Technical Features

February 2014

DC/DC Flyback Converter

Click image to enlarge

Figure 1: Power stage of the flyback converter (simplified)

DC/DC Flyback Converter

Eleazar Falco, FAE, Würth Elektronik eiSos / Editor, Gerhard Stelzer

Isolated flyback converters often use optocouplers in the feedback loop to regulate the output voltage. As part of the compensation circuit, its parameters such as CTR influence the control loop and must be taken into account in the flyback converter design. The flyback converter is an isolated switching power

. . . Learn More

Date:

04/01/2024

Digital power cuts time-to-market for industrial applications

Patrick Le Fèvre, Ericsson Power Modules

Given the range of industrial applications is extremely diversified – from very small sensors powered by energy harvesting to mega processors used for process control and huge data computing capabilities required by some industrial equipment – the challenge for power designers remains the selection of

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/18/2014

Boosting output in high-voltage op-amps with a current buffer

Joe Kyriakakis, Apex Microtechnology

Delivering more than 200mA of output current can be a serious challenge for many high-voltage operational amplifiers. But for high voltage applications requiring as much as 1A of current, it is possible to meet this spec by pairing a current buffer with the op amp. What the current buffer brings to this arrangement is

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/18/2014

Optimizing Smart Grid Power Connection Functionality

Chris Siegl and Aung Tu, Fairchild Semiconductor

Advances in system level goals of the Smart Grid to better manage electrical loads during high demand time of use or during a shortage of available resources have created a need for efficient methods of connecting and disconnecting loads from the grid. Load management systems have been available in the commercial an

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

How smart is the Smart Grid when the computer crashes?

Edward Herbert, PSMA Energy Efficiency Committee

Software security in the grid is becoming increasingly important. There have been reports of appliances hacked to send SPAM, and The Wall Street Journal claims that the Smart Grid already has been penetrated and infected with potentially disruptive software programs. There are even fears that terrorists may pe

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

Focused Ion Beam circuit edit improves power device design

Taqi Mohiuddin, Evans Analytical Group

Designers of power control devices and those that combine control with power FET functionality are finding that FIB circuit edit techniques proven at older process nodes are delivering even greater benefits when used at advanced technology nodes. It is also expected that FIB circuit edit techniques wi

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

Powering low-voltage devices from an intermediate-bus voltage

Willie Chan & Jason Sekanina, Linear Technology

Intermediate bus voltages from 24V to 28V (nominal) are commonplace in industrial, aerospace and defense systems, where series-connected batteries may be a backup power source and 12V bus architectures tend to be impractical due to distribution losses. The widening voltage gap between the system bus and the po

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

HV underground cable aids substation expansions with space constraints

Peter Ebersold, Marmon Utility

Substation expansions can become extremely complicated when space is limited. That’s when use of high voltage underground cable comes into its own as a viable option. What makes the option even more favorable is a turnkey approach, in which the high voltage underground cable provider provides the cable, terminations, an

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

Optimizing Rack Power Distribution with Advanced PDUs

Joe Skorjanec, Eaton

In today’s information-driven business landscape, enterprises across the globe have become increasingly dependent on data centers as the foundation for successful operations. For mission critical environments, peak operating efficiency and reliability are necessities; if the data center falters, the business su

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

A look at industrial programmable power

Alan Elbanhawy, Exar

As the shift from discrete DC-DC converters to integrated power modules continues, more complex devices are being introduced into the market for applications in several fields like industrial and telecommunications. These both require programmable modules with small footprints and high power density that deliver mu

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

Digital power management without code qualification

Frederik Dostal, Analog Devices

Digital power management has become more popular year over year, for multiple reasons. There are more semiconductors available to support digital power management, helping reduce the cost for such solutions. Another important reason for today’s success of digital power management however, is the increased tr

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/17/2014

Advanced packaging critical to power system performance

Doug Ping, Vicor

Packaging for power electronics has evolved from simple metal bending to advanced materials and thermo-mechanical design, and from freestanding supply to integrated power management. System-size reductions made possible by higher switching frequencies and semiconductor miniaturization drove the early part of th

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/16/2014

Tackling three-phase Power Measurements

Faride Akretch, Tektronix

Understanding wiring configurations and making proper connections is critical to performing power measurements. Although single-phase electricity is used to supply common domestic and office electrical appliances, three-phase alternating current systems are almost universally used to distribute electrical power an

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/13/2014

Implementing a More Advanced Approach to the Analysis of Power Quality

Oliver Lanz, Livingston

The world is becoming increasingly reliant on consumption of huge quantities of power in order to satisfy a wide range of needs (with the European Union alone accountable for 2,858TW-hours annually). In many cases it now comes via decentralized renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro-electric, geothermal an

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/13/2014

Reduce EMI & improve efficiency with a switcher design

Christian Kueck, Linear Technology

Switching regulators are an excellent replacement for linear regulators in areas where low heat dissipation and high efficiency are valued. The switching regulator is typically the first active component on the input power bus line, and therefore has a significant impact on the EMI performance of the complete co

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/11/2014

The Perfect Wave

Andreas Johannsen, Vincotech

PFC circuits are finding their way into more and more electronic drives. Of course, the best choice of components will always depend on the given application - what's right for one may be wrong for another. And what's more, power semiconductors can also influence each other. Demand for active PFC circuits in

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/04/2014

IGBTs impact efficiency and ruggedness in solar inverter apps

Satyavrat Laud, Renesas

In terms of performance requirements for a power device, a solar inverter is one of the most demanding industrial applications. First, for a grid tie inverter, efficiency directly relates to income generation, so device performance is paramount. Also a long and reliable life, on the order of 20 years or more, fo

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/04/2014

Using firmware for efficiency in battery-powered devices

Dave McGownd, Agilent Technologies

Battery powered products are commonplace today. Whether it’s a pace maker, smoke detector, cell phone, or high-end computing device, battery life is a big concern. Electronic hardware has evolved to handle these low power needs. Processors have many different power modes depending on what is required. And RF

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/04/2014

Choose and use oscilloscope probes wisely

David Maliniak, Teledyne LeCroy

There are many kinds of oscilloscope probes on the market with differing functions and electrical/physical characteristics. Some suit low-frequency applications, while others function well at high frequencies or high voltages. In this article, we’ll go over some of the salient characteristics of common probe typ

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/04/2014

Enabling facilities to diagnose motor issues easily

Jacob Beck, Electrom Instruments

The electronic devices used to test and analyze electric motors and other equipment have become much more powerful than in the past. Yet, in many instances these sophisticated devices have also introduced a high degree of complexity for users, requiring that highly trained and experienced personnel perform the te

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/04/2014

Distributed energy resources will reduce transmission needs

Kiran Kumaraswamy, ICF International

The rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DER) is raising concerns over the viability and necessity of new transmission lines. ICF International’s review and analysis of case studies concludes that targeted DER programs will reduce the need for transmission and distribution (T&D) investments in ce

. . . Learn More

Date:

02/03/2014

Archives

-->

This site uses cookies to enhance your visitor experience. By continuing your visit to this site, you accept the use of cookies to offer services and offers tailored to your interests. (See Our Privacy Policy)

PowerPal

Support Typing...

Sponsored by:

PowerPal

Hello, I am your personal PowerPal. How may I assist you today?

Powered by OpenAI