Power
Use circuit models to chart power device thermal parameters
Higher power levels are being handled in smaller spaces meaning that remaining losses are concentrated in the same small area or volume. Thermal considerations can be the critical path to a successful design, says Kim Mosley, Vicor
Speed up system design
Using modular, configurable power supplies can accelerate system design, advocates Kevin Pamenter, Excelsys Technologies
High-impedance chip beads with lowest DC resistance
TDK has announced the development of the MMZ0402EUC series of chip beads, with the lowest DC resistance for a chip bead its size. The two new types with their respective impedance values of 150 Ω and 180 Ω at 100 MHz, feature DC resistance values of only 0.62 Ω and 0.69 Ω. This results in a significant reduction in power losses, while at the same time providing excellent noise suppression.
Mixed-signal ICs promise up to 80% system cost savings
Global technology group operating in the semiconductor and connected health industries, S3 Group, has announced a change in strategy for its custom semiconductor business, S3 Semiconductors (S3semi). It will now focus on industrial and communications OEMs, converting their electronic systems and boards into mixed-signal integrated circuits and delivering packaged and tested chips, rather than just design services and IP. This process promises cos...
Heavy duty footswitch serves medical applications
Herga Technology has released a new medical grade footswitch for use in more arduous environments and where higher levels or wear and tear are expected. Based on a well proven industrial footswitch design, the new 625x series is built to comply with IEC 60601-1 and is available as an AC or DC voltage switching device or can be configured as a footswitch-potentiometer for use as a motor controller or similar analogue control.
Piezoelectric tubes in miniature serve actuator applications
PI Ceramic manufactures piezoelectric tubes in miniature format. The tubes are suitable for the finest actuator applications and are used for example, in medicine technology. The piezoelectric tubes are available immediately with the new geometries. The new variants are available in the following sizes: 0.5 mm outer diameter, 0.2 mm inner diameter, and a length of 4 mm. Further variants are available with 1.5 mm outer diameter, 0.9 mm inner ...
H-bridge driver ICs for DC brushed motors
Three new additions have been added to Toshiba Electronics Europe's (TEE) line-up of H-bridge driver ICs for DC brushed motors and stepping motors used in mobile battery-drive equipment, home appliances, housing and facility equipment. TC78H630FNG has a single H-bridge with a 2.1A rating and a low on-resistance of 0.4Ω (upper + lower, typ.) in the output stage allowing the IC to deliver a large current drive for DC brushed motors. The ...
SiC MOSFET comes in seven-lead TO-263-7 surface mount package
Availability and full design support capabilities for a new silicon carbide power MOSFET from Wolfspeed have been announced by Richardson RFPD. The 1200V, 75 mΩ C3M0075120J features Wolfspeed’s C3M SiC MOSFET technology and is available in a compact, seven-lead TO-263-7 surface mount package.
Stretchable biofuel cells extract energy from sweat
A team of engineers has developed stretchable fuel cells that extract energy from sweat and are capable of powering electronics, such as LEDs and Bluetooth radios. The biofuel cells generate 10 times more power per surface area than any existing wearable biofuel cells. The devices could be used to power a range of wearable devices. The epidermal biofuel cells are a major breakthrough in the field, which has been struggling with making the de...
Desktop power supplies suit medical applications
Ranges of plug-in and desktop power supplies including units that come with approvals for use in medical applications have been introduced by RS Components (RS). The RS Pro brand devices are for use in medical equipment, the products have low leakage current <100uA, two MOPP input to output isolation, and are suitable for BF applications.