This simple, mechanically driven power source is nearly 200 years old and still has a well-defined, albeit limited, role in today’s systems. Most of the historical and present-day applications for magnetos are for spark-plug ignition systems. This part looks at that aspect in more detail. Q: What’s the structure and operation of a basic magneto-based […]
FAQ
FAQ on magnetos for power and ignition, Part 1
This simple, mechanically driven power source is nearly 200 years old and still has a well-defined, albeit limited, role in today’s systems. What or who is a magneto? No, a “magneto” is not only the powerful mutant who has the ability to generate and control magnetic fields and first appeared in the debut issue of […]
Supervisory ICs tame power-up glitch headaches, Part 2
Power-on glitches and system malfunctions are a special challenge as rail voltages drop, but the right ICs can eliminate the problem. This glitch scenario outlined in the first part of this article becomes a major concern with the trend of low-power devices operating at lower voltages. Consider systems with three logic levels of 3.3 V, […]
Supervisory ICs tame power-up glitch headaches, Part 1
Power-on glitches and system malfunctions are a special challenge as rail voltages drop, but the right ICs eliminate the problem. Experienced engineers know that one of the riskiest times for a system is when power is applied. Depending on time constants and how smoothly and quickly the power rail comes up to nominal, the different […]
MYTH #2: e-mode devices have no Qrr
(Editor’s note: check out the full article, “The fundamental advantages of D-Mode GaN in cascode configuration,” and get the full technical story behind these “busted” myths.) Reality: When switching from reverse conduction to off-state, the reverse recovery charge accounts for not only bipolar transport minority carriers recombination but also the formation of the space-charge region, […]
MYTH #3: Cascode GaN oscillates.
(Editor’s note: check out the full article, “The fundamental advantages of D-Mode GaN in cascode configuration,” and get the full technical story behind these “busted” myths.) Reality: Cascode GaN has a lot of gains. And gain is a wonderful thing, leading to very fast switching. It needs, however, to be harnessed properly to achieve the […]
MYTH #1: Si MOSFETs add on-state resistance and reverse recovery charge
(Editor’s note: check out the full article, “The fundamental advantages of D-Mode GaN in cascode configuration,” and get the full technical story behind these “busted” myths.) Reality: In cascode GaN technology, the GaN chip bears most of the off-state high voltage (> 90%). The Si MOSFET needs only to bear a few 10s of volts. […]
What does power dissipation mean?
by James Davis, edukatronik.com Power dissipation is a crucial phenomenon in the field of electronics. It refers to the amount of energy that is transformed into heat during the operation of a device or circuit. This process is unavoidable and can be a significant concern, especially in applications where energy efficiency is paramount. That is […]
Bidirectional power for EVs: the practical and creative opportunities using power modules
Given the coexistence of 400 V and 800 V EVs on the road, what options are there to harmonize these two distinct architectures? We all know the race is on for electrification, whether through government mandates and incentives or consumers demanding green transportation solutions with higher performance, longer range, and more features. Car makers are […]
The fundamental advantages of D-Mode GaN in cascode configuration
Inarguably, GaN power semiconductors are a hot topic in power electronics. Two transistor variations prevail today: cascode GaN and e-mode GaN. When confronted with the choice, the debate at times inexplicably leans toward e-mode. In reality, cascode GaN proves to be a fundamentally superior platform in performance, reliability, versatility, manufacturability, and practical application. The reasoning […]
