How Hot is Too Hot? Ask Sherlock

Power supply engineers have access to more powerful thermal simulation tools than ever before. Finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics can provide highly accurate predictions for even very complex thermal management solutions. However, these new capabilities fail to answer the most critical question: How hot is too hot? ...

The eGaN® FET-Silicon Power Shoot-Out Vol. 7: Buck Converters

Previously [1, 2, 3], several isolated DC-DC converter topologies were analyzed and we showed that eGaN FETs enabled significant efficiency improvements in all cases. Because buck converters, do not have isolation from input to output, the voltage range requirement for these applications rarely exceeds 30V; and up to 100V covers all but the most unique applications....

SiC: A Rugged Power Semiconductor Compound To Be Reckoned With

Smaller packages and higher performance will be realized from Silicon Carbide in applications where conventional silicon compounds fall short....

Thermoelectric Generator Kits Allow Energy Harvesting Investigation

Three kits provide the necessary thermoelectric generators and boost power converters to evaluate energy harvesting for solid-to-air, liquid-to-liquid, and liquid-to-air applications....

Flyback Controller IC Integrates Power Factor Correction

By integrating power factor correction capability into a flyback controller IC, the circuit complies with the IEC 61000-3-2 Harmonic Current Emissions Standard for equipment up to 100 W. The IC also meets the Energy Star requirements for a power factor of at least 0.9 and efficiency over 82%. ...

Are We Focused On The Wrong Reference Parameters?

Designing a reliable circuit that employs a voltage reference requires a more detailed look at device parameters than most data sheets provide....

Remembering Dr. Middlebrook: Part 1

Dr. R. D. Middlebrook was an icon of the power electronics industry who passed away in April 2010. In August 1998, one of Dr. Middlebrook’s old friends and a member of the power electronics community, K. Kit Sum, interviewed him. Dr. Middlebrook revealed his history and that of the start of power electronics as we know it today. In doing this interview, Kit Sum’s objective was to learn how a person’s destiny is guided or shaped by events and people surrounding him. Dr. Middlebrook was very cooperative and frank in revealing the events leading to involvement in power electronics. Following are the questions put forth by Kit Sum (Sum) and Dr. Middlebrook’s (RDM) response....

Buck LED driver with active PFC

A boost+buck two-stage LED driver is well suited for non-isolated applications in the 50 to 250W power range, offering a viable alternative to more expensive isolated LED drivers. ...