This Week in PowerBites: High-Power Passives, and an Electric Backhoe?
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High-Current Shielded Power Inductors Feature Low Radiation, Low DC Resistance, Low Buzz
Bourns Inc. introduced three new AEC-Q200-compliant high-current shielded power inductors. The SRP1580CA, SRP1510CA, and SRP1513CA inductors are designed to meet the high-current-density, high-temperature, and reliability requirements for power management and EMI filtering required by a growing number of consumer, industrial, and telecom electronics applications.
All inductors in the new series are manufactured using a molded construction manufacturing process that combines flat wire and Bourns' uniquely formulated metal-alloy powder core. This process enables a magnetically shielded construction that offers low dc resistance, high heating/saturation current, low buzz noise, and excellent temperature stability for low magnetic-field radiation. In addition, all of the new models are built with flat enameled coated wire with self-lead terminal that further delivers the ultra-low dc resistance. Their operating temperature range is −55 to +155°C, and are designed with the same 16.5- × 15.5-mm interchangeable footprint.
The RoHS-compliant and halogen-free model SRP1580CA, SRP1510CA, and SRP1513CA series are available now. For additional product information, visit www.bourns.com/products/magnetic-products/power-inductors-aec-q200-compliant.
LDO Linear Regulator Has Ultra-Fast Transient Response for UFS-Based Multichip Packages
A new low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator developed by Magnachip Semiconductor features an ultra-fast transient response that specifically targets the requirements of Universal Flash Storage (UFS)-based multichip-package (MCP) devices. UFS is an advanced version of an embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC). UFS-based MCP is a memory module that integrates a UFS controller and memory ICs, such as DRAM or NAND flash. It’s mainly used for the storage function in smartphones.
Magnachip’s LDO regulator is designed for the power supply of NAND flash in UFS-based MCP with an input voltage of up to 500 mA. Its high power-supply rejection ratio function reduces input noise, while providing a low-leakage current of 75 µA in deep-sleep mode, helping enhance battery life and power efficiency.
A key feature of the new LDO is its ultra-fast transient response, which minimizes output-voltage fluctuations. Frequent changes in voltage normally occur in UFS-based MCPs due to varying levels of read and write performance. However, ultra-fast transient response regulates these fluctuations to a steady state within 100 ns.
The line and load regulation in UFS-based MCP is maintained at 0.2% and 0.5% respectively, which will guarantee a stable power supply. In addition, the dropout voltage is as low as 0.3 V, which makes the linear regulator perfect for low-power domain operations of batteries.
This linear regulator also ensures robust circuit protection, such as overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and the power good signal, which indicates that all of the output voltages are within specification.
Pricing and additional information can be found at www.magnachip.com.
Pick-a-SiC: Selector Tool Helps Find the Right Power Device for Your App
To utilize the tool, users select their application function and topology, and then enter their design parameter details. Armed with this information, the tool automatically calculates switch current, efficiency, and losses, categorized by conduction, turn-on, and turn-off contributions. Operating temperature and heatsink rating are included as inputs, to show expected operating junction temperatures.
The calculator also enables users to explore the effect of changing conduction modes in the various topologies by varying storage inductor and switching frequency values. Furthermore, FET-Jet makes it possible to select single or paralleled devices, allowing designers to compare the relative overall performance of devices with various current ratings. The tool warns if a selection isn’t appropriate, such as when voltage rating is insufficient for the conditions and topology chosen.
The FET-Jet tool supports all UnitedSiC FETs and Schottky diodes, which can be selected from sortable tables. The current selection includes devices in TO-220, TO-247, TO-247/4L, DFN8x8 packages, and the recently launched Gen 4 750-V devices. The UnitedSiC FET-Jet CalculatorTM is free to use, with no registration required, and can be found at https://info.unitedsic.com/fet-jet.
Value-Priced 80- and 100-V Power MOSFETs Feature Improved RDS(on) and Qg
Infineon Technologies says that its new StrongIRFET 2 family of 80- and 100-V power MOSFETs offers designers a superior price/performance ratio for applications involving both low- and high-switching frequencies. This makes them an excellent choice for many applications, including SMPS, motor drives, battery-powered tools, battery management, UPS, and light electric vehicles.
The new StrongIRFET devices feature a 40% reduction in RDS(on) and Qg values that are over 50% lower than the company’s previous generation of devices. Their improved power efficiency and higher current ratings enables designs with improved overall system performance while reducing the need for multiple parallel devices, leading to lower BOM costs and board savings.
Availability
The new StrongIRFET 2 products can be ordered now in TO-220 packages. The family comprises a broad range of RDS(on) classes in 80 V and 100 V. The new portfolio will be available in various other package types including TO-220 FullPAK, D2PAK, D2PAK 7-pin, and DPAK. More information is available at www.infineon.com/strongirfet2.
Cleantech Open 2021 Accelerator Still Welcoming Applicants
If you have an idea for a sustainable technology, product, or service that you want to commercialize, you may be in luck. You still have until Sunday, April 18 to submit your entry for the 2021 Cleantech Open accelerator program. The program, created to help emerging cleantech companies kick-start their businesses, offers skills training, mentoring, investor matching, pitch training, cash prizes, and global exposure through online events.
The event's organizers are at the height of recruitment season for this year's program. They’re busy holding kickoff webinars for interested cleantech entrepreneurs and coaching startups through the application process. Two more informational webinars will be held:
For more details, check out this article. If you can't make the webinars, learn more about the incubator's requirements and eligibility criteria by following this link.
Rugged Industrial AC-DC Power Supplies Rated from 35 to 350 W
CUI Inc., a Bel group company, added three new lines to its VGS family of chassis-mount, single-output ac-dc power supplies. Housed in compact metal cases, the VGS-C, VGS-D, and VGS-W series offer power ratings from 35 to 350 W. All models maintain an operating temperature range of −25 to +70°C, with most supplies capable of operating from −30 to +70°C. All three series are 62368-1 safety certified with low no-load power consumption for reducing standby power usage in industrial applications.
For budget-constrained applications, CUI's VGS-C series offers power ratings from 35 to 350 W and single output voltages from 5 to 48 V dc. Featuring active power factor correction and overtemperature protection, models in the VGS-D series deliver power ratings from 75 to 320 W and voltages from 5 to 48 V dc. The VGS-W series is rated from 35 to 150 W with outputs from 5 to 48 V dc. The VGS-D and VGS-W have a wide input range of 85 to 305 V ac; models across all three series are output-adjustable.
Most models in the three series are convection-cooled except for the higher-power VGS-350C and VGS-320D, which use a built-in temperature-controlled fan. All models further feature a screw terminal interface, along with short-circuit, overcurrent, and overvoltage protections. Terminal cover and conformal coating options are available as well.
The VGS-C, VGS-D, and VGS-W series are designed to meet IEC/EN 61558, IEC/EN 60335, and GB 4943 system requirements. The units also comply with 55032 Class B radiated/conducted emissions and meet 61000-3-2 harmonics and 61000-4-3 immunity. Datasheets for each series are available: VGS-C, VGS-D, and VGS-W.
Glow-Wire-Compliant Power Relays Safeguard Automation, Power Protection Equipment
Fujitsu Components America’s DPST/DPDT 5A PCB power-relay series meets glow-wire test requirements of the IEC/EN60335-1 standard, which addresses the safe operation of consumer and commercial electrical equipment. Typical applications for the relays include factory and office automation equipment, power protection equipment, solar panels, and air conditioners.
Designed for safety, the low-profile (16.5 mm) FTR-F1-GW relay series is rated for voltages from 1.5 to 110 V. The relays feature a reinforced insulation construction, 8-mm (min) insulation distance between coil and contact, a surge strength of 10,000 V, and a dielectric strength of 5,000 V ac for extended flammability protection.
The plastic, fully sealed relay measures 12.8 × 29 × 16.5 mm and weighs 12.0 g. It’s available with either standard (530 mW and 550 mW) or high sensitivity (400 mW) coils and has an operating temperature range of −40 to +75°C. Furthermore, the FTR-F1-GW is UL, CSA, VDE, CQC recognized and RoHS-compliant.
Additional technical information can be found at the following links:
For pricing and availability, contact sales support.
65-W ACF GaN Charger Reference Design Boosts Power Density and Efficiency
In a joint effort with Silanna Semiconductor, GaN Systems developed a reference design for a very compact and highly efficient GaN-based 65-W active-clamp-flyback (ACF) charger. The reference design, available from Silanna, includes documentation for quickly adapting the basic ACF USB-C PD GaN charger to a wide range of applications, thereby quickening time-to-market for customers.
This solution simplifies the design challenges normally associated with an ACF topology design, which typically has two transistors in the high-side and low-side configurations. The new charger reference design uses GaN Systems 650-V GaN GS-065-008-1-L for its power transistor, which is driven by Silanna’s SZ1130 ACF pulse-width-modulator (PWM) controller. The SZ1130 controller has an integrated FET that’s used to drive the high side of the power circuit. This approach reduces BOM costs thanks to the use of a conventional RM8 transformer and a 100-V SR MOSFET on the secondary side.
Benefits and features of the reference design include:
- Ultra-high density of 30W/in.3 (no case)
- High peak efficiency of >94%
- Low temperature: <95◦C max component temperature
- Better EMI design: Clean waveforms with almost zero voltage spike or ringing
- Supports wide range of applications covering 5-V/3-A, 9-V/3-A, 15-V/3-A and 20-V/3.25-A output voltages; USB-PD
Click here for a copy of the reference design, its bill of materials, or the design's real-world test data.
Click here for more information on GaN Systems' GS-065-008-1-L.
It's Not Your Grandfather's Tesla: CASE Unveils Industry’s First Fully Electric Backhoe
While it's not as sexy as the electric air taxis that are jamming the current news cycle, CASE Construction Equipment's announcement of “Project Zeus,” the industry's first fully electric backhoe loader, may well be more consequential, at least in the short-term. The backhoe is powered by a 480-V, 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-V/three-phase connection.
The company says that its zero-emission backhoe, also known by its production model number, "580 EV," has demonstrated its ability to deliver power and performance equivalent to similar-sized diesel-powered backhoes. And like its on-road counterparts, it boasts near-silent operation and dramatically lower operating costs.
For additional details on the CASE 580 EV, and a deeper look into electrified construction equipment (including the world's largest battery-electric excavator), check out the mini-feature "Diesel-Free Heavy Equipment Opens Up New Opportunities for Power Electronics."
For more information on the new CASE 580 EV electric backhoe and details on its commercial availability, visit www.CaseCE.com/580EV.
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