Peltier modules, also known as thermoelectric coolers (TEC) or thermoelectric modules (TEM), are solid state devices which transfer heat when electrical power is applied. As with many components, the reliability of Peltier modules is of great importance in applications, so it is beneficial to have some basic knowledge regarding their construction and proper implementation. It […]
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Overcoming the challenges of USB PD 3.0’s Fast Role Swap
by Zhigang Liang, Renesas Electronics America The USB-C interface is revolutionizing the way we connect our electronics devices. Thanks to high-speed data transfer and high power delivery, USB-C port adoption is accelerating, and the USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and USB-C specifications are maturing. While consumer electronics OEMs move fast implementing USB Type-C as their […]
Bringing science to the selection of mica capacitors
An RF modeler makes it easy to predict in-circuit S-parameters for mica capacitors used at microwave frequencies. Sam G. Parler, Jr., P.E. | Cornell Dubilier The choice of capacitor can particularly impact the performance of circuits handling RF and microwave frequencies. Specifying passive components operating in this region can seem more like art than science. […]
Optimizing discrete SiC devices
SiC FETs now include measures aimed at keeping losses down while managing fast switching waveforms. Dr. Anup Bhalla | UnitedSiC Silicon carbide (SiC) FETs have low on-resistances, fast switching speeds, and intrinsic diodes with low reverse recovery charge (QRR) and low forward-drop (VF) qualities. These qualities make SiC FETs suitable for use in active-front-end three-phase […]
Polymer capacitors show promise as MLCC alternatives
It pays to know how different capacitor technologies behave when shortages force a search for good substitutes. Randall Scasny | element14 The demand for MLCCs (multilayer ceramic capacitors) has outstripped supplies since 2017. Industry observers expect the shortage will dissipate by 2020, but product manufacturers remain concerned. In a quest to find suitable alternatives, an […]
Boosting performance in 48-V power distribution
New ways of routing power around circuit boards bring more efficiency and fewer thermal problems. Phil Davies | Vicor Corp. Power distribution networks (PDNs) are the backbone of any power system. As system power demands rise, traditional PDNs are under tremendous pressure to deliver enough performance. There are two main ways to improve PDN impact […]
How to make dc/dc converters rugged
Design standards for rail transportation equipment are so severe that they are used as qualifications for products targeting other areas where ruggedness comes in handy. Here’s a quick overview of what these standards entail. Martin Tenhumberg | Traco Power In transportation, there is an emphasis on electronic systems in rail because of expanding safety, telemetry […]
Don’t be confused by line and neutral fusing
It pays to know when the use of a single fuse is less hazardous than fusing both hot and neutral wires. David Norton | TDK-Lambda Americas For many years ac-dc power supplies for the medical market have been safety certified to the IEC 60601-1 medical standard and to the industrial IEC 60950-1 /IEC 62368-1 standards. […]
Common misconceptions about the MOSFET body diode
Engineers who design power circuits around wide-bandgap semiconductors frequently make costly mistakes that relate to the switching behavior of transistors. Julian Styles | GaN Systems We need to face an awkward and embarrassing truth about ourselves in the world of power electronics. I’d like to ask you to try to be completely open and honest […]
Error analysis in temperature sensing with NTC and silicon-based PTC thermistors: Comparing the Ratiometric and Absolute methods
by Hadi Ebrahimi-Darkhaneh, Texas Instruments A thermistor is a resistive device specifically designed to vary resistance with thermal change, and therefore follows Ohm’s law. According to Ohm’s law, a current passing through a resistive component will produce a voltage drop across that component. This voltage is proportional to the magnitude of the component resistance and […]