Technical Features

    December 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
    Active Suspension Comes of Age Bolstered by High Density Power Modules

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    Figure 1: The new Vicor BCM6135 enables the size and weight of an active suspension system to be reduced by half and provide symmetrical bidirectional power for highly efficiency energy recuperation.

    ­Picture this. You are taking a trip to the city with some friends in your economy car, and you encounter an atrocious stretch of road. As you endure the bumpiest ride you have ever faced, you are passed by a sleek sedan, easily going twice your speed. ‘That can’t be comfortable’ you think to yourself, bu
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    Date:
    12/31/2024
    Wire Harness Protection Optimizes Zonal Architecture

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    Figure 1: Wire Protection with Fuses

    ­Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous systems that rely on proper wiring. During power distribution, power losses occur because of the current flowing through the wire, and the electrical resistance of the wire leads to heating. If the temperature becomes too high, insulation can be damaged, leading to a
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Exploring Commercial EV Challenges and Solutions

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    ­Considering all factors, the automotive industry has been remarkably fast in transitioning towards electrification. Despite its incredible size, long-established processes, and relatively lengthy R&D cycles, which can all hinder progress, manufacturers across the globe have rapidly launched complete electric ve
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Using GaN HEMTs in OBCs

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    Figure 1: Typical OBC electrical schematic

    ­One of the most important technology revolutions today is vehicle electrification, and it is leading to a large disruption of the automotive industry. One of the sparks that ignited this new revolution was the CO2 emission reduction targets set by governments around the world, but it is not the only one. In tr
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Driving Innovation: Expert Insights on the Power of Quality Engineering

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    Figure 1: Grinding fasteners to perfection is part of the process when manufacturing custom fasteners for assembly

    ­Optimas and other key players in the fastener industry are at the forefront in reducing vehicle weight to enhance mileage, leveraging innovative technology, superior engineering practices, and a fresh perspective on weight reduction from a component standpoint to assist manufacturers in meeting these standards. Despite this, the
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    The Ascension of the Electric Motor

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    Figure 1: State-of-the-art electromotors are steadily replacing combustion engines

    ­1. Motor efficiency Whatever power source is chosen for the future - be it a self-powered or occasionally plugged-in battery pack, a fuel cell that converts hydrogen or ammonia, or even a fossil fuel driven generator - the most efficient motor to provide motion power is an electric one. The typical efficien
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Integrated Resistor Dividers Improve EV Battery Systems

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    Figure 1: ≥400V EV batteries are attenuated by resistor dividers to interface with the rest of the BMS

    ­In modern electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the battery management system (BMS) serves as the brain of the battery pack, responsible for ensuring battery performance, safety and longevity. The BMS monitors parameters such as state of charge, which provides insight into the remaining en
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Signal Improvement Drives Next-Generation Automotive CAN Performance

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    Figure 1: Automotive electronic communications networks are becoming increasingly complex due to the rising number of MCUs needed in modern vehicles

    ­ECUs typically manage a whole host of vital vehicle functions such as powertrain control, lighting, safety, and infotainment. The number of ECUs varies per vehicle, but if we look at a luxury model, it is hardly unusual to see to see 150, or even more. And even in lower-end vehicles, the total number will be
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    Meeting the Critical Needs of the Energy Industry

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    Figure 1: OMRON Power Relay Line Up

    ­The energy industry is navigating a transformative phase characterized by pressing needs that are reshaping its operational strategies. A primary requirement is the demand for high-voltage, high-capacity relays, driven by the increasing use of high-voltage, high-capacity batteries across various applications, in
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    Date:
    12/01/2024
    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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