Technical Features

    October 2011
    Transformer Design Comparisons for Mitigating EMI in Gate Driver Circuits

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: Gate driver circuit diagram with a Bourns transformer

    While gate driver-based converters deliver improved efficiency, speed and signal integrity, their high frequency switching features can produce elevated levels of conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI), posing challenges to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and overall system reliability. To solve this
    Date:
    03/29/2026
    Power Conditioning

    Click image to enlarge

    POWERVAR SecurityPlus product

    In a two-year study involving customer projects around the world, POWERVAR, a power management systems company, examined how power quality technology can significantly reduce the service burden
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    IEC60601 Medical Standards

    Click image to enlarge

    The internationally accepted IEC 60601-1 standard has been continuously developed to help alleviate safety issues relating to all manner of medical equipment. Engineers need to be aware
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Designing for Medical

    Click image to enlarge

    The vital selection process required for choosing the most suitable supplier for a medical power supply and to achieve requirements for EN60601 specifications Power supplies are a critical
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Information Fusion in Medical Systems

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1

    As medical instrumentation acquires increased processing power, the amount of information that is gathered from a patient is growing exponentially. Whenever large amounts of data are presented
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Patient Protection

    Click image to enlarge

    LTM2881 2.5kVRMS isolated RS485 μModule transceiver

    An important consideration when designing medical products is satisfying the IEC 60601-1 safety standard and the isolation ratings for products that come into contact with patients. One
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Medical Goes Mobile

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1

    In the world of medical devices, smaller is more beautiful. The market has seen a plethora of product announcements that herald a new era in size and portability. While research teams
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Why Simulation Software?

    Click image to enlarge

    Analysis of insulator covered with water droplets

    Using modelling software in this current economic market speeds up delivery time by increased accuracy at an early stage in the design process. The majority of engineering designers today
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Making the Most of Iron

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: Broadband attenuation

    In recent years, innovative soft magnetic materials have moved to the forefront of electrical engineering and electronics and led to the development of many advanced components. Today, VACUUMSCHMELZE
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/29/2011
    Highly Efficient Flyback

    Click image to enlarge

    Table 1: Turns Ratios and Inductances

    For industrial applications, power supplies with galvanic isolation in the range of 10 to 20W are often required. In general, a flyback converter is a good choice for this application. But
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/20/2011
    Sensor-Driven Solid State Lighting

    Click image to enlarge

    Fig 1 LED Driver

    Over 20% of the energy consumed in the US is in lighting; in fact, next to heating and air conditioning systems, lighting systems account for the greatest energy. Today, adequate daylight
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/19/2011
    A new generation of low power, self-configuring network devices capable of remote management via a web connected smartphone or tablet PC are set to deliver the next healthcare revolution. The cost of providing healthcare to those recovering from illness or surgery has risen rapidly in recent years and there
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/14/2011
    Ridley Universal Injector

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: The RIDLEY UNIVERSAL INJECTOR offers extraordinary wideband operation with either large voltage drive, or high current drive.

    A Brief History I have been working with frequency response analyzers for over 30 years. My first introduction was when working on switching power supplies during my undergraduate degree at
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/13/2011
    Monitoring Transformers

    Click image to enlarge

    Implementation of a RightWon in a small distribution substation connecting IEDs, a meter and sensors located on the transformers within the substation

    Transformers serve as a hub for collection and distribution of energy changing the voltage level at different locations of the Grid. They are a key component of the Smart Grid. These components
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/08/2011
    Next Generation Small Cell Wireless Networks

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: A typical small cell cabinet with power system and battery backup included (top left side)

    The growth of the mobile Internet has been more dramatic than any pundit could have imagined. Fueled by the iPhone and other smartphones, enthusiastic mobile Internet users have turned to email,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/08/2011
    Smart Grid Security

    Click image to enlarge

    We have often seen reported the potential for data theft, either on an individual basis, or on a larger scale. The question is how to lessen the risk of the worst happening in smart grid metering. The
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/08/2011
    Testing Photovoltaic Inverters

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: Islanding

    PV is becoming pervasive, but there are vital safety considerations that need to be adhered to - and tested thoroughly Introduction to islanding Islanding of photovoltaic systems
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/08/2011
    Auto Battery Assist

    Click image to enlarge


    Figure 1

    Supercapacitors, or Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs), were invented in the 1960's and introduced for use in back-up applications by NEC in 1979 for clocks in VCRs, radios and microwave
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/08/2011
    Cutting Utility Bills

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: Dimming ballast block diagram.

    Legislation mandating adoption of energy-saving lighting, such as the EU Lighting Directive, can help governments meet CO2 reduction obligations while also helping reduce end users' utility bills. As
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011
    Powerline Communications

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1: Scheme for PLC technology. In a TLACS system from Nyx Hemera Technologies a local controller integrates PLC to communicate with the network controller over the AC line and controls each lamp using a standard DALI interface

    Street lighting in its many forms - roadway lighting, tunnel lighting, car park lighting and urban lighting - is a major consumer of grid electricity. All outdoor lighting is, in fact,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011
    Safe Photovoltaic Systems

    Click image to enlarge

    Future energy challenges are due to the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and urgent climate concerns. The new Power Grid will rely heavily on PV installations and their safety The photovoltaic
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011
    Loads on the Grid

    Click image to enlarge

    Figure 1

    There are many applications today where the prevailing brushed DC motors continue to represent high demand on the power grid. In most cases, these durable motors, based on proven technology,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011
    Smart Grid Progress

    Click image to enlarge

    The Smart Grid will bring massive changes to the way energy is delivered to homes. If the intent is to make everyone aware of and responsible for their personal energy usage, the Smart Grid is
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011
    Reducing Industrial Energy Consumption

    Click image to enlarge

    Wi-LEM Schematic illustration

    Today, as never before, the subject of energy efficiency is on everyone's agenda, at personal, corporate and national levels. It is no surprise, therefore, that there is scope in many manufacturing
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    10/07/2011

    Power Systems Design

    146 Charles Street
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA

    Power Systems Design

    Published by Power Systems (PSD) serves all aspects of the Power Electronics market including but not limited to Power Conversion, Power Management, Intelligent and Embedded Motion, Automotive, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Lighting. PSD is published 10x per year in English with separate print editions for Europe and North America and is published 6x per year in China. PSD Apps are available for Android & iOS. Additionally qualified power engineering professionals may subscribe and receive PSD daily PowerSurge newsletters.