Larson Electronics announced the release of a mini light tower featuring three 1000 watt metal halide lamp heads, a 3,500VA generator for operation, and an adjustable tower built on a wheeled frame for portability. The WAL-ML-3XM-3G mini light tower from Larson Electronics is an ideal solution for operators who need a fully portable yet easy […]
Battery
Tiny Wireless NiMH charger-receiver chip targets hearing aids
Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4123 to further expand its offerings in wireless battery charging. The LTC4123 combines a 30mW wireless receiver with a constant-current/constant-voltage linear charger for NiMH batteries, such as Varta’s power one ACCU plus series. An external resonant LC tank connected to the LTC4123 enables the IC to receive power wirelessly from […]
Battery monitor checks, balances 16 cells at a time
Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced the industry’s first integrated battery monitor and protector to measure 16 battery cells at one time. The bq76PL455A-Q1 provides highly accurate cell-voltage monitoring for large batteries with up to 256 cells in a series and can enable a more intelligent battery management in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, […]
ON Semiconductor Demonstrates New Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 Compliant Charger
ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ON), driving energy efficiency innovations, has introduced a reference design implementing the new Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 3.0 protocol. The new protocol provides significant efficiency improvements over the existing Quick Charge 2.0 solution. The high efficiency, small form factor reference design supports the Quick Charge 3.0 High Voltage Dedicated Charging Port (HVDCP) Class […]
New Class of Non-Isolated, Bidirectional Bus Converter Modules (NBMs)
Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) announced the introduction of a new family of non-isolated, fixed conversion ratio, bidirectional bus converter modules (NBMs). Utilizing Vicor’s Converter housed in Package™ (ChiP) packaging technology, and exploiting technical improvements in magnetic and semiconductor technologies, these NBM™ modules feature improved efficiency and power density when compared to contemporary best-in-class isolated bus […]
Boost converters for single-cell li-ion batteries
ams AG, a provider of high performance sensors and analog ICs, introduced the AS1383, an ultra-compact switching boost converter which offers high efficiency and helps extend run-time in applications powered by a single-cell lithium-ion battery. The converter provides outputs of between 2.7V and 5.0V from a 2.7V-5.5V input voltage range. It is available with an […]
Power-management ICs, battery chargers work with Skylake 6th-gen Intel core processors
Intersil Corporation, a provider of innovative power management and precision analog solutions, introduced its latest power saving solutions for 2-in-1s, ultrabooks and tablets: the ISL95852 highly integrated power management IC (PMIC) and the ISL95521 battery charger. Both devices meet Intel‘s IMVP8 specifications to support its new “Skylake” 6th Gen Intel Core processors. The ISL95852 and […]
Top power electronics threads on EDAboard.com – August
Phase shift full-bridge SMPS is massively over-hyped? – The Phase Shift Full Bridge (PSFB) converter is a hoax. The LTspice simulation (Editor’s note: see post for file) of a “plain” full-bridge SMPS bears this out. PSFB claims to be able to reduce switching losses compared to the “plain” full-bridge SMPS. However, the PSFB does have turn-OFF switching losses, just […]
Battery pack monitor extends operating life of Li-ion batteries
OEMs are moving away from NiCd and lead-acid batteries to embrace the more environmentally friendly Li-ion battery chemistries. Li-ion batteries are smaller, weigh less, and deliver longer battery life, but require monitoring and protection for safe use. Intersil’s ISL94203 3-to-8 cell battery pack monitor functions as a stand-alone battery management system for rechargeable Li-ion battery packs. […]
Battery Types and Operation
I came across an interesting new product recently which made me realize that I take batteries for granted without actually thinking much about how they work. I know they work and the specifications enable me to select them and design them into a product but how do they work? The product that caused my intrigue […]
