With the recent announcement by Infineon that gallium nitride (GaN) use is reaching the “tipping point” for accelerated adoption, maybe it’s time to consider what’s next beyond wide bandgap (WBG) GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) devices. Next-generation ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) power semiconductors are being developed that may replace current WBG options. UWBG semiconductors have bandgap […]
FAQ
FAQ on three-phase AC power part 2: implementation
We’re familiar with single-phase AC at the outlet, but multiphase AC offers advantages and is necessary for higher-power installations. The first part of this article examined the need for three-phase AC. This part looks at the implementation. Power sourcing and wiring Q: How is the three-phase AC power generated? A: It does not use three […]
FAQ on three-phase AC power: part 1
We’re familiar with single-phase AC at the outlet, but multiphase AC offers advantages and is necessary for higher-power installations. For most engineering designs, the circuit’s DC operating power comes from one of two sources: either a battery or a basic AC line, which has been stepped down via a transformer, rectified to DC, and then […]
What are the power delivery challenges with 5G to maximize sustainability?
The two primary power delivery challenges with 5G new radio (NR) are improving operational efficiency and maximizing sleep time. For example, Ericsson estimates that 94% of the company’s carbon emissions are from the operation of its products. It’s been estimated that base station resources are generally unused 75 – 90% of the time, even on […]
FAQ on high-side versus low-side load switching: part 2
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 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 […]
