By Darrel Kingham, CEO, Pulsiv To comply with tightening regulations aimed at reducing energy consumption and achieving “Net Zero” targets, the global electronics industry must embrace new and innovative methods of designing efficient products that are also economical to manufacture. While GaN and SiC technologies have become a popular choice for enhancing peak efficiency, they […]
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How advanced control strategies and system architectures contribute to sustainability
Doing something the same way as in the past rarely produces improved results. Technology is constantly evolving and improving, and new technologies can require new approaches. In the case of the power electronic systems discussed below, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are common themes in these advanced control strategies and system architectures. Another […]
What are varactor or tuner diodes?
A varactor diode or varicap diode is a semiconductor diode that changes its junction capacitance significantly depending on the applied reverse bias voltage. Many semiconductor PN junction diodes are designed to exhibit specific electrical properties; the varactor diode or varicap diode is one such semiconductor specifically designed to exhibit unique junction capacitance characteristics. These types […]
How SiC MOSFETs and Si IGBTs boost sustainability in green energy systems
Silicon carbide (SIC) MOSFETs and silicon (Si) IGBTs can both boost sustainability in green energy systems. Of course, they don’t compete across the board, there are uses where one or the other is clearly preferred. When comparing the two technologies, it often comes down to the prioritization of performance characteristics like light weight versus low […]
How much can GaN improve sustainability and reduce CO2 emissions?
Gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors are about less — less CO2 emission from device fabrication, less materials in the devices and power converters using GaN, less cost due to higher frequency operation and smaller passive components, and less thermal dissipation due to higher efficiencies. Those performance factors combine to improve the sustainability of power converters […]
How can digital twins improve power and motion system performance and sustainability?
A digital twin (DT) is a virtual representation of a physical system that spans its lifecycle, is updated using real-time data, and combines simulation, virtual testing, and machine learning to enable cross-functional teams to work collaboratively. Because it’s updated with real-time data, a DT creates a fusion between a modeling environment and real objects that’s […]
How multilevel converters and SiC can improve sustainability
Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are an advanced form of a voltage source converter. They are emerging as the preferred choice in medium- and high-voltage green energy applications like high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission systems, medium voltage motor drives including electric vehicles (EVs), wind and solar renewable energy systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and EV chargers […]
Power windows: now much more than just a motor and switch, Part 2
The automotive power window has evolved from a basic on/off switch and motor to a sophisticated motion-control subsystem with dedicated ICs. As with most improvements, there are both expected and unanticipated ripple effects in product objectives, associated design, and actual production. As cars became increasingly “electrified” with more motors, switches, lighting, power seats, infotainment, advanced […]
Power optimization techniques for low-power signal chain applications
By Lluis Beltran Gil, Analog Devices Several system-level techniques are available that can make signal chains designs more power efficient and reduce system design complexity. Low-power signal chains are critical when designing a battery-powered measurement system for applications such as field instruments (sensing temperature, pressure, or flow) or remote vital sign monitoring devices. Even for […]
Power windows: now much more than just a motor and switch, Part 1
The automotive power window has evolved from a basic on/off switch and motor to a sophisticated motion-control subsystem with dedicated ICs. In just a few decades, we’ve come a very long way from those bygone days of manually operated car windows, outside mirrors, and door locks. Now they are all electrically powered, with no manual […]
