/DC converters for railway application to the maximum without sacrificing highest efficiency. They operate up to 78°C environment temperature at full
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    Date:
    04/19/2018
    AEC-Q101-Qualified 3- and 4-Channel Optical Sensors Designed for Turn and Push, Absolute, and Incremental Encoding
    MALVERN, Pa. — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced two new AEC-Q101 qualified transmissive optical sensors for automotive and industrial applications. Offered in a compact 5.5 mm by 5.85 mm by 7 mm package, the Vishay Semiconductors TCUT1630X01 and TCUT1800X01 are the industry's first 3- and 4-channel tra
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    Date:
    04/18/2018
    The Industry's First Soft-Termination MLCCs With Low ESR
    TDK Corporation has developed the industry’s first soft-termination MLCCs with low ESR. The new CN series features terminal electrodes with a conductive resin layer that provides high mechanical robustness to protect against board flexure. At the same time, the new MLCCs offer a low ESR that is comparable to
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    Date:
    04/17/2018
    Thin Film Series Satisfies Higher Voltage and Current Requirements
    RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Bourns, Inc. has announced the introduction of the first of many new SinglFuse product series the company has planned in its strategic roadmap for 2018. The significant expansion of its SinglFuse line will include advanced wire-core, ceramic multilayer and ceramic tube fuse technologies in add
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    Date:
    04/17/2018
    Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices which provide an efficient and reliable source of light and contain no moving parts, making them very reliable in environments with elevated vibration and shock, such as automobiles. Other desirable properties include high efficiency, long life and brightness. LE
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    Date:
    04/16/2018
    One year on, how does the Analog Devices takeover of Linear Technology look?

    Ally Winning, European Editor, PSD

    It’s been almost a year a year to the day (10th March) since Analog Devices announced that the company had completed its approximately $15 billion takeover of Linear Technology. The initial announcement had come as a shock to the industry, in that one of the seemingly few remaining large privately owned electro
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    Date:
    04/16/2018
    Synchronous buck-boost converters with four power switches can deliver very high efficiency while providing both step-up and step-down DC/DC conversion. Combining the capabilities of two separate converters (buck and boost) has the advantage of reduced solution size and cost. Four-switch converters should be abl
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    Date:
    04/16/2018
    The Industry's First 3 Volt Thin Prismatic Supercapacitors
    CAP-XX announced it has developed the industry’s first 3V thin, prismatic supercapacitors. The company will deploy its 3V technology first in thin prismatic form to meet demand for small, inexpensive, energy-efficient power solutions for thin wearables, key FOBs and other IoT devices. CAP-XX will then integrate th
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    Date:
    04/12/2018
    CMI Expands Research in Tech Metals as Demand for Electric Vehicles Grows

    The Critical Materials Institute is launching new research in the processing, use and recycling of materials necessary to EV technology.

    As increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles drives the demand for supplies of lithium and cobalt (ingredients in lithium-ion batteries), the Critical Materials Institute will begin new efforts this July to maximize the efficient processing, use, and recycling of those elements. "The global te
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    Date:
    04/12/2018
    Interchangeable NTC Thermistors Feature Insulated Tinned-Copper Leads
    CARSON CITY, Nev. — Ametherm announced that the company has extended the capabilities of its ACCU-Curve series of interchangeable NTC thermistors with the ACL-011. This new device features insulated tinned-copper leads, ensuring the most accurate temperature sensing with no unintended conduction between leads. Ametherm's ACL-011 de
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    Date:
    04/10/2018
    Next Generation 2/3 Watt SIP-8 DC/DC converters
    TEC 2/3 (WI) are new series with the design purpose to improve the prevalent 2/3 Watt SIP-8 DC/DC converters (eg. TMR 2/3E) in terms of cost, efficiency and performance. The latest technology and components enable an increase in efficiency by more than 20%. With the reduction of thermal loss, the operating temp
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    Harwin Introduces Ultra-Compact Fine Pitch Cable-to-Board Connector Offering
    Continuing to extend the breadth of its interconnect solutions, Harwin has announced the latest addition to the M40 series. With phosphor bronze contacts that are rated for currents of up to 1A, these lightweight, low profile 1mm pitch units are the smallest in the company’s portfolio of cable-to-board connecto
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    STMicroelectronics’ ACEPACK IGBT Modules, Now at Mouser, Deliver Highly Integrated Power Conversion Up to 30kW
    Mouser Electronics is now stocking the ACEPACK IGBT modules from STMicroelectronics (ST). Part of a new plastic power module family developed mainly to address industrial applications, the Adaptable Compact Easier PACKage (ACEPACK) modules provide economical and highly integrated power conversion for 3 kW –
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    Imec and Qromis Present High Performance p-GaN HEMTs on 200mm CTE-matched Substrates
    imec and Qromis, have announced the development of high performance enhancement mode p-GaN power devices on 200mm engineered Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)-matched substrates, processed in imec’s silicon pilot line. The substrates are offered by Qromis as commercial 200mm QST® substrates as part of
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    Lumileds Latest LUXEON CoB Core Range LEDs, Now at Mouser, Offer High Density in a Small Surface
    Mouser Electronics is now stocking LUXEON CoB Core Range (Gen 4) LEDs from Lumileds. These LEDs offer high flux densities in a small light emitting surface (LES), enabling double the luminous flux of the third generation of LUXEON CoB Core Range devices. The high-density CoBs can achieve the highest center beam candlep
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    Welcome to the April issue of PSD. The industry currently seems to be on the crest of a wave, or as Mark Burr-Lonnon from Mouser put it at the recent Embedded World exhibition, “If you aren’t making lots of money in the industry at this particular time, then you must be doing something wrong”. That quote wa
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    Date:
    04/09/2018
    KEMET Expands ESD Rated Ceramic Capacitor Product Portfolio
    KEMET has expanded its electrostatic discharge (ESD) rated ceramic capacitor series into a complete product portfolio. Automotive and commercial grades are now available in EIA 0402, 0603, 0805 and 1206 case sizes with voltage ratings of 16 to 250 VDC. These devices provide miniaturization and enhanced flexibility to
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    Date:
    04/06/2018
    Ultra-Broadband Resistors Feature a Rugged Construction, Tight Tolerances, & a 125mW Power Rating
    FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. – AVX Corporation has released the new UBR Series ultra-broadband resistors. The ruggedly constructed, ultraminiature (EIA 0402, 1005 metric) ultra-broadband resistors are made with high-performance tantalum nitride (TaN) materials and utilize the company’s proprietary, automotive-qualified, gl
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    Date:
    04/05/2018
    The Smallest Cartridge Fuses Available With Current Ratings From 40A to 63A and a 2,000A@500VAC Interrupting Rating
    CHICAGO — Littelfuse, Inc. introduced the smallest cartridge fuse series available that’s rated at 500VAC with current ratings from 40A to 63A and a 2,000A@500VAC interrupting rating. The 606 Series high-current Cartridge Fuse is designed for overcurrent protection in applications such as high-voltage power
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    Date:
    04/04/2018
    Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors Feature High Capacitance And Low ESR
    TDK Corporation has developed a new series of vertically stacked MEGACAP Type MLCCs that combine high capacitance and low ESR. The new CA series offers rated voltages from 25 V to 1000 V and covers a capacitance range from 20 nF to 150 µF. The new MLCCs are available with C0G, X7T, X7S, and X7R temperature ch
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    Date:
    04/03/2018
    In recent years, significance of semiconductor module for photovoltaic power conversion systems is increasing. Especially higher output power with existing housing size of power module is important to realize further downsizing or rating upgrade for its systems. For realizing higher output, advanced technologies
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    Date:
    04/03/2018
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    Power Systems Design

    Power Systems Design is a leading global media platform serving the power electronics design engineering community. It delivers in-depth technical content, industry news, and product insights to engineers and decision-makers developing advanced power systems and technologies.

    Published 12× per year across North America and Europe, Power Systems Design is distributed through online and fully digital editions, complemented by eNewsletters, webinars, and multimedia content. The platform covers key areas including power conversion, semiconductors, renewable energy, automotive electrification, AI power systems, and industrial applications—supporting innovation across the global electronics industry.