Latest Power Technical Articles

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Power Supplies and Harsh Environments

In this article, we will discuss power supplies in harsh environments, the challenges, solutions, and available in-market products.

4 days ago by Aaron Yarnell, CUI Inc.

Protecting Power Over Ethernet (PoE / PoE++) Communications

This article is the first in the "Protect Your Ports! Top Design Tips to Keep Your Communications Connected" series from Littelfuse.

April 14, 2021 by Todd Phillips

Assessing the Advantages of Ultra-wideband Systems Through Impulse Radios

Using impulse radios as an example, we'll examine the advantages of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology compared to other short-range wireless communication technologies.

April 11, 2021 by Steve Arar

What Is the Power Spectrum of Quantization Noise?

Our series on quantization noise begins with a clarification of the framework the author used to determine the scope of his investigation into quantization noise.

March 07, 2021 by Wes Brodsky

Adding a Low-pass Filter to an ADC Model and DAC Modeling

In the final part of this series on modeling ADCs, we discuss one more model and also briefly cover DAC models.

March 02, 2021 by Wes Brodsky

Modeling ADCs Using Effective Number of Bits (ENOB)

Learn about the concept of ENOB (effective number of bits) and how it can be used in modeling data converters in system simulations.

February 26, 2021 by Wes Brodsky

Developing Robust Motion Detectors Does Not Have to Be a Moving Target

This article discusses some concepts for ensuring motion detector designs will be robust to external disturbances by presenting an infrared detector assembly that can significantly reduce the parts count and improve product performance and reliability. 

February 23, 2021 by Ryan Sheahen, Littelfuse

Simplifying EV Power Design by Overcoming the Gate Driver Power Challenge

Power conversion systems in EVs follow the half-bridge configuration. This article explores the IGBT half-bridge design of a high-voltage side (output stage) of the gate driver.

February 16, 2021 by Charlie Ice, Silicon Labs

All About Seeing Your Projects: Optical and Digital Magnification

Smaller electronics call for more powerful inspection equipment. If you're building a collection of at-home lab equipment, these visual tools may help you see where you're going on minuscule boards.

February 14, 2021 by Mark Hughes

How to Use Decoupling Capacitor Placement to Reduce Harmonic Distortion

Learn how to reduce second harmonic distortion by following some guidelines for placing decoupling capacitors in your PCB layout.

February 12, 2021 by Steve Arar

When Things Go Wrong: Battery Management System Failure Mitigation

What is thermal runaway in Li-ion battery systems? And how do battery management systems help mitigate failure for improved safety? Learn more in this technical article.

February 09, 2021 by Enrico Sanino

Introduction to Battery Management Systems

Learn the high-level basics of what role battery management systems (BMSs) play in power design and what components are necessary for their basic functions.

February 08, 2021 by Enrico Sanino

Minimizing Stepper Motor Noise and Vibration in Precision Motion Control Applications

Stepper motors work well in a wide range of applications but can struggle with torque ripple and current distortion issues. Learn about QuietStep, a proprietary algorithm from Allegro MicroSystems, as a possible solution. 

February 02, 2021 by Dan Jacques, Allegro MicroSystems

Designing Safety and Reliability into Intelligent Power Outlets for Smart Homes

This article provides designers with recommendations for protection and low-power control components for power outlet design that both prevent overloads from damaging sensitive circuitry and maximize device efficiency.

January 26, 2021 by Ryan Sheahen, Littelfuse

Touchscreen vs. Button Interface Design: Capacitive and Resistive Touchscreens and Haptics

Learn about some of the most important fundamentals for understanding how interface technologies have evolved.

January 07, 2021 by Steve Taranovich

Circuit Protection, Control, and Sensing Design Considerations for Smart Home Security Applications

This article explores components that protect and control their circuits in smart home security applications, specifically components for protecting wired and wireless security cameras and wired doorbell cameras.

December 22, 2020 by Ryan Sheahen, Littelfuse

Improving Home Appliance Safety with IEC Standards

This article explores the IEC 60730 Class B standard for functional safety to address both mechanical and electrical design in appliances. Learn what the standard entails and controllers to help meet these standards.

December 01, 2020 by Chad Solomon, Microchip Technology

EV Battery Testing Parameters

This article discusses the different factors in designing vehicle battery systems to adhere to EV Battery Standards.

November 25, 2020 by Robin Mitchell

The Effect of Offset Voltage on a Precision Current Source

In this article, we’ll continue our discussion of an LTspice circuit that helps us to predict how offset-voltage variations will influence circuit performance.

November 13, 2020 by Robert Keim

A Low-Cost Method of Powering a Microcontroller

This article proposes a simple microcontroller power-supply circuit that is worth considering when you’re developing a (very) cost-sensitive system.

October 30, 2020 by Robert Keim