Technical Features
December 2016
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Figure 1. WBG and silicon power switch Infineon brands positioning
Introduction
Today’s switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) are smaller, more efficient, and lower-cost than ever. The key to their performance is the power switch technologies at their heart – but how should designers choose the right material for this and find the best component to meet their needs?
While silicon is the most widely-known constituent of semiconductors, a new group of wide bandgap (WBG) materials is increasingly finding its way into applications. One example is gallium nitride (
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Date:
09/01/2021
In today’s data acquisition systems (DAQs), performance boundaries are continually being pushed. System designers require higher speed, lower noise, and better total harmonic distortion (THD) performance; all of which are possible but none of which are free. These performance improvements typically co
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Date:
12/07/2016
The EPCOS PQSine active harmonic filter
To a non-engineer, the word “harmonics” has a beautiful sound – one that to many conjures up an image of a concert with instruments playing beautiful music. The harmony is what combines with the melody to turn the composition into something complex and beautiful rather than being just a simple tune.
However, when most
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Date:
12/07/2016
The creepage distance is the shortest path between two conductors along the surface of an isolator (typically a PCB)
When designing a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) operating losses and the ability to dissipate heat are critical selection criteria for MOSFETs. The standard TO-220 package is generally good at dissipating heat and the wide range of heatsinks and forced-air cooling options available can easily improve this. Le
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Date:
12/04/2016
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