The L99H92 automotive gate driver from STMicroelectronics provides an SPI port for programming and diagnostics, a charge pump, protective features, and two additional current-sense amplifiers for system monitoring. Containing two high-side and two low-side drivers, the L99H92 can control a single H bridge powering one bidirectional DC motor or two half bridges for two unidirectional […]
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100 V Trench Schottky diodes boost efficiency in high-frequency power converters
STMicroelectronics has introduced 100V trench Schottky rectifier diodes that boost efficiency in power converters operated at high switching frequencies. Raising power-converter operating frequency, encouraged by the minimal switching losses of technologies like wide-bandgap semiconductors, allows designers to set new benchmarks in power density. However, at elevated frequencies, the energy losses in conventional planar diodes, including […]
APEC 2024: Power to the data center
Data centers power the world, or does the world power data centers? According to one report, datacenters currently consume 2% of the world’s electricity and that could increase to 8% by 2030. Much of that electricity arrives at the load as low voltage, high current. For example, a single IC, processor, graphics processor, AI chip, […]
Half-bridge HEMT GaN devices simplify power-supply designs
STMicroelectronics’ MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L introduce the next generation of integrated gallium-nitride (GaN) bridge devices that simplify power-supply design leveraging wide-bandgap technology to achieve the latest ecodesign targets. ST’s MasterGaN family combines 650V GaN high electron-mobility transistors (HEMT) with optimized gate drivers, system protection, and an integrated bootstrap diode that helps power the device at startup. Integrating these features saves […]
FD and LIN buses enhance automotive power management IC
STMicroelectronics’ SPSB081 automotive power-management IC is a Swiss Army Knife of features including a main fixed-voltage low-dropout regulator (LDO), a secondary programmable LDO, four high-side drivers, a CAN FD transceiver[1], and an optional LIN transceiver[2]. The ICs provide multiple standby modes with very low quiescent current and programmable local or remote wake-up to help minimize power consumption. […]
GaN driver sinks and sources up to 3A gate current to connected transistor
STMicroelectronics’ first galvanically isolated gate driver for gallium-nitride (GaN) transistors, the STGAP2GS, trims dimensions, and bill-of-materials costs in applications that demand superior wide-bandgap efficiency with robust safety and electrical protection. The single-channel driver can be connected to a high-voltage rail up to 1200V, or 1700V with the STGAP2GSN narrow-body version, and provides gate-driving voltage up […]
High-side switches add less than 260 mΩ
STMicroelectronics has launched a family of octal high-side switches that combine galvanic isolation for robustness, RDS(on) below 260mΩ for energy efficiency and protection, and diagnostics for reliability and fault recovery. The 8-channel switches, ISO808, ISO808A, ISO808-1, and ISO808A-1, drive all types of industrial loads – capacitive, resistive, and inductive – with one side connected to the ground. Typical uses […]
High-side switches protect and diagnose motor circuits
STMicroelectronics’ IPS8160HQ and IPS8160HQ-1 high-side switches provide eight channels, in a compact QFN48L package, with the added value of built-in protection and diagnostics. This unique combination of features helps save space and enhance reliability in PLC modules used for driving heavy loads and unidirectional motors in vending machines. Further applications include I/O peripherals in factory automation equipment, computer numerical […]
Power windows: now much more than just a motor and switch, Part 2
The automotive power window has evolved from a basic on/off switch and motor to a sophisticated motion-control subsystem with dedicated ICs. As with most improvements, there are both expected and unanticipated ripple effects in product objectives, associated design, and actual production. As cars became increasingly “electrified” with more motors, switches, lighting, power seats, infotainment, advanced […]
APEC 2023 round-up
The Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) has grown over the course of a few decades to be the leading conference in North America for power electronics professionals. This past month, March 19th to the 23rd, in Orlando, APEC returned to share the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in power electronics with industry and academia alike. […]