Technical Features

    September 2024
    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
    Molded Power Inductors

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    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
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    Date:
    09/28/2024
    Residential Solar: Part 4 of 4 Editorial Series sponsored by Infineon; SiC MOSFETs in energy storage system (ESS) designs

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    Figure 1: ESS integrated with solar inverter

    ESS in residential solar installations Gradual but consistent improvements in the efficiency of residential solar generation systems have been instrumental in their growth around the world. This resulted in a generation of about 510 GWh of renewable energy in 2023, about 75 percent of which was from residential so
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    Date:
    09/24/2024
    Residential Solar: Part 3 of 4 Editorial Series sponsored by Infineon; Power optimizers for residential solar with MPPT tracking

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    Figure 1: Power optimizer in a residential solar installation

    In the quest for a greener, more sustainable future, residential solar installations are growing rapidly around the world, with 2023 seeing 365 GW of new installations [1]. As the world embraces residential solar, maximizing the efficiency of these systems becomes more and more vital. This is where power optimi
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    Date:
    09/16/2024
    Residential Solar: Part 2 of 4 Editorial Series sponsored by Infineon; Enhance string inverter designs with the latest SiC and SJ MOSFETs

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    Figure 1: Evolution of Infineon’s power transistors for string inverters

    ­Recent advancements in power transistors have positively impacted the weight, size, and power density of solar string inverters. This coincides with the rising adoption of residential solar generation systems, which has touched 510 GW in 2023 alone, as mentioned in the first article of this four-part series
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    Date:
    09/09/2024
    Residential Solar: Part 1 of 4 Editorial Series sponsored by Infineon; Harnessing the sun with residential solar solutions

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    Figure 1: Types of solar PV installations

    The global capacity to generate renewable power is growing rapidly — faster than any period in the recent past. In 2023, about 510 GW[1]of renewable power supply was added globally, with solar photovoltaic (PV) generation accounting for 75 percent of the addition. The next five years will see the fastest growth
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    Date:
    09/03/2024
    LED Matrix Manager Empowers Automotive Front Light System

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    Figure 1: An LED front light system

    ­Intelligent front light systems are growing ata rate of 8.3% annually. They feature glare-free high beams, LED, and matrixlighting, which together form adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems. These ADB systems eliminate the risk of blinding on coming traffic. To further enhance safety and comfort for drivers, au
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors for LED Drivers

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    Figure 1: An AC/DC flyback LED driver circuit.

    ­The global LED lighting market was valued at $71.59 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.20% from 2024–2032, at which point it’s predicted to have grown to a value of $186.12 billion. Many of the reasons behind this steady growth trend have to do with th
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    Multi-Channel LEDs Optimize Lighting Applications

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    Figure 1: A 6-channel design covers most of the CIE 1931 color space using royal blue, blue, cyan, green, lime and red LEDs

    ­LEDs are now available in a wider range of colors and spectral choices, opening new possibilities in luminaire design for both outdoor and indoor lighting applications. However, to successfully select and use these new products without problems and realize the full benefits of their improvements, several design gu
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    Replacement MOSFETs That Won't Fail EMC Testing

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    Figure 1. Nexperia’s 3-phase Motor Control Board and field probes

    ­Equipment constructed using electronic components inevitably generate noise in the form of electromagnetic interference (EMI), with switching components like MOSFETs being the biggest contributors. The level of EMI produced must not exceed values specified for the application, but unfortunately for equipment de
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    Modular and Configurable Power Supplies Streamline Design

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    Figure 1: Block diagram illustrates a power system using multiple, single-output power supplies

    ­In many applications, design engineers require multiple-output AC-DC solutions for their end equipment. Depending on the number of outputs required, there are three main options: multiple, single-output AC-DC power supplies, a distributed power architecture (DPA), or modular and configurable power supplies. Th
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    IGBT Modules Deliver Efficiency in Inverter Applications

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    Figure 1: ANPC converters are easily built using modules

    ­Electrification is prevalent across many sectors as manufacturers and consumers seek to find solutions that do not rely on fossil fuels as a source of energy. This is an important step for conservation as it limits the pollution that drives damaging global warming. As more electric vehicles (EVs) are deployed g
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    A Novel Way of Using Power Modules to Eliminate Electric Vehicle High-Voltage Pre-Charge Circuitry

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    Figure 1: At vehicle start up, the charging of a traction inverter’s DC-link capacitance can result in huge inrush currents that are potentially damaging to the equipment

    ­As the automotive industry transitions to electric vehicles (EVs), design engineers face challenges developing the underlying electrical architectures. For example, large capacitive loads in 800V traction motor inverters require dedicated pre-charge circuitry to avoid damaging inrush currents. At the same
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    Moving at Warp Speed: Allegro Current Sensors Accelerate GaN Adoption In Power Conversion Systems

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    Figure 1: Block diagram of a CLLLC Isolated DC-DC Converter

    ­In order to fix the problems with today’s transformers, one solution offers industry-first power conversion capabilities that move at warp speed. Isolated DC-DC Converter – the common element of power conversion The isolated DC-DC converter allows for efficient high-voltage power conversion. One common impl
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    Date:
    09/01/2024
    New Topology for Higher BBU Ratings at Old Dimensions for Data Centers

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    Figure 1: Battery backup unit (BBU) architecture in data centers

    ­The rapid growth of data centers due to increased AI demand has amplified the need for innovative, compact, and energy-efficient power solutions. A critical component of these solutions are Battery Backup Units (BBUs), whose power ratings must scale up to meet the growing power demands, reaching up to 12 kW, wi
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    Date:
    09/01/2024

    Power Systems Design

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    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.