A Look Back at Some of the Best Power Technologies over the Last Few Years
Power technologies are a vital component in any device, system, or power grid. While breakthroughs in this industry usually amount to greater efficiencies and delivery, there have been advances in new materials and designs. The same has been true for the past decade, with innovations in power supplies, diodes, relays, inductors, and more. In this roundup, we will take a look at some of the past power components that were, and in some cases still are, widely utilized in everything from automobiles to LEDs.
AC-DC Power Supplies Designed for Cost-Effective Applications
XP Power released its VCE20 and VCE40 PCB mount single output AC-DC power supplies, which provide a cost-effective solution for modern domestic, Internet of Things (IoT), and industrial tech applications. The power supplies provide 20 and 40 Watts of power, respectively, offer both an encapsulated version and a lower cost open frame version and can be PCB mounted. The VCE20 and VCE40 feature an integrated EMC filter and hold-up capacitor and fuse, so no external components are required. They also offer an extended universal input range of 85 VAC to 305 VAC, allowing them to be used in many applications, including those requiring higher voltage operation. The single output rail is available in seven voltages from 3.3 VDC to 48.0 VDC.
SiC Diodes Offer Improved Reliability, Device Ruggedness, and More
SemiQ 3rd generation SiC Diode family provides blocking voltages of 650V, 1200V and 1700V with a forward current up to 50 A per chip. The family features upgraded improvements over the previous generation, including increased reliability, ruggedness, surge current capability, and moisture resistance. Packages include TO-220-2L, TO-220-3L, TO-247-2L, TO-247-3L, SOT-227, TO-263, as well as a bare die, and all are 100% tested for unclamped inductive load. SemiQ also utilized a robust supply chain for high-volume packaging of the SiC Diode family, including 3+ suppliers of SiC substrates, 4+ suppliers of SiC EPI, and a pair of qualified SiC wafer fabs.
Power Inductor Line Designed for Automotive and Industrial Applications
Sumida expanded its lineup of AEC-Q200 qualified SMD inductors with the CDRH50D28B/T150 family of high-temperature shielded drum and ring core inductors, designed for automotive and industrial applications. The series offers an inductance range from 0.8 to 680 µH, a DCR as low as 4.5 mW, and a saturation current, which protects against shock and vibration. They are also firmly structured that the core and wire can withstand a voltage of up to 120 VDC. CDRH50D28B/T150 applications include ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), LED Headlight Driver Circuits, ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam), AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System), DC-DC Converters and other automotive applications. They can also include ECU, BMS, Navigation systems, Infotainment systems, Hybrid Engine Controls, ABS, and more.
Switching Controller Designed for Flyback Topology in DCM
Maxim Integrated’s MAX17690 Isolated Flyback Controller is a peak current mode, fixed frequency switching controller created for the isolated flyback topology operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM). The device senses the isolated output voltage directly from the primary-side flyback waveform during the off-time of the primary switch without needing an auxiliary winding or an optocoupler for output-voltage regulation. The switching controller can operate over a wide supply range from 4.5 V to 60 V, and the switching frequency is programmable from 50 kHz to 250 kHz. An EN/UVLO pin allows users to turn on/off the power supply at a specific input voltage. The MAX17690 also offers input overvoltage protection through the OVI pin, and a 7 V internal LDO output makes it suitable for switching logic-level and standard MOSFETs used in flyback converters.
Power Relay Features a Long Lifespan for Compact Applications
Fujitsu released its FTR-E3 series 150 A Power Relay that features a mechanical lifespan of 300,000 operations and an electric life of 30,000 operations for make 150 A, 450 VDC/ break 5 A, 450 VDC. The 1 Form X relays can safely cut off high DC voltages and is suitable for a wide range of automotive, alternative energy, and industrial applications that require power generation, energy storage, inverter control and DC load controls. The relays are outfitted with an arc extinguishing plate for arc suppression that eliminates the use of hydrogen gas and the need for polarity in the primary contact circuit. It also reduces potential safety hazards while minimizing the relay’s overall size to 45.0 x 69.0 x 63.3mm. The FTR-E3 series comes in 12 VDC and 24 VDC models, offers a 2,500 dielectric strength, 1,000 MΩ minimum insulation resistance, and an operating temperature range of -400C to +850C.
