Enhancement mode (e-mode) GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) generally behave like n-channel power MOSFETs. Common curve tracers, parametric analyzers, and automatic discrete device parametric testers used for an n-channel power MOSFET can be applicable for the characterization of e-mode GaN transistors, but the implementation details differ for GaN. Typical e-mode GaN HEMTs have very […]
Power Components
SMT Kelvin shunt resistors provide accurate sub-milliohm current sensing
TT Electronics announced its LRMAP4026 series low resistance metal alloy power resistors designed for power supply, motor drive, and battery monitoring applications. This resistor series provides four-terminal Kelvin precision and high current capacity to all industrial applications, including automotive. Because four-terminal Kelvin connections improve precision, only a small portion of a design’s error budget is […]
Reference design details super-efficient bi-directional dc/dc converter
EPC announces the availability of the EPC9165, a 2 kW, two-phase 48 V – 14 V bidirectional converter that operates with 97 % peak efficiency in a small footprint. This solution is ideal for high-density and high-power 48V battery packs such as those required for eMobility and light mobility. The solution is scalable; two converters […]
How trimming affects thick-film resistor performance
Ordinary thick-film resistors can display varying qualities depending on how the manufacturer elected to trim the device. It pays to know what to look out for. Kory Schroeder, Stackpole Electronics Inc. Surface-mount thick-film chip resistors are the predominant type of resistor in electronic circuits today. This technology is inexpensive; thick-film resistors are produced by screen-printing […]
Basic current sensing considerations in power system design
Size constraints and a need for high efficiency are forcing designers to use more sophisticated current sensing techniques in modern electronics. Teoman Ustun, ACEINNA The historical mindset of power design being an afterthought in the overall system architecture is changing. Before the focus of electronic design shifted to power efficiency, it was a common practice […]
Better thermal management of eGaN FETs
A few simple thermal management guidelines can help conduct heat away from GaN FETs. Assaad Helou, Efficient Power Conversion Enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) FETs offer high power-density with ultra-fast switching and low on-resistance, all in a compact form factor. However, the power levels these high-performance devices provide can be limited by extreme heat-flux densities. If […]
High-current dual inductors meet AEC-Q200 reliability standards
BEC Distribution announced the availability of the new Coilmaster range of Ultra-Small, High-Current Dual Inductors meeting AEC-Q200 Automotive reliability standards, engineered to withstand harsh automotive environments. The new inductors have also attained IATF16949 certification. The inductance range is 0.47uH to 1,000 μH with a rated current of up to 17.9A. The inductors are magnetically […]
Configurable SiC digital gate drivers and the electrification revolution
Silicon-carbide MOSFETs and digital gate drivers work together to make electrified metro, subway, and other heavy transportation vehicles possible. Nitesh Satheesh, Tomas Krecek, Perry Schugart, Xuning Zhang, Kevin Speer, Microchip Technology Green initiatives continue to transform power electronic system designs in industrial, aerospace, and defense applications, and especially the transportation sector. Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology […]
High-temperature wet tantalum capacitors feature highest CV/cc at 200°C at 125 V
KYOCERA AVX expanded its TWA-Y Series high-temperature, COTS-Plus wet electrolytic tantalum capacitors with the addition of a new 470µF/125V code proven to be 200°C life testing procedures. Currently available in a DLA T4-size case, the new 470µF TWA-Y Series capacitor offers the world’s highest CV/cc at 200°C and 125V and is designed to withstand continuous operation at […]
Ultra-compact dc supplies provide up to 48 V
Altech Corporation introduces the PSC Family of power supplies. Five models range from 75 to 480 W of available power and have a three-year warranty. Dimensions of this ultra-compact supply family are 4.85 (d) x 1.25 (w) x 4.9 (h) inches for the 75 W supply up to 4.85 (d) x 2.75 (w) x 4.9 […]