The difference between high-side and low-side power switching is not apparent to many new designers but is a critical aspect of a viable circuit. Part 1 looked at the topology of high-side versus low-side arrangements; this part looks at switches and decisions in more detail. The switches Q: Is a high-side switch the same as […]
FAQ
FAQ on high-side vs. low-side load switching: part 1
The difference between high-side and low-side power switching is not apparent to many new designers, but it is a critical aspect of a viable circuit. Applying power (voltage and current) to a load and removing it using a mechanical or electronic switch is a requirement in most systems. Even if the system is powered on, […]
Design challenges for solar photovoltaic arrays operating in partially shaded environments
A partially shaded environment on a photovoltaic (PV) panel refers to a situation where the irradiance on the PV panel is reduced due to factors such as passing clouds or a falling shadow on the PV panel. This reduces PV output power and creates complexity in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This FAQ […]
How can power converters be designed to minimize EMI?
Switch-mode power converters are highly efficient and cost-effective devices. However, they must be carefully designed and integrated into systems to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. This article reviews some EMI sources in power converters and examines a few design considerations for DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters in power conversion, renewable energy, and motor drive applications. […]
What are the different single-phase transformerless PV inverter configurations?
A transformerless PV inverter has no galvanic isolation between the input and the output, leading to current leakage problems. Parasitic capacitance plays a crucial role in the circulation of leakage current. Several types of transformerless PV inverter configurations can address this issue. This FAQ discusses why parasitic capacitance matters and the four commonly used configurations […]
Edison’s revenge? High-power DC gets another chance
DC-based power transmission lost out to AC, but DC is making a comeback. Many things we now use as basic knowledge were not fully understood in the early days of electricity and power in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Still, one thing was grasped: ohmic losses (often called IR or resistive losses) in power-transmission lines were […]
How does the shape of the coil affect wireless power transfer?
Coil shapes have played a profound role in the performance of wireless power transfer, especially with the coupling coefficient, output power, and energy transmission. We will examine how square, circular, and pentagonal coils have fared against each other. While there are many more shapes, these three form the basis of other shapes and, therefore, require […]
Bipolar junction transistors show their muscle
Recent enhancements to the classic BJT show that the classic transistor has plenty of life left and can challenge SiC and GaN devices in some power applications. Amidst the advances in CMOS and wide bandgap semiconductor technology, you can easily forget that the first transistor invented by William Shockley in 1949 was a bipolar junction […]
FAQ on X- and Y-capacitors
X-capacitors and Y-capacitor placements are needed for performance and mandated for safety in most AC-line systems. What are X-capacitors and Y-capacitors? No, they are not references to various circuitry-related algebra problems that need to be solved, nor are they the tools of superheroes. Instead, they are AC-line capacitors mandated by good design practice and regulatory […]
FAQ on voltage and current sources: part 3
Voltage and lesser-known current sources provide important IC, circuit, and system functions. This section continues the discussion of current sources and related topics. Q: How do you construct a better current source than a voltage source and a resistor? A: There are several ways, but the most common is, ironically, to start with a voltage […]
