Power Electronics

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Trio of auto-grade power modules offer 300 combinations

Vicor has developed three automotive-grade power modules that can be used in 300 combinations in 48 V EV systems, writes Nick Flaherty. They cover a bus converter from 800 V to 48 V, an unregulated 48 V to 12 V converter and a regulated 48 V power-supply module.

Deep Insight

Isolation technologies

Nick Flaherty investigates techniques that enable digital controllers to interface safely with high-voltage systems. As automotive designs move to electrification, high-power electronics have become critical components in new electronic drivetrain and battery systems. Communication and control from low-voltage digital devices requires electrical isolation of the high-voltage elements from the low-voltage side, covered by the extra-low voltage (SELV) regulations.

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Littelfuse launches RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor

Littelfuse has unveiled the RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor Series for Mode 2 and Mode 3 EV charging stations. The RCMP20 Series offers the largest current transformer aperture available, supporting higher AC charging currents, which is critical for modern EV chargers that demand high-performance capabilities. It also offers reliable ground-fault detection, improving charger performance and safety.

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Yokogawa releases WT1800R high-performance power analyser

Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation has released its WT1800R high-performance power analyser to boost the efficiency of complex measurements for new energy applications. The WT1800R is the only instrument in its class that guarantees a power accuracy of 0.05% of reading plus 0.05% of range, says Yokogawa, and it is capable of harmonics analysis up to the 500th order of a 50/60 Hz fundamental frequency.

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First Schottky diode for high-voltage DC links

Infineon has created the first 2000 V Schottky diode for high-voltage (HV) DC link designs, writes Nick Flaherty. The CoolSiC 2000 V G5 is the first discrete silicon-carbide diode with this breakdown voltage, making it suitable for DC links up to 1500 V with current ratings from 10-80 A. This makes it ideal for higher DC-link voltage applications.

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Molex report explores potential of 48 V systems

Molex has issued a report, Rewiring the Road: Harnessing the Power of 48 V, on the growing traction of 48 V electrical system technology, which is poised to fuel major improvements in vehicle performance, efficiency, functionality and comfort.

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A cool idea for a DC-DC

Vitesco Technologies has boosted the performance of its fifth generation automotive DC-DC converter, incorporating a move from liquid to air cooling, writes Nick Flaherty. This Vitesco Gen5+ DC-DC converter uses 650 V CoolGan transistors from Infineon Technologies to achieve an efficiency of over 96% by increasing the switching frequency from 100 kHz to 250 kHz with an energy density of 4.2 kW/l.

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Scalable approach speeds up capacitor design

TDK has developed a standardised, modular, DC link capacitor design for traction inverters, writes Nick Flaherty. The xEVCap is built from modules connected in parallel to provide specific capacitances for powertrain inverters in passenger cars, commercial and off-highway vehicles.

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Memory device functions at 600 C

Researchers in the USA have developed a heat-resistant, non-volatile memory device able to withstand temperatures of over 600 C, writes Nick Flaherty. The ferroelectric aluminium scandium nitride (AlScN) device can be used in electric aircraft and motors to add machine-learning controls and sensors in harsh environments.

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Testing gallium nitride power at high temperatures

Researchers in the USA are finding a way to use gallium nitride (GaN) power devices at high temperatures, writes Nick Flaherty. A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is investigating the impact of temperature on ohmic contacts in a gallium nitride device.

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