Technical Features

January 2021
Molded Power Inductors

Figure 1a here

Figure 1a: Saturation current (Isat) comparison between a hard saturation ferrite power inductor (orange color) and soft saturation powdered alloy power inductor (blue color) at different ambient temperatures displayed by REDEXPERT. Saturation at an ambient temperature of 20ºC

Higher power requirements and miniaturization expose passives to rising temperatures, increasing the probability of thermal aging. This article explores how to select molded high-current power inductors, which are exposed to high temperatures for an extended time. The constant market demand to increase power density
Date:
09/28/2024
Innovating Power Delivery Networks
Every electronic piece of equipment or system has a power delivery network (PDN) made up of cables, bus bars, connectors, circuit board copper power planes and AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC converters and regulators. Governing the performance of a PDN is its overall architecture, such as the use of AC or DC voltage di
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Date:
01/28/2021
Impact of UnitedSiC Gen 4 Technology on Electric Vehicles

Table 1: Comparison of parameters for G4 750V SiC FETs with similar 650V SiC MOSFETs and 600V Superjunction fast diode FETs

The automotive market for Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices is widely expected to exceed the $1.5 billion threshold in 2025 with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38 percent. This is driven by the value provided by SiC based components in On-board chargers, DC-DC converters and in Traction inverters. With the launch of
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Date:
01/05/2021
DC/DC Supply Sources and Sinks Current from 5 to 24V Input

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Figure 1. Electrical schematic of bipolar, bidirectional, 2-terminal power supply: VIN = 5 V to 24 V, VOUT = ±10 V at 3 A

Most electronic systems depend on power voltage rails that are either positive or negative, but a few applications require individual rails that can be both. In these situations, positive or negative power is supplied by the same terminal—that is, the output voltage of the supply can be adjusted through its en
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Date:
01/04/2021
The Evolution of USB Type C in Power-Only Applications
Introduced in 2014, USB Type C is the latest physical standard, well-recognized for its simplified, bi-directional package, higher data rates, and greater power delivery. As has already been alluded to, USB connectors are defined by these three different, yet related standards: the physical connector, data transmission pr
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Date:
01/04/2021
How to Choose the Optimal Smart Handheld Gage

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Figure 1: Today’s smart hand tools provide information for machine control and inform the operator of part quality with tolerance indication

In manufacturing, it makes perfect sense to maximize the value of every dollar, but it also means hard choices must be made when selecting handheld gages. For example, myriad issues such as training, warranties, throughput requirements, manufacturing methods and materials, the end-use of the workpiece, and general co
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Date:
01/04/2021
USB Type-C Power Management Design for Portable Devices

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Figure 1: O-Ring Circuit

Among the many benefits of USB Type-C connectors are their small size, easy-to-use features, and versatility. USB Type-C (also called USB-C) can support multiple protocols, such as USB 3.1, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB PD. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) released guidelines for USB Type-C called USB Type-C Ca
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Date:
01/04/2021
Fast Charging: A Critical Enabler of EV Adoption

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Figure 1: AC and DC EV charging

The world’s automobile manufacturers are responding to ever stricter emissions regulations by increasing the proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in their ranges. Global EV sales have surged in recent years and data from 2020[i] suggests that EVs are beginning to take market share from traditional, internal
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Date:
01/04/2021
Space-Saving Connectors for Automotive Electronics

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Figure 1: Connector solutions such as SMC, MiniBridge and MaxiBridge are installed in many inverters or battery management systems of hybrid vehicles

Particularly in the automotive industry, very high demands are placed on connections. In harsh and often near-engine environments, connector systems must not only be as compact as possible, but must also exhibit high vibration resistance, robustness, temperature resistance, high current carrying capacity and ea
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Date:
01/04/2021
VIGIL: Pioneering V2G Technology for a Greener Tomorrow

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Figure 1: VIGIL Project 1 - Charge post charging vehicle at Aston University test site

Enabling EVs to return energy to the power grid when parked and plugged for charging, will increase grid resilience, allow for better exploitation of renewable sources and lower the cost of ownership for EV owners – leading to new business opportunities and clear advantages for EV users and energy consumers.  VIGIL was backe
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Date:
01/04/2021
Driving LEDs for Automotive Lighting Solutions
Automotive lighting is undergoing a fundamental change as more lighting solutions (both interior and exterior) shift from conventional bulbs to light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs present unique challenges in automotive applications, but they also promise unique advantages and possibilities. While driving LEDs re
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Date:
01/04/2021
Common Driver Platform for 12V and 48V Systems

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Figure 1: Starter generator and eBoost locations in an electrified vehicle

Starter generator systems play multiple roles in electrified vehicle architectures. They are responsible for starting the engine, supplying electrical boost to the engine, and generating charge voltage during deceleration or coasting, which reduces wear on mechanical braking systems while improving overall system ef
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Date:
01/04/2021
The Right TVS Devices for ''Load Dump'' Auto Applications

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Figure 1. Automotive applications are prone to transient and surge conditions

Protecting downstream automotive electronic system content vulnerable to “load dump” conditions is a major challenge in this market. Automotive systems require transient voltage suppressor (TVS) devices capable of shunting high-energy transients safely away from electronic circuits. In addition to se
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Date:
01/04/2021
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