Integrated circuits

Practical Realization of GaN’s Capability

June 20, 2022 by John Stevens; Tom Ribarich; Stephen Oliver

The system-level value of wide bandgap power semiconductors of higher efficiency, smaller size and weight, and more sustainable energy usage in our power supplies and motor drives is being demonstrated now. Gallium nitride (GaN) power FETs are replacing silicon (Si) power MOSFETs in applications from 48 V to 800 V. Silicon carbide (SiC) is replacing legacy IGBTs in applications … [Read more...] about Practical Realization of GaN’s Capability

Supercapacitor Assisted Surge Absorber Technique: high performance transient surge protectors for consumer electronics

June 20, 2022 by Jayathu Fernando; Nihal Kularatna; Shanima Silva; Sadeeshvara Silva Thotabaddadurage

Invention of the transistor in 1947 made a radical change to the path of the development of electronic products and systems. In the mid-1950s, integrated circuits (ICs) started evolving rapidly, creating miniaturized analog, digital and mixed signal circuits. By the 1960s to 1970s, microprocessors, memories and power semiconductors entered the electronic marketplace. During the … [Read more...] about Supercapacitor Assisted Surge Absorber Technique: high performance transient surge protectors for consumer electronics

Hardware Engineer’s Guide to a Brushless-DC Motor Controller

March 1, 2022 by Prabhat Ranjan Tripathi

Brushless-dc (BLDC) motors have best-in-class torque to weight ratio, high efficiency, and effective control algorithms, which make them effective solutions in applications requiring high power density, such as cordless power and garden tools, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), robotics, and others. Improvements in semiconductor packaging technology, motor control algorithms, and … [Read more...] about Hardware Engineer’s Guide to a Brushless-DC Motor Controller

Expert View: GaN Outperforms Silicon, Enters Mainstream

June 1, 2021 by Balu Balakrishnan

How does one define ‘main- stream’? In the case of gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor technology, we believe that since you can now buy a sleek, 65 W mobile charger using GaN for under $25 on Amazon, it is reasonable to assume that it has been fully accepted by the consumer markets, which—almost by definition—makes it a mainstream product. For more about this … [Read more...] about Expert View: GaN Outperforms Silicon, Enters Mainstream

A technology revolution is unfolding around us as every major mode of transportation is in some stage of electrification, whether on land, sea, or in the air. All of these transportation modes depend on electric machines that play critical roles in both propulsion systems as well as in a wide variety of accessory equipment. Fuel economy and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants are major driving forces for electrified transportation. Despite the significant differences between these varied transportation modes, they all share strong motivations to make their electric machines and adjustable-speed drives smaller, lighter, and more efficient. An excellent example of this trend for the power electronic drives is provided by comparing the drive units in the Tesla S (2012) and Tesla 3 (2017). As shown in the side-by-side views provided in Figure 1, the drive unit shrank in size from an enclosure that matched the size of its main traction motor to a much smaller unit that, at first sight, appears to be a non-descript end-bell attached to one end of the motor. Rather than focusing here on how this impressive reduction in mass and volume was achieved (addressed later in this article), the key point here is that similar technology trends are under way in many of the other transportation modes as well, making electrified transportation increasingly appealing and competitive in the process.