Power Electronics
The Problem of Excessive Current Draw Electronic devices often utilize pull-up resistors to establish default voltage levels on signal lines. However, improperly sized pull-up resistors can draw excessive current and quickly drain battery-powered systems. Pull-up resistors connect between a signal line and a power rail to pull the line up to a high logic level…
Defining Voltage Regulation Voltage regulation refers to the ability of a circuit to maintain a constant voltage output despite changes in load current or input voltage fluctuations. It is an important concept in power supply design and other applications where a steady, reliable voltage is required by the load. Voltage regulation ensures the output voltage…
The Need for Standardization A multitude of proprietary fast charging solutions have been developed by major technology vendors such as Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus and others. These rapid charging protocols have brand-specific names like SuperVOOC, Warp Charge 30T, Super Fast Charging, Quick Charge, and more. Each solution aims to deliver faster charging speeds to provide…
Controlling Peltier Devices with PWM Peltier coolers, also known as thermoelectric coolers (TECs), are solid-state heat pumps that can be used for precision temperature control applications. By applying a DC current, heat is transferred from one side of the device to the other, enabling one side to be used as a cooling surface while the…
What is a Voltage Converter? A voltage converter is an electrical device that converts power from one voltage level to another. It takes in power at one voltage and transforms it to a different voltage as output. Voltage converters allow devices designed for a certain input voltage to be powered by a source with a…
What are Peltier Elements? Peltier elements, also known as Peltier coolers or thermoelectric coolers (TECs), are solid-state devices that transfer heat from one side of the device to the other when electrical current flows through them, based on the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect describes the presence of heating or cooling at the junction of…
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that emit light when electrical current passes through them. High current LEDs, rated for forward currents of 350mA or higher, are increasingly used in automotive, architectural, stage & theater, and specialty lighting applications due to their high brightness and energy efficiency compared to traditional light sources. However, driving…
The Need for Speed: Why Faster Charging Matters With mobile devices becoming increasingly advanced and power-hungry, battery charging speed has emerged as a key consumer priority. Slow charging times lead to frustration and lost productivity as users wait hours for their phones, tablets, and laptops to recharge. Universally fast charging would allow mobile devices to…
Advances in Semiconductor Switching Devices The core components enabling solid state circuit breakers are advanced switching devices based on new semiconductor materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). These wide bandgap semiconductors have superior material properties allowing transistors and diodes to operate at higher voltages, higher switching frequencies and higher temperatures than possible…
Core Concerns of Stacking Multiple Isolated SMPS Units When designing power systems that utilize multiple isolated SMPS units stacked together, engineers must consider several core concerns that can impact overall system performance, reliability and safety. Increased Failure Rates Stacking multiple SMPS units can increase overall failure rates due to aggregated heat dissipation leading to accelerated…
