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 […]
FAQ
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 […]
What are the selection criteria and application guidelines for vibration resistant capacitors?
Selection criteria for vibration-resistant capacitors include factors like the type of application, operating environment, and specific vibration characteristics. Consider the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations, as well as the duration of exposure. Look for capacitors with robust construction, larger solder pads, and extra-high bases for better vibration damping. Aluminum electrolytics Axial-lead and soldering star […]
How do monolithically integrated GaN power ICs increase power density and reduce component count?
Monolithically integrated GaN power ICs offer significant advantages over traditional silicon chips, including superior efficiency, smaller size, higher speed, and reduced cost. What makes GaN so special are its natural properties, like a higher critical electric field, lower on-resistance, and smaller parasitic capacitance. Semiconductor engineers are now employing a smart approach called monolithic integration, which […]
Why is a gate driver essential for high-performance power switching?
Gate drivers are essential for wide-bandgap semiconductors like SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs. These devices are better than regular Si devices in many ways. These advanced devices have faster switching speeds and operate at higher frequencies, necessitating optimized gate drive circuitry. This FAQ will cover three aspects of an essential gate driver, namely, crosstalk minimization, […]
