Using energy harvesting and a rechargeable battery to power a remote wireless IoT node seems like an obvious and straightforward solution, but there are some unique aspects to consider. Don’t get me wrong: I really like rechargeable batteries; in fact, I like them a lot. Whether based on lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, or other chemistry, our […]
FAQ
Power factor correction topologies
With the rise of green energy and transportation technologies, power factor correction (PFC) is growing in importance. PFC is an integral aspect of green energy designs since it can improve energy efficiency. PFC topologies can be passive, partial switching, or active, depending on system requirements. The appearance of wide bandgap power semiconductors combined with advanced […]
Flybacks, forwards, active clamps, PoE, and USB PD
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and USB power delivery (PD) systems are quite different in terms of the required power controllers. Still, they are very similar in terms of output power requirements. While PoE typically uses 48 Vdc input power for local power converters, USB PD power adapters typically operate from AC mains voltages. But various PoE and […]
Inverters for green energy systems
Inverters are a key component in green energy systems ranging from solar energy systems to wind turbines. Depending on the size and sophistication of the application, inverters can produce various forms of a square wave, modified sine wave, or true sine wave outputs. Some only invert DC to AC while others are integrated with battery […]
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for power electronics
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in power electronics build on the existing foundation of digital power and represent the next step in the evolution of power converter design, control, and optimization. Just as digital power enables more complex control algorithms than analog control techniques, AI and ML will allow even more complex and […]
The brushed DC motor: Still a very viable option, Part 3: Drivers
Brushless DC and stepper motors may get more attention than the classic brushed DC motor, but the latter may still be a better choice in some applications. The attractiveness of brushed DC motors for some applications and the challenges of optimizing their performance has attracted vendors of special driver ICs which are well-suited for this […]
The brushed DC motor: Still a very viable option, Part 2: Applications
Brushless DC and stepper motors may get more attention than the classic brushed DC motor, but the latter may still be a better choice in some applications. The brushed motor is available in sizes from tiny ones providing a few inch-ounces of torque through hundreds of horsepower and has been used successfully for over 100 […]
The brushed DC motor: Still a very viable option, Part 1: Operation
Brushless DC and stepper motors may get more attention than the classic brushed DC motor, but the latter may still be a better choice in some applications. Most designers looking to choose a small DC motor – a sub- or fractional-horsepower unit, typically – usually look initially at just two options: the brushless DC (BLDC) […]
Pouch-type EDLCs for thin-and-light circuit designs
Supercapacitors now come in a small, thin format that makes them candidates for uses characterized by cramped quarters. Shinji Higuma, TDK Corp. In the next several years, the internet of things (IoT) will include tens of billions of connected devices. Consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive applications will feature connected devices, but not all connected devices […]
Putting supercapacitors to work
There are a variety of modern applications in which supercapacitors are better candidates than either batteries or ordinary capacitors. George Wundsam, Cornell Dubilier Supercapacitors are not new. First developed in the 1950s, commercial versions were marketed over 40 years ago. At that time, supercapacitors were certainly not on a fast track to practical application. They […]
