It can be important to balance dielectric strength and thermal performance when deciding on coatings for insulation and heat dissipation. Thermal conductivity, Κ, λ, or κ, measured as W/m·K, is a key factor and measures the rate at which heat flows away from a heat source towards cooler regions. The use of an optimized coating […]
FAQ
What is a solid-state transformer?
A solid-state transformer (SST) is an AC-AC converter, sometimes called a power electronics transformer (PET), that replaces a conventional magnetic transformer in applications like green energy systems, cloud data centers, EV fast chargers, and smart grid infrastructure. They are smaller and lighter than conventional transformers and can support better power quality, higher energy efficiency, and […]
Why inverter designers need to understand space vector modulation
Space vector modulation (SVM) is a sophisticated digital control technique that improves three-phase inverter performance over traditional sinusoidal PWM (SPWM). SVM’s higher DC bus utilization supports a higher output voltage, reduced harmonics, and lower switching losses, but it requires more complex calculations compared to SPWM. SVM can improve DC bus utilization by 15%. Optimized SVM […]
Reed relays: from voiceband calls to GHz ATE, now facing MEMS disruption part 2
Reed relays have evolved from their audio roots to handle GHz signals; MEMS technology may push them aside. This section explores the reed relay and its use in ATE applications. The alternative: the reed relay Along with the efforts to develop a better central office switching matrix and crossbar, scientists and engineers at the venerable […]
What is gate charge, and why does it matter for switching speed?
Gate charge (Qg) represents the total electrical charge required to turn on a power semiconductor device, such as MOSFETs and IGBTs. The switching speed is directly affected by this important parameter. The lower the gate charge, the faster the device can go from on to off. This article examines the physical origins of gate charge, […]
Beyond traditional filtering: how Power-over-Coax is reshaping EMI control
The electromagnetic interference landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The maturation of 5G networks, explosive growth in autonomous vehicles, and widespread deployment of Internet of Things devices have created new challenges for EMI/EMC design. Most significantly for automotive applications, the proliferation of Power over Coax systems in camera implementations has introduced unique requirements for managing both […]
What are some positive uses for negative capacitance?
Negative capacitance (NC) is primarily used to reduce power dissipation in electronic devices and enable ultra-low power nanoelectronics. By exploiting unique properties in ferroelectric materials, NC can be used to overcome the limitations of conventional transistors and potentially lead to more energy-efficient electronic devices ranging from sensors to high-frequency, high-power gallium nitride (GaN) HEMTs. Normal […]
How to analyze and manage inrush current
Inrush current represents one of the most common yet overlooked challenges in power electronics design. These sudden current surges can exceed normal operating levels by 10 to 100 times, lasting only milliseconds but carrying enough energy to damage components or trigger unwanted circuit breaker trips that frustrate users and compromise system reliability. Inrush characteristics by […]
How do parasitic inductances affect switching performance?
Parasitic inductance is an often-overlooked factor in power electronics circuits. This FAQ examines how stray inductances in components and PCB layouts create voltage overshoots, electromagnetic interference, and efficiency losses in switching applications. Parasitic inductance is an unintentional and unavoidable characteristic of all electronic parts and their connections that reduces how well power electronics circuits switch. […]
Why would you use a zero-ohm resistor?
If you had never heard it before, the term “zero-ohm resistor” might seem at best like an oxymoron or, at worst, some sort of joke to play on a new or naïve circuit designer. After all, designers are under constant pressure to simplify their designs and reduce the bill of materials (BOM), so why would […]
