Alex Lidow from EPC recently did a short video with us covering a brand new GaN-DC/DC converter that’s super small and efficient. Lidow says EPC has been working to improve GaN-based dc/dc conversion for about eight years. They had to overcome a lot of barriers to do so because when they first started, there were […]
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Eval kits help design silicon-carbide power circuits
There’s a lot of benefits that come with silicon carbide semiconductor devices. Increased power density, increased efficiency, lower form factor, simpler designs, simpler thermal management, are all examples of the benefits. But along with the things that silicon carbide enables, there’s also some side effects that make them hard to control, and if they’re not […]
Developments in high-amperage connectors with Harwin
There’s a need for higher amperage in contacts and connectors. That’s because of increased needs for SWAP — small size, little weight, and an ability to handle a lot of power in a very small space. And because of that, connector makers are innovating with some higher-amp contact options. We recently did a short video […]
Tamura explains how to pick a current transformer
The subject of current transformers is pretty big when you’re talking about inverters and other kinds of power electronics. Tamura’s Craig Simpson went through some examples of that kind of technology in a recent video. Tamura has been making current sensors for over 20 years and have developed quite a few different models of current […]
Electrical isolation technology at Silicon Labs
When you’re talking about power products and power supplies, galvanic isolation is a big deal. In that area, Silicon Labs has a wide portfolio of products that cover everything from digital isolators, which allow you to isolate a communication bus, or other digital signals up through high powered gate drivers to allow an interface to […]
Advances in Power over Ethernet ICs
Power-over-Ethernet specs have changed over the years — PoE devices have gotten more powerful, and so Ethernet cables are starting to become more like a power line. Silicon Labs’ John Wilson recently did a short video with us about four new power device ICs built with higher PoE power levels in mind. John reviewed demonstrations […]
Load switches, Part 1: Basic role and principle
Load switches are used to enable/disable power to selected ICs or circuit subsections. Although they don’t get much attention, they are useful for both saving power as well as management of multiple power rails. This FAQ will discuss their function, basic design, advanced IC implementations, and additional benefits of IC load switches. Q: What is […]
Power Electronics Top Talks in June on EDABoard.com forums
Peer-to-peer, engineer-to-engineer questions and answers from the EDABoard.com engineering community around power electronics. Click the “Read more” link and follow the entire conversation and maybe add your two cents by logging in to EDAboard.com Design precaution of 78xx and 79xx series regulators – I am looking into using these old regulators. My main concern is the […]
Here’s what happens when lithium-ion batteries are drastically overcharged
Lithium batteries have a high energy density so they can store a lot of energy in a small volume. But they can go up in smoke when bad things happen. Recently we recorded a short video to show what can happen during one of those bad things – overcharging. Excessive charging can bring on thermal […]
Power outlets may eventually discern bad power spikes from benign ones
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say they’ve developed a “smart power outlet” that can distinguish between benign electrical spikes from common household appliances and dangerous arcs that could lead to a fire. They say their device can also be trained to discern the appliance plugged into a particular outlet, such as a fan […]