Technical Features

    January 2022
    Transformer Design Comparisons for Mitigating EMI in Gate Driver Circuits

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    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
    Revolutionizing Distributed Air Gap Cores

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    Figure 1. Temperature comparison @ 50 kHz single gap vs. distributed gaps

    It is fascinating to learn about successful companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, HP and Harley Davidson that started in their founders’ garages. Each started as a hobby business, innovating upon decades-old technology, expertly tailoring the technology into custom solutions for their customers. Over time, th
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    Date:
    01/12/2022
    EV Range Extension in Traction Inverters Using SiC

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    Figure 1. Power conversion elements in EVs. The traction inverter converts the HV battery’s DC voltage into AC waveforms to drive the motor, which in turn propels the car

    There are two major disruptions currently affecting the future of vehicular transport and semiconductor technology. We are embracing a new and exciting means to propel our vehicles cleanly with electrical power, while simultaneously re-engineering the semiconductor materials that underpin electric vehicle (EV) su
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Transformerless OBCs With Three- and Single-Phase Operation

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    Figure 1: The traction battery of a xEV can be charged via a DC charging station or, via the OBC, from the AC grid (a). This article focuses on AC charging, especially on transformerless OBCs to be operated at (European) three-phase grids (b) and North-American single-phase (“split-phase”) grids (c)

    On-board chargers (OBCs) charge the traction batteries of electric- and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (xEVs) from the AC grid. They work at raised power levels (11 kW, 22 kW) and should be able to handle various grid forms - however, the combination of operating from European three-phase grids and North-American si
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Using 5G to Grease the Wheels of Edgier, More Intelligent Automobile Domains

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    Figure 1. When coupled with 5G, the accelerometer and gyroscope data fusion provide incredibly accurate location data for Vehicle-to-Vehicle systems and infrastructure

    Significant developments such as the rollout of multi-gigabit 5G cellular infrastructure, real-world deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and the deployment of edge/cloud computing have been taking place. In this article we revisit the purpose and functions of vehicle domains bef
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Silicon Carbide Technology and Digital Gate Driving Pave Way for Electrification of Heavy Transport Vehicles
    Among the most promising technologies in the mission to decarbonize emissions-intensive transportation vehicles are SiC-based power-management solutions supported by configurable digital gate driver technology. The high power and voltage requirements of electric vehicles (EVs) of all types, including electric
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Hybrid PMIC Design Optimizes Embedded Systems Power Needs

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    Figure 1: A hybrid combination of a PMIC and discretes could give the optimal balance of size, cost and performance

    System power management ICs (PMIC) integrate all or almost all of the required power rails, however, individual power rails are implemented using discrete dc/dc and LDOs. The best approach will depend on particular use cases and each users’ criteria. PMICs tend to offer better performance and controllability in
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Parallel or Series Operation of Switched-Mode Power Supplies

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    Figure 1: Redundant operation, basic star wiring options

    A single power supply is most of the time sufficient in applications connected to an AC power source. However, there are sometimes additional boundaries set to fulfill either higher power needs, system reliability, or even mechanical constraints. The connection of two or more power supplies for redundancy is im
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    From Cold Crank to Load Dump: A Primer on Automotive Transients

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    Figure 1: Typical Automotive Electrical System

    New vehicles provide infotainment systems with high-resolution displays, an enhanced user interface, and numerous connectivity options. Improved safety features include LiDAR for collision avoidance, as well as multiple cameras and sensors for driver awareness. Many of these electronic modules are connected to 12V
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Rapidly Advancing Automotive Technologies Create New Challenges for RF Test and Measurement

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    Figure 1. New automotive electronic systems

    Automotive electronics technology continues to advance at an astounding rate, taking advantage of many of the technologies developed for aerospace, space systems, and the military. In a short amount of time, the industry has moved from basic gauges that monitor automobile systems such as fuel, speed and temperature to
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Shrink the 12V Battery by Half and Maintain Cold Crank?

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    Advances in safety features, comfort and infotainment systems in automobiles are escalating power requirements, challenging power systems engineers to meet the growing power demands with restrictions in weight and space. Over the last decade, the typical 12V power requirements have increased from 1.2kW to 4kW co
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    Date:
    01/01/2022
    Archive

    Transformer Design Comparisons for Mitigating EMI in Gate Driver Circuits

    Mar 29,2026
    Matthew Russell, Master’s student at University College Cork, and a student engineer at Bourns Electronics Ireland

    1250 V/1700 V GaN HEMTs for NVIDIA 800 VDC Architecture

    Jan 31,2026
    Kamal Varadarajan & Chris Lee, Power Integrations

    Future-Proof Automotive High-Voltage-to-SELV Conversion

    Dec 30,2025
    Greg Green, Director of Automotive Marketing, Vicor

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    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.

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