Ron Stull of CUI explains what power factor is, how it affects efficiency calculations and how it is measured With today’s concentration on energy savings, design engineers need to know with increasing accuracy what their ac-dc power converter efficiency is. Measuring the ratio of output power to input power is simple for dc-dc converters, but […]
FAQ
Power-supply overvoltage protection, Part 2: Clamps
Part 1 of this FAQ discussed the context of overvoltage protection and crowbars which provide OVP. This part will look at clamps for OVP use. Q: What does the clamp do? A: A clamp conducts just-enough current to maintain the voltage across it at a safe, desired value when the transient is above the clamp’s […]
Power-supply overvoltage protection, Part 1: Crowbars
Engineers who deal with power supplies (as most eventually do) often see the circuit-protection terms “crowbar” and “clamp.” No, there are no references to items purchased at the local hardware store, but they are essential “hardware” elements, meaning autonomous circuit components and functions with no related software. They are used to provide protection to a […]
FAQ: Piezoelectric motors, Part 2: drive circuits
Unlike better-known electromagnetic motors, the widely used piezoelectric-based motor/actuator provides precise, repeatable linear motion over short distances, and requires a voltage drive rather than a current drive. Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the moving piezoelectric element of the actuator. Part 2 looks at their drive requirements, which are very different than those of […]
FAQ: Piezoelectric motors, Part 1: actuators
Unlike better-known electromagnetic motors, the widely used piezoelectric-based motor/actuator provides precise, repeatable linear motion over short distances, and requires a voltage drive rather than a current drive. When we think “motor”, we usually think of rotating motion or perhaps a special “linear motor” which is a rotary motor which has been rolled out flat. To […]
Optocouplers, Part 2: Parameters and applications
Part 1 of this FAQ explored the basics of the optocoupler. This part looks at key parameters and some application examples. Q: What are the primary factors used when assessing an optocoupler? A: While there are many important factors, there are several which are noteworthy: isolation, current-transfer ratio (CTR), linearity (for analog use), and speed. […]
Optocouplers, Part 1: Principles and usefulness
The optocoupler — also called an optoisolator — is among the most useful, versatile, problem-solving components available to the design engineer. This small non-monolithic device does one thing and does it well, with minimal complications in most cases and no software. This FAQ will look at the operation principles, key parameters, and applications of this […]
Connected vehicles will make their connections through gallium nitride
The high performance of many autonomous automotive features will likely depend on the use of super-fast GaN semiconductors. Alex Lidow, Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) WITH the rise of autonomous cars and electric propulsion as driving forces in automotive applications, a huge new market for power devices based on gallium nitride grown on a silicon substrate […]
How telematics is evolving with the connected car
The embedded systems that control vehicle tracking grow more sophisticated by the day. Hope Bovenzi, Texas Instruments Inc. The phrase “car of the future” often invokes thoughts about autonomous driving. But it is fair to also consider what it will be like as a passenger once our driving habits change. With free hands and relaxed […]
How to design a functionally safe vehicle display
It pays to know about the ASIL B compliance measures needed for automotive subsystems. Szukang Hsien, Automotive Business Unit, Maxim Integrated TAKE the wheel of a new car today and you’ll be greeted with the bright glow of screens filled with useful data: how fast you’re going, what’s playing on the radio, a playlist of […]