Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are placed between two mating surfaces, such as a power semiconductor module and a heat sink, to improve heat flow between them. This FAQ will take a few examples to illustrate how TIMs conduct thermal management in power electronics. Where are TIMs finding their place in power electronics cooling? Power electronics […]
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Are SiC and GaN going to be replaced by ultra power semis?
With the recent announcement by Infineon that gallium nitride (GaN) use is reaching the “tipping point” for accelerated adoption, maybe it’s time to consider what’s next beyond wide bandgap (WBG) GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) devices. Next-generation ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) power semiconductors are being developed that may replace current WBG options. UWBG semiconductors have bandgap […]
FAQ on three-phase AC power part 2: implementation
We’re familiar with single-phase AC at the outlet, but multiphase AC offers advantages and is necessary for higher-power installations. The first part of this article examined the need for three-phase AC. This part looks at the implementation. Power sourcing and wiring Q: How is the three-phase AC power generated? A: It does not use three […]
FAQ on three-phase AC power: part 1
We’re familiar with single-phase AC at the outlet, but multiphase AC offers advantages and is necessary for higher-power installations. For most engineering designs, the circuit’s DC operating power comes from one of two sources: either a battery or a basic AC line, which has been stepped down via a transformer, rectified to DC, and then […]
What is a PWM current source converter?
A pulse width modulation (PWM) current source converter (CSC) maintains a near-constant DC-link current using inductive energy storage while dynamically adjusting AC-side voltage through PWM switching. PWM CSCs provide safe, reliable, and precise power control for various applications, such as large synchronous motor drives, specialized uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and industrial heating systems. This article […]
What is the purpose of a freewheeling diode in power electronics?
In any electronic circuit, the energy stored in an inductor must be properly channeled in the event of switching. This FAQ explains how a freewheeling diode can help achieve smooth inductor discharging and prevent voltage spikes. What happens when no freewheeling diode is used? The purpose of using a freewheeling diode can be best understood […]
FAQ on Rogowski coils for current measurement
This basic non-contact transducer is often used to measure AC currents. Accurate measurement of static and dynamic current flow in a conductor is a common requirement in many circuits and systems. Designers have several transducer options for this, including sensing the voltage across a known, in-circuit sense resistor, using a non-contact Hall-effect sensor, or employing […]
What are the power delivery challenges with 5G to maximize sustainability?
The two primary power delivery challenges with 5G new radio (NR) are improving operational efficiency and maximizing sleep time. For example, Ericsson estimates that 94% of the company’s carbon emissions are from the operation of its products. It’s been estimated that base station resources are generally unused 75 – 90% of the time, even on […]
FAQ on high-side versus low-side load switching: part 2
The difference between high-side and low-side power switching is not apparent to many new designers but is a critical aspect of a viable circuit. Part 1 looked at the topology of high-side versus low-side arrangements; this part looks at switches and decisions in more detail. The switches Q: Is a high-side switch the same as […]
FAQ on high-side vs. low-side load switching: part 1
The difference between high-side and low-side power switching is not apparent to many new designers, but it is a critical aspect of a viable circuit. Applying power (voltage and current) to a load and removing it using a mechanical or electronic switch is a requirement in most systems. Even if the system is powered on, […]
