Part 1 of this FAQ explored the basics of the optocoupler. This part looks at key parameters and some application examples. Q: What are the primary factors used when assessing an optocoupler? A: While there are many important factors, there are several which are noteworthy: isolation, current-transfer ratio (CTR), linearity (for analog use), and speed. […]
Optocouplers, Part 1: Principles and usefulness
The optocoupler — also called an optoisolator — is among the most useful, versatile, problem-solving components available to the design engineer. This small non-monolithic device does one thing and does it well, with minimal complications in most cases and no software. This FAQ will look at its operation principles, key parameters, and applications of this […]
Top power electronics threads on EDAboard.com – August
(editor’s note: Intrigued by these power electronics problems? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the power electronics forum threads.) Power MOSFET forensics – I need your help to investigate a recent MOSFET death. It was […]
Top power electronics threads on EDAboard.com – April
(editor’s note: Intrigued by these power electronics problems? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the power electronics forum threads.) Cheap mains conducted emissions tester? – Our direct drive, 100W offline, non-isolated LED driver failed EMC […]
SuperFET III MOSFETs sport 44% lower RDS(on)
Fairchild Semiconductor, now part of ON Semiconductor), today introduced its SuperFET III family of 650V N-channel MOSFETs, the company’s new generation of MOSFETs that meet the higher power density, system efficiency and exceptional reliability requirements of the latest telecom, server, electric vehicle (EV) charger and solar products. The SuperFET III MOSFET family combines best-in-class reliability, low EMI, excellent […]
Digitally programmable buck-boost regulator targets battery-powered mobile devices
Fairchild launched its most advanced digitally programmable buck-boost regulator for the power supplies used in smartphones, tablets and other battery-powered mobile devices. The FAN49103 regulator joins the rest of the popular FAN49100 family in meeting the critical requirements of these power supplies by combining the highest power density, the smallest solution size, the tightest transient […]
Power MOSFETs come in smaller packages
Fairchild, a global supplier of high-performance semiconductor solutions, launched its industry-leading mid-voltage MOSFET technology in a Dual Cool™ 8mm x 8mm package. The new Dual Cool 88 MOSFET gives power conversion engineers a first-of-its-kind alternative to bulky D2-PAK packages at half the size and with higher power density, superior efficiency and better cooling via air flow […]
Fairchild Semiconductors Integrated Smart Power Stage (SPS) Module
High efficiency and power density are critical factors that designers are challenged to provide within the shrinking available board space in next-generation server and telecom system power delivery applications. To meet this challenge, Fairchild Semiconductor developed the smart power stage (SPS) module family a next-generation, ultra-compact, integrated MOSFET plus driver power stage solution. This family […]
Fairchilds Power Supply WebDesigner Adds Power Train Tools
Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) has enhanced Power Supply WebDesigner (PSW), an online design and simulation tool that provides complete designs in under a minute to include power train discrete (MOSFET/IGBT/Rectifier) device power loss and efficiency analysis tools. Intended for 100 W to 3 kW designs as a function of input and output conditions, these […]
TinyBuck Point of Load Regulators Deliver up to 96% Full Load Efficiency
Power supply designers for server, tablet, notebook, telecom, gaming and general purpose point of load (POL) regulation applications are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency in their designs in order to meet energy standards, extend battery life and reduce total cost of ownership. To help designers meet this challenge, Fairchild Semiconductor developed the next […]
