Power
Power management seminars
Power management company Eaton has released full details of its range of continuing professional development (CPD) seminars. Topics ranging from lighting to security, and are all accredited by CPD, RIBA or CIBSE.
Output voltage detector improves transient performance
Employing a patented design to address the need for fast transient performance in primary-side regulation systems, the AP4341S has been introduced by Diodes Incorporated. The output voltage detector offers a high-performance and cost-effective solution for power adapters and chargers used in portable and consumer applications.
New battery reacts efficiently to extreme temperatures
Stanford researchers are using spiky nanoparticles of graphene-coated nickel to create a lithium-ion battery that shuts down when it's too hot, then quickly restarts when it cools. The new technology could prevent the kind of fires that have prompted recalls and bans on a wide range of battery-powered devices, from computers to hoverboards.
PoL DC/DC converters offer up to 97% efficiency
Featuring a wide 0.7 to 8.5V output adjustment range, a series of 12A PoL non-isolated DC/DC converters has been introduced by TDK-Lambda. The iCH series can operate from either a 5 or a 12VDC bus voltage, avoiding the need to stock multiple part numbers.
USB Type-C interface focuses on architectural flexibility
STMicroelectronics has announced a solution for USB Type-C and Power Delivery with an interface IC aimed at clearing the 'Rat’s Nest' of cables in the office and living room currently used to charge and connect computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, set-top boxes, gaming platforms, and a broad range of consumer, industrial and IoT smart devices.
Increasing power device performance
When talking about Wide Band Gap (WBG) materials for power electronics applications, it’s usually GaN or SiC that spring to mind. This is a not a surprise - indeed SiC and GaN are currently the most advanced WBG technologies for power electronics applications.
Ideal diode-OR & hot swap controller offers load current monitoring output
Linear introduces the LTC4236, a dual ideal diode-OR and single Hot Swap controller with a load current monitoring output. High availability systems-servers, network routers, and solid-state drives-power circuit boards with multiple power supply feeds. The LTC4236 combines (diode-ORs) two power supplies while providing inrush current control, overcurrent protection, and current monitoring, all in a compact footprint.
DC/DC converter delivers 20A from 5 & 12V bus voltages
TDK Corporation announces the introduction of the iBH series of 80W, 20A Point of Load (POL) non-isolated DC/DC converters, featuring a wide 0.7 to 5.5V output adjustment range. The iBH converters can operate from either 5 or 12Vdc bus voltages, having a wide input voltage range of 3.5 to 14V, reducing inventory carrying costs by stocking just one part number.
Flexible controller supports Qualcomm Quick Charge
Lattice Semiconductor has announced that the company’s flexible charging controllers, the LIF-UC family, supports the Qualcomm Quick Charge standard. Faster charging is becoming increasingly important as more powerful devices are released to the market. To support this, Qualcomm Technologies’ PMICs have optimised charging architectures within mobile devices by taking advantage of the Quick Charge technologies.
PMIC reduces power consumption & extends battery life
Enabling designers to optimise power and battery life for wearable medical/fitness and IoT applications, the MAX14720 PMIC has been introduced by Maxim Integrated. Increasing battery life and achieving low power are common challenges faced by engineers when developing wearable and IoT products. The MAX14720 PMIC is suited for non-rechargeable battery (coin cell, dual alkaline) applications where size and energy efficiency are critical.