Power
Li-ion rechargeable batteries re-charge more rapidly
Materials researchers at the Swiss Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in Villigen and the ETH Zurich have developed a very simple and cost-effective procedure for significantly enhancing the performance of conventional Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The procedure is scalable in size, so the use of rechargeable batteries will be optimised in all areas of application-whether in wristwatches, smartphones, laptops or cars.
3D paper-based MFC operates under continuous flow condition
A team of researchers from the Iowa State University in Ames, IA has demonstrated a proof-of-concept 3D paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) that could take advantage of capillary action to guide the liquids through the MFC system and to eliminate the need for external power. Their report appears in the forthcoming issue of the journal TECHNOLOGY. The paper-based MFC runs for five days and shows the production of current as a result of biofilm f...
Nano-sculptures improve longer-lasting battery electrodes
Liquid metals can be fairly good atom thieves. Scientists use a liquid metal technique to selectively remove elements from a block of well-mixed metals and create intricate structures. However, researchers didn't know how the technique worked. Now, scientists know that due to the preferential mixing of the soon-to-be-removed element with the liquid metal, the uniform solid alloy is transformed into two phases in a manner that is similar to what i...
Trends in rackmounting power supplies
What can OEM designers anticipate in power supplies and related power equipment, and how can they contribute to product success in today’s conditions, asks Andy Wall, Sunpower
DC converters meet medical approvals
A series of medical DC converters, the ‘G&H’ series, has been launched by PowerPax, from global power conversion manufacturer Mornsun. This range features un-regulated dual output, G series and single output, H series, parts in both 1 and 2W variants in an industry standard SIP package which is manufactured of black flame-retardant and heat resistant plastic (UL94 V-0 rated).
Circuit breakers sense power fluctuations down to 1%
Known for their low profile design and high performance, the L-Series and N-Series circuit breakers from Carling Technology are now capable of sensing power fluctuations down to a level of 1%. This optional capability provides precise current monitoring and reporting required for back billing for the actual power consumed by data centre storage and routing devices.
Multi-output AC/DC power supply regulates voltage combinations
Power Sources announces the addition of the high-power density, 400W, multi-output NXT-400M series to their Integrated Power Designs AC/DC power supply portfolio. It is available in open frame or optional chassis and cover package. The NXT-400M series meets EN60601-1 3rd edition (BF) medical and EN60950-1 ITE certifications.
Optimising automotive pre-boost power supplies - part 3
Part one of this article described the problem, showed the impact of a cold start test pulse on an automotive power supply and discussed a typical pre-booster specification. The second part provided guidance on proper part selection of all relevant components. This third and final part demonstrates the differences between operation modes and the influence of the inductance and capacitance on performance. By Matthias Ulmann, Texas Instru...
µModule regulator operates up to 150°C junction temperature
The LTM8003, a step-down DC/DC µModule regulator with a 40V input voltage rating (42V absolute maximum) and 3.5A of continuous (6A peak) output current has been introduced by Linear Technology. The LTM8003’s pinout is FMEA (failure mode effects analysis) compliant, so the output voltage stays at or below the regulation voltage in the event of short-circuit to GND, short-circuit to a neighbouring pin or if a pin is left floating.
Power supplies operate in high ambient temperatures
The introduction of the KWS-A series of single output 5W to 25W encapsulated power supplies capable of operating in ambient temperatures of up to 85°C has been announced by TDK Corporation. With a Class II input, the products require no earth ground connection, making them suitable for use in a range of process control, broadcast, test & measurement and industrial equipment.