By Margaret Bezerko, President of SensComp When it comes to electronic design, function dictates framework. While piezoelectric, electrostatic, and electromagnetic devices offer distinct benefits, each comes with specific drawbacks and best-fit applications. In this piece, we’ll examine each system with a quick analysis of operating mechanisms, potential pain points, and ideal use cases for current […]
DC power connector selection criteria
As an often overlooked or underappreciated aspect of a final design, dc power connectors, also known as barrel connectors, provide a key connection point for powering many applications. Although a relatively simple component in the design process, it is still important to have a basic understanding of a dc power connector’s specifications and nomenclature. Specifications […]
Supercapacitor system design considerations
Supercapacitors can deliver more: More power density, more Farads, more cycle life, and so on. But they also demand more complex solutions to realize optimal performance. Among the many design considerations are managing supercapacitor discharge, optimizing supercapacitor charging, and, in the case of series configurations of supercapacitor modules, providing effective voltage balancing between cells. Properly […]
Supercapacitor specifications and IEC/EN 62391–1
When correctly used, supercapacitors can support high power levels, high pulse power loads, and long-term back-up power needs. Understanding the nuances of supercapacitor specifications is the key to maximizing these performance capabilities. There is some level of standardization for supercapacitor sizes, for example, a 10x30mm can supercapacitor is generally 10 Farads across the industry. Some […]
Supercapacitor operation – a higher power source
Thousands of Farads and power densities of thousands of watts per kilogram are among the chief benefits of supercapacitors (also called ultracapacitors). These devices operate in a fundamentally different way compared with conventional capacitors or batteries. Most supercapacitors commonly used today are double-layer capacitors which provide high power capabilities. Pseudo-capacitors are a less common form […]
Automotive load dump TVS – A unique transient voltage suppression application
Kevin Parmenter, Director, Applications Engineering, Taiwan Semiconductor, US Transient protection is common in nearly all electronic circuits. Self-contained automotive electronics systems present a unique challenge requiring a different type of transient voltage suppressor (TVS) Almost all electronics systems have a need to be protected from transients and surges. TVS devices are often used to […]
RF transformer specifications – Making the best of a non-ideal situation (Part 3)
As discussed in Parts 1 & 2 of this FAQ series, RF transformers are complex devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods including core-and-wire, low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC), and transmission line topologies have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various […]
RF transformer fabrication – Making the best of a non-ideal situation (Part 2)
As discussed in part 1 of this series, physical RF transformers are non-ideal devices and include parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, which are non-linear and complex effects that compromise performance. Several fabrication methods have been developed to mitigate the impact of the various parasitics and help to optimize RF transformer characteristics for the needs of […]
Dealing with non-ideal transformers – Basic RF transformer theory of operation
When current goes through the primary winding of a theoretical (ideal) transformer, it generates a magnetic field which induces a voltage across the secondary winding. Connecting a load to the secondary causes an AC current to flow in the load. However, a physical transformer is far from ideal and includes parasitic resistances, inductances, and capacitances, […]
Design considerations for PoE
by Rich Fry, Director ICT, TDK Corporation of America The adoption of Power over Ethernet (PoE) in various applications is growing significantly, largely due to the added benefit it can provide for both the designer and end users: Fewer cords at workstations lower labor costs, and the ability to run an Ethernet LAN cable that […]
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