Even this relatively simple circuit arrangement has subtleties that affect performance. Part 1 explored the role of pull-up and pull-down resistors to ensure that the binary (digital) circuit points are at an unambiguous 1 or 0 level. This part explores basic issues of sourcing, sinking current, and resistor sizing. Sourcing and sinking current Q: What […]
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FAQ on pull-up/pull-down resistors: part 1
Even this relatively simple circuit arrangement has subtleties that affect performance. In the crisp, clean, theoretical binary world, signals exist in only two unambiguous states, generally called 1 and 0 (one and zero). However, when engineering students, hobbyists, and digital-only professionals get into the hands-on real world of circuits and systems, they find that binary […]
Selection and implementation of BLDC control strategy
By Shao Zhang, Qorvo Understanding the differences between trapezoidal, sinusoidal, and field-oriented control can help engineers understand the value of Field Oriented Control (FOC) and the choices available to optimize their designs. BLDC motors can be smaller, lighter, and quieter than traditional brushed DC motors while enhancing the reliability and energy efficiency of consumer, industrial, […]
How do SiC and GaN devices age?
By Peter Friedrichs, Infineon Technologies SiC and GaN devices operate at higher stress levels than silicon devices. The semiconductor and automotive industries have strict qualification tests for that. Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) wide bandgap (WBG) technologies are well known for their performance advantages over silicon (Si) in many high-power areas, including their […]
Add gas discharge tubes to your circuit-protection device roster
GDTs are circuit-board-compatible overvoltage-protection devices and are far removed from the “spark gap” of monster movies. Circuit protection is like insurance: you really don’t need it until you unexpectedly do, and then you’re very glad you have it. This protection falls into two broad categories: protection against overcurrent (the common thermal fuse is the first […]
What are the current sensing challenges with WBG power converters?
The high-frequency switching of WBGs presents challenges related to bandwidth and speed that can be addressed with new sensing techniques. In addition, gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) devices have different tolerances to short circuit conditions and requirements for current sensing. Current sensors with the bandwidth needed to capture ultra-fast short-circuit events can be […]
What is a power quality survey used for?
Power quality (PQ) surveys are used in data centers, hospitals, and industrial installations to improve uptime and equipment performance by identifying the root causes of power quality problems. When discussing PQ problems, three important considerations are the types of PQ problems, the sources of PQ problems, and the tools for identifying and measuring PQ problems. […]
What are bidirectional GaN power ICs good for?
Bidirectional GaN power ICs are designed for various applications, from motor drives and renewable energy inverters to USB chargers, portable electronics, E-bikes, and more. This article presents examples of the application possibilities with bidirectional GaN switches. GaN high electron mobility transistors, HEMTs, or HFETs, have been fabricated using a 600 V process that produces devices […]
How to overcome the test and measurement challenges with WBG devices
The use of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors like SiC and GaN to improve data center, renewable energy, and EV powertrain efficiencies and speed up EV charging times, requiring that designers use new validation testing approaches to better understand device and system performance. This article begins by reviewing standard double-pulse testing (DPT) of WBGs. It then […]
What are some design considerations for titanium AC-DC power supplies?
With the development of Energy Star Titanium efficiency power supplies, the power electronics industry has met the challenges of reducing data center energy consumption and supporting a greener society. What were those challenges, and is there a path to “more than Titanium” power supplies? High-efficiency power factor correction (PFC) and high-efficiency dc-dc conversion were key […]
