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 […]
Worst-case error analysis and calibration in temperature sensing systems using NTC and PTC thermistors
by Hadi Ebrahimi-Darkhaneh, Texas Instruments For applications that employ temperature monitoring systems, measurement accuracy is a prime concern. Temperature sensors are affected by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, manufacturing process variations, poor assembly, and nonideal biasing components. External components connected to temperature sensors (such as the power supply, an analog-to-digital converter [ADC] and […]
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 […]
How to electrocute yourself in a few easy steps
Here’s a fun project: Pop open an old microwave oven and scavenge the high-voltage transformer powering the cavity magnetron vacuum tube. Then use it to make yourself a Lichtenberg generator. But be sure there’s someone nearby to call an ambulance. Lichtenberg generators are used to create art and abstract objects by burning fractal patterns into […]
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 […]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 51
- Next Page »
@PowerElectrTips
EE World Online
YouTube
Instagram