Power
Liquid fuel powers future computers
Researchers at ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich have built a tiny redox flow battery. This means that future computer chip stacks – in which individual chips are stacked like pancakes to save space and energy – could be supplied with electrical power and cooled at the same time by such integrated flow batteries. In a flow battery, an electrochemical reaction is used to produce electricity out of two liquid electrolytes, wh...
Perovskite edges can be tuned for optoelectronic performance
In the eternal search for next generation high-efficiency solar cells and LEDs, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory and their partners are creating 2D layered hybrid perovskites that allow greater freedom in designing and fabricating efficient optoelectronic devices. Industrial and consumer applications could include low cost solar cells, LEDs, laser diodes, detectors, and other nano-optoelectronic devices.
DC/DC book of knowledge now contains magnetics chapter
The new edition of the RECOM DC/DC Book of Knowledge has been released, with an additional chapter on magnetics. In the first few weeks, more than 1,000 online copies have been downloaded by engineers worldwide. This shows how valuable this source of in-depth practical power design information is to the power supply community.
Modules in 62 mm package enable higher power density
Infineon Technologies has expanded its offering of 62 mm IGBT modules. The new power modules serve the growing demand for higher power density without increasing package size. This is realised by a larger chip area and an adapted DCB substrate in the proven 62 mm package. Typical applications for modules with 1200 V blocking voltage are drives, solar inverters and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as well as medium voltage drives for modules wit...
RS485 driver transmits high data rates over long distances
An isolated RS485 driver DC/DC from Murata Power Solutions is now in stock at Mouser Electronics. Engineered for bi-directional data communication or multi-point bus transmission, the low-power, electrically isolated TTL data transmission device powers system circuitry through its three power options — an unregulated 6V supply, a -6V isolated supply, or a regulated 5V supply — which can eliminate the need for external components and s...
Monitor targets variety of power-controlled applications
The INA260 digital current, power, and voltage monitor from Texas Instruments (TI) is now in stock at Mouser Electronics. Designed with an I2C- and SMBus-compatible interface and an integrated 2-milliohm precision shunt resistor, the INA260 provides engineers high-accuracy digital-output measurements and over-current detection at common-mode voltages varying from 0V to 36V independent of the supply voltage.
DC/DC converters have built-in EMI filter
RECOM's new DC/DC converters REC3A, REC5A and REC6A have a built-in EMI filter to meet EN55022, class A. Class B can be achieved easily with a small capacitor. The compact DIP24 modules (31.8x20.3x10.2mm) with 2:1 input (4.5-9VDC; 18-36VDC) provide a regulated 5VDC output and can be operated zero percent minimum load. They are short-circuit and overload protected and are available with an optional integrated under voltage lockout.
Miniaturised DC/DC converters offer high power density
A range of miniaturised DC/DC converters has been released by TRACO POWER. The TDN-WI family measures 0.52x0.36x0.40” with a wide 4-to-1 input range and 1,600VDC Isolation. The company claims that the 5W models offer the world’s highest power density.
Data converter helps shrink board space and design costs
A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) that combines precision performance with simpler power-supply design has been introduced by Texas Instruments.
Advanced power architectures move into industry
Technology moving from one market to another happens a lot. Industrial computing and processing hitherto based on closed and secure proprietary systems is increasingly embracing the possibilities of Internet-based communications and is even putting its toe into the exciting new pool known as the IoT.