Linear Technology has unveiled the LTC2454, a quad voltage output 16- and 12-bit digital-to-analogue converter (DAC family) with internal reference and SPI interface. LTC2654 DACs achieve 16-bit performance of ±4LSB INL maximum over temperature, a factor of two better than the nearest 16-bit quad competitor with internal reference.

Powersolve has added to its energy efficient power supply portfolio with the introduction of the new PAK75-200 Series. These efficient, single output units feature a no-load power consumption of <0.7W and meet relevant Energy Star requirements. These units have been designed to provide high reliability and a long MTBF with every unit undergoing a full load burn-in test.

Yuasa Battery has announced a new addition to its SWL family of industrial valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries with the launch of the SWL3300FR model. The new SWL3300FR follows the same increased performance profile as the other batteries in the SWL range. This typically gives 40% extra discharge capacity over and above a standard NPL type.

Maxim Integrated Products has unveiled the MAX16070/MAX16071, a flash-configurable system monitor that supervises 12/8 voltages plus one current. Designed to simplify power-management schemes in multivoltage systems, these devices feature an integrated current monitor, nonvolatile fault registers, and an easy-to-use graphical configuration tool. The MAX16070/MAX16071 provide ±1% accurate voltage monitoring for networking, telecom, server/storage, and other complex systems where high reliability is critical.

Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTC3890/-1, a high voltage dual output synchronous step-down DC/DC controller that draws only 50µA when one output is active and 60µA when both outputs are enabled. With both outputs shut down, the LTC3890/-1 draws a mere 14µA. The 4V to 60V input supply range is designed to protect against high voltage transients, continue operation during automotive cold crank and cover a broad range of input sources and battery chemistries.

As Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries grow in popularity as energy storage reservoirs for high-voltage energy, industrial and automotive applications, such as wind turbines, photo-voltaic cells, and hybrid electric vehicles, this has helped spur demand for safer, higher performing battery monitoring and protection systems. In response Analog Devices has unveiled a Li-ion battery monitoring and protection system that integrates all necessary components, including voltage and current measurement, signal isolation and safety monitoring.

Power Integrations, a leading producer of high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, has launched the TOPSwitch-JX, an integrated family of 16 power conversion ICs incorporating a 725 V power MOSFET for use in flyback power supplies. The TOPSwitch-JX’s multi-mode control algorithm maximises power efficiency across the entire load range.

The Atmel Corporation has announced that its battery management circuit ATA6870 is the industry's first to feature active cell balancing with capacitors or inductors for high-cell-count Li-Ion batteries supporting supply voltages up to several hundreds volts such as used in electrical/hybrid vehicles, e-bikes or uninterruptible power supplies.

The advantage of active cell balancing is that it avoids the energy loss that tends to occur with passive balancing methods. The charge is transferred with a shuffle capacitor or inductor from one cell to another with nearly no losses, leading to higher efficiency and a longer battery life. In passive methods, cells of large battery stacks are balanced by discharging overcharged cells through a resistor.

In a major product update, Ericsson Power Modules' BMR450 and BMR451 point-of-load voltage regulators are now able to write as well as read data via the power management bus; PMBus. Customers buying these revision 2A products will have access to the internal memory of Ericsson's 3E point-of-load voltage regulators, providing greater flexibility to programme functional parameters to match specific profiles required by FPGA, ASIC, memories and other components. Revision 2A complies with PMBus read & write modes.

Murata Power Solutions has introduced a new range of isolated DC/DC converters that provide up to 66 Watts of output power and full 2250VDC isolation from a ‘sixteenth-brick’ package. The DOSA compliant ULS series represents the latest in small footprint DC/DC Converter design and provides an ideal space-saving solution for high current designs in telecom and datacom applications.

Pulse Power & Measurement (PPM) has launched a new series of bi-directional power systems from Heinzinger, a German based company that designs, manufactures and tests precision power supplies. Designed to act as a highly dynamic power source or sink, the new ERS series offers testing capabilities for inverters, battery and other power electronics systems.

Regardless of the mode of operation the user still has access to the full 500A of current handling capability. With models supporting up to 1200V and 200kW simulation or test of the largest systems is possible.

Nexeon has announced that it has achieved an important milestone in the development of silicon-based anodes for next generation lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Cells containing its silicon anode material have successfully completed 500 full charge/discharge cycles without significant fade being observed. The silicon anode material was cycled at a capacity of 1200mAh/g, around four times the capacity achievable using a conventional carbon-based anode technology.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2941/LTC2942 battery gas gauges with an I²C interface for 2.7V to 5.5V systems. Unlike most coulomb counters that infer charge by sampling the current and integrating digitally, the LTC2941/LTC2942 use a continuous-time analog integrator to measure charge directly, resulting in minimal offset and gain error and better overall charge accuracy.

Linear Technology has introduce the LTC4425, the latest in a family of 2-cell supercapacitor chargers for addressing high peak power, data backup and “dying gasp” needs in portable and data storage applications. The device employs a linear CC-CV architecture with thermal limiting to charge two supercapacitors in series to a programmable output voltage from a Li-Ion/Polymer battery, a USB port, or other 2.7V to 5.5V current-limited supply.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX16913/MAX16913A, a high-voltage current-sense switch that prevents system damage due to fault conditions. These devices monitor load current and provide an analog output voltage proportional to the sensed load current. They include accurate internal current-limiting circuitry to protect the input supply against both overload and short-circuit conditions.

Two open-drain fault-indicator outputs notify the microprocessor when a short-circuit, open-load, or short-to-battery condition exists. The wide input supply voltage range (5V to 42V) makes the MAX16913 is ideal for providing phantom power to remote RF LNAs in automotive applications.

Tyco Electronics has added the CU series to its family of Corcom power entry modules. The new series includes smaller-sized versions of switched filtered and unfiltered power inlets, which are ideal for applications with panel space constraints, in particular systems designed for the popular 1U (1 ¾ inch) height equipment racks.

The CU series offers 15 filtered and eight unfiltered versions to cover a broad array of applications. Shrouded quick-connect terminals eliminate the need for soldered connections, which helps reduce installation time. The series allows higher system efficiency by contributing less heat – making it suitable for applications with power or cooling limitations.

TT electronics IRC has developed a new series of planar power resistors for hybrid electric
vehicles that will give design engineers a rugged resistive device capable of dissipating significant amounts of heat generated during the battery charging cycle. Designated the WDBR Series, the planar thick-film resistors carry surge power ratings up to 7kW and feature a steel substrate that provides direct transfer of thermal energy to an external heat sink.

ON Semiconductor has announced the introduction of the NCP1237, NCP1238 and NCP1288 fixed-frequency, current-mode controller ICs. Targeted at AC-DC adapter applications for laptop/notebook computers, LCD displays, printers, and household consumer electronics, the new controllers are available in a choice of frequency options with single or dual level over current thresholds. The standard device has a built-in 65 kHz oscillator, with 100 kHz and 133 kHz versions supplied on request.

Dialog Semiconductor has announced that the company is working closely with foundry partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company on a bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) technology specifically tailored to high-performance power management ICs for portable devices.

The 0.25-micron high-voltage process node enables higher voltage functionality to be integrated efficiently into single chip power management ICs, increasing cost efficiencies and expanding the addressable market for Dialog solutions.

International Rectifier has launched a family of HEXFET power MOSFETs. The new family includes the IRFH6200TRPbF that delivers the industry’s lowest on-state resistance (RDS(on)).

The new power MOSFETs featuring IR’s latest silicon technology are the company’s first devices available in a 5x6mm PQFN package with optimised copper clip and solder die. The IRFH6200TRPbF 20V device delivers industry leading RDS(on) of  only 1.2 mOhm (max.) at 4.5V Vgs to significantly cut conduction losses for DC motor drive applications such as hand tools.

Intersil has introduced a new robust, military temperature, radiation-hardened PWM controller for flyback and forward topologies. The ISL7884x family is electrically screened to DSCC SMD# 5962-07249 and is suitable for satellites, down-hole drilling and other high-reliability power supply applications.

The ISL7884xASRH series includes four new high-performance, radiation-hardened controllers that are pin-for-pin compatible with industry standard current mode PWM controllers.  All meet 100krad(Si) total dose specifications and have been tested for single-event effects with outstanding single event latch-up (SEL), burn out (SEB) and transient (SET) performance up to LET = 86.4 MeV/mg/cm2.

CISSOID has introduced VENUS, their new family of High Temperature 30V P-channel power MOSFET transistors guaranteed for operation from -55°C up to 225°C. The VENUS family of P-channel power MOSFETs named CHT-PMOS3002, CHT-PMOS3004 and CHT-PMOS3008 are rated respectively for 2A, 4A and 8A maximum drain current. They complement the SATURN family of N-channel MOSFETs introduced by the company in November 2009.

Ericsson has announced the launch of the 3E GUI Silver Edition evaluation kit which has been designed to support the 3E family of digitally-controlled intermediate-bus and point-of-load regulators. The kit will enable engineers to monitor, programme and test the full range of BMR45x-series parts within a representative hardware and software environment. The kit's software package features a graphical user interface that is exceptionally easy to use, unlocking the power of these PMBus-programmable devices to make even complex applications easily approachable.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX8896, a dual step-down converter designed for powering WCDMA/NCDMA PA (power amplifier) modules and RF transceivers. This 4mm2 device integrates a high-efficiency, PA step-down converter that is optimised for medium- and low-power transmission, and includes a bypass FET for powering the PA directly from the battery during high-power transmission. By using the MAX8896 between the battery and RF-transceiver/PA, designers can reduce current consumption by up to 50% under typical operating conditions, thus extending battery life.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC4070 tiny shunt battery charger system IC for Li-Ion/Polymer batteries. The LTC4070, with its 450nA operating current, charges and protects batteries from previously unusable very low current, intermittent or continuous charging sources.

The LTC4070's charge current may be boosted from 50mA up to 500mA with the addition of an external PMOS shunt device. An internal thermal battery conditioner reduces the float voltage to protect Li-Ion/Polymer cells at elevated battery temperatures. Multiple-cell battery stacks can be charged and balanced by configuring several LTC4070s in series.

The Endicott Research Group (ERG) has announced that it is now offering a new range of Smart Force plug-and-play LED driver solutions with enhanced performance features for high-power, high-brightness mid-size LED-backlit displays.

The new SFDMD Series is specifically designed for applications that require a small footprint with high efficiency and brightness stability over a wide input voltage range, such as medical patient monitors, POS, kiosk, ATM, gaming and GPS displays.

Powersolve has announced two new AC/DC power supplies offering single output units designed to provide 650W (PAK650) and 1000W (PAK1000) from a low profile 1U high metal case.

Both the PAK650 and PAK1000 feature an 85-264VAC/127-370VDC input voltage range with active PFC and offer active current sharing for parallel operation.

Schroff UK has expanded its 19in. maxpowerPRO family of switched-mode power supplies with the addition of a 6U model designed specifically for high-power CompactPCI applications. Featuring an output of 500W, the new 13100-145 power supply operates from a wide input voltage range of 90 to 264V AC with PFC and delivers output voltages of 5V, 3.3V, 12V and -12V.

International Rectifier has expanded its SupIRBuck family of integrated point-of-load (POL) voltage regulators for energy-efficient high performance server, storage and netcom applications.

The Gen2.1 SupIRBuck features the latest advances in control IC, MOSFET and package integration technologies to deliver up to 12A output current in a low profile, thermally enhanced 5x6mm Power QFN package and is capable of handling input voltages as wide as 1.5V to 16V.

Gamatronic has launched the Mega Power Plus Modular UPS (“Power Plus”) a brand new UPS, 25kW to 250kW of on-line power. The unit is based on the Power Plus technology developed in-house which has been enhanced by implementing the latest power elements and algorithms available on the power electronics market.

Intersil has released a new single-chip POL synchronous buck regulator for satellite systems, nuclear reactor equipment, down hole drilling applications, and other high-reliability systems.

The ISL70001SRH is a complete power solution designed for use in systems that required POL power in extreme temperature and radiation-intensive environments. It integrates 6A power MOSFETs, MOSFET drivers and a 1MHz PWM controller in single compact package. Two ISL70001SRH devices can be synchronised 180 degrees out-of-phase to reduce input RMS ripple current and the size of input filter components. 

Campbell Collins Ltd, a specialist supplier of power supplies, capacitors and power semiconductors, has introduced a new range of AC/DC Power Modules from MTM Power of Germany which are specifically designed for safety critical Medical applications.

Available with output power levels of 15W, 24W, 48W, 60W, 75W and 100W, the PMmed and PCMmed range of modules enable world-wide operation with an Input Voltage range of 90-264Vac, 50/60Hz. Output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, 24V, 36V and 48V are available, making the units suitable for a wide variety of applications including MRI, X-ray, CT and PET scanners, blood analyzers, patient monitors, and robotic surgical devices. With leakage currents of less than 100uA and Isolation Levels of 4kVac, the units exceed the requirements of IEC/EN/UL60601-1 and IEC/EN/UL60950-1.

ON Semiconductor has expanded its power switching product offering with the introduction of a high-voltage power MOSFET portfolio including 500 volt (V) and 600 V devices. These new solutions are designed for the robust needs of high voltage, energy conversion applications such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) stages, where faster turn-on and reduced dynamic power losses are crucial. Specifically, they are ideal for use in power adapters for gaming, printing and notebooks, as well as implementation in ATX power supplies, LCD panel power and industrial lighting ballast.

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of LXI compliant products with the introduction of a new LXI High Voltage matrix, 60-311.

The 60-311 is a matrix designed for high voltage switching applications. Designed to withstand voltages up to 1kV with up to 2A of carry current, the 60-311 provides a dense and cost effective solution to matrix switching solutions where high user voltages may be encountered.

The LXI Class C compliant device uses high voltage D Type connectors ensuring connection solutions are readily available from Pickering Interfaces and other suppliers.

XP Power has introduced the SHP650 and MHP650 series of single output high power density fan cooled AC/DC power supplies. The MHP650 range meets the IEC60601-1 safety specification for medical equipment while the SHP650 range compiles with the IEC60950 standard for IT and industrial equipment. Both series are efficient, typically 86%, and have a high power density of 8.2 Watts/cubic inch.

Linear Technology has launched the LT3574, an isolated monolithic flyback switching regulator that significantly simplifies the design of a low power isolated DC/DC converters. No opto-isolator, third winding or signal transformer is required for feedback since the output voltage is sensed from the primary-side flyback signal. The LT3574 operates over a 3V to 40V input voltage range, has a 0.65A NPN power switch and can deliver up to 3 watts of output power, making it well suited for a wide variety of industrial, medical, telecom, datacom and automotive applications.

Diodes Incorporated has announced the introduction of a new family of low noise block (LNB) controllers for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) applications. In smaller packaging and operating at lower voltages and higher levels of accuracy than previous generations, six new devices aim to increase the efficiency and reliability of LNB designs while reducing overall size.

These next generation controllers have proven in some cases to use less than 1% of total LNB current; their low supply voltage operation ensuring a significant efficiency improvement when used with DC-DC converters. Packaging is now in the ultra thin QFN style, enabling a reduction in PCB size and off-board height requirement.

The MAX5391-MAX5393 from Maxim Integrated Products are the industry's lowest voltage digital potentiometers. This family of dual, 256-tap, volatile digital potentiometers operate from a single 1.7V to 5.5V power supply, which makes them suitable for replacing mechanical potentiometers and DACs in power-sensitive applications. With a small package size, low operating voltage, and low supply current, the MAX5391-MAX5393 are well positioned to serve the portable consumer and industrial battery-backup markets. Suitable applications include LCD calibration, volume control, system circuit calibration and trim, amplifier offset, and gain and bias control.

Linear Technology has unveiled the LTC3604, a high efficiency, 4MHz synchronous buck regulator that incorporates a new constant frequency/controlled on-time, current mode architecture. It can deliver up to 2.5A of continuous output current at output voltages as low as 0.6V from a 3mm x 3mm QFN or MSOP-16E package. Its current mode operation offers impressive line and load transient response even with high step-down ratios.

The LTC3604 operates from an input voltage of 3.6V to 15V, making it ideal for applications powered from dual-cell Li-Ion battery stacks as well as 5V and 12V intermediate bus systems. Its switching frequency is user programmable from 800kHz to 4MHz, enabling the use of tiny, low cost capacitors and inductors.

C-MAC Technology has extended its agreement with CISSOID to integrate Vesuvio technology into high temperature DC-DC converter designs featuring Magma and Hyperion semiconductor devices. Following on from the successful 20 Watt module based around  the original ETNA chip set, these new state-of-the-art modules offer further improvements in efficiency and packaging density and provide multiple output voltages with life time operation at 225°C.

The extended product range will provide output voltages in the range of 1.2V up to 90% of V_IN at 2A and up to 50% reduction in physical size. Efficiencies of more than 90% above 200°C confirm the leading class position of the product family. Single, dual and triple output voltage modules as well as higher current versions will be available over the coming months.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced two new overvoltage-protection controllers for automotive and industrial systems that must be able to tolerate high-voltage transient and fault conditions. The MAX16914/MAX16915 employ a unique architecture that senses the input and output voltages of two back-to-back p-channel MOSFETs to provide overvoltage protection with ideal-diode characteristics. When forward biased, the two pFETs have a voltage drop that is much lower than a traditional blocking diode. During reverse-battery fault conditions, the two pFETs are turned off to prevent reverse current flow. The MAX16914/MAX16915 are suited for automotive applications requiring overvoltage protection and very low voltage drop during cold-crank conditions.

Solid State Supplies has announced that it is stocking Sanken's highly integrated inverter power modules for motor control. The SCM1110MF inverter power module (IPM) has been designed to include all the necessary power elements needed to configure the main circuit of an inverter as a high-side drive power supply: six IGBTs, three pre-drive ICs and six flyback diodes, as well as a bootstrap circuit (three bootstrap diodes and three boot resistors). This enables the main circuit of the inverter to be configured with fewer external components than would be the case in more traditional designs.

Vishay Intertechnology has introduced six new single- and dual-chip 80-V TMBS Trench MOS Barrier Schottky rectifiers in four power package options featuring a wide range of current ratings from 10 A to 30 A.

The devices include the single-chip V(B,F,I)T1080S, V(B,F,I)T2080S, and V(B,F,I)T3080S, and the dual-chip V(B,F,I)T1080C, V(B,F,I)T2080C, and V(B,F,I)T3080C. Each device is offered in the power TO-220AB, ITO-220AB, TO-262AA, and TO-263AB packages.

Intersil is offering the ISL8204M and ISL8206M as complete switch-mode power supplies in a single compact surface-mount package in the company’s latest ‘off-the-shelf’ option. Included within the module is a PWM controller, power MOSFETs, power inductor and associated discrete components. The products are footprint compatible with Intersil's recently announced ISL8201M, giving designers greater flexibility to fix point-of-load (POL) power requirements much later in the design cycle and so optimise system power needs without having to re-layout the PCB.

A new high reliability (MP) grade version of the LT3845, a 4V to 60V input voltage range, low quiescent current synchronous step-down DC/DC controller has been unveiled by Linear Technology. Its Burst Mode operation keeps quiescent current under 120µA in no load standby conditions, which is useful for extending run time in battery-powered applications.

The device's powerful onboard N-channel MOSFET gate drivers provide output current up to 20 amps at efficiencies as high as 95%, making it ideal for 12V and 24V automotive systems, industrial controls, heavy equipment, avionics and military systems.

Maxim Integrated Products has launched the industry's only two-string HB (high-brightness) LED driver for automotive applications. The MAX16838 integrates a boost or SEPIC switching converter, two linear current sinks, and all necessary power MOSFETs. It is able to optimise conversion efficiency, provide complete fault protection, and allow a 5000:1 dimming range-without any external components. This HB LED driver is suited for LCD backlighting applications, particularly in automotive displays.

Renesas Technology Europe has launched the CRD5CM reverse conducting thyristor for use in voltage regulators for two-wheeled vehicles and engines for general-purpose batteries. The CRD5CM integrates a thyristor and a rectifier diode in a single element. Sample shipments are expected to begin this month.

The CRD5CM is suitable for use in two-wheeled vehicles, such as e-bikes, where demand for compact size and low price is particularly strong.

With the growing popularity of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) placing new emphasis on the need for battery management to monitor high voltage levels and provide car makers with the means to reduce battery weight, size and cost, Analog Devices is expanding its portfolio of AEC-Q100 products with the introduction today of quad-channel digital isolators with integrated, isolated power - isolation is required for safe and reliable operation.

ON Semiconductor, a supplier of high performance, energy efficient silicon solutions for green electronics has expanded its N-Channel MOSFET portfolio with the addition of 12 new 100 volt (V) devices. With avalanche ratings of up to 500 millijoules (mJ), these fully tested N-channel power MOSFETs are suitable for use in designs where voltage overstress resulting from unclamped inductive loads is a concern.

Nujira and TriQuint Semiconductor have announced that they have successfully integrated the new TriQuint TriPower PA with Nujira Coolteq.h envelope tracking power modulator technology to create the world’s most efficient 2.1GHz PA for cellular base stations. The design will be demonstrated at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The design achieves over 55% efficiency at 2.1GHz, a band widely licensed for cellular networks globally, and one of the most popular bands for LTE and W-CDMA transmissions.  The two companies will develop further reference designs as TriQuint extends the TriPower family.

Nujira is to demonstrate the world’s most efficient and cost-effective RF power amplifier for 3G/4G at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The demonstration is based on the company’s Coolteq.L silicon, which it will also be announcing at MWC.

Nujira will be supplying its Coolteq.L test silicon to top global handset OEMs, PA (Power Amplifier) manufacturers and chipset platform vendors as a development platform and proof of concept. These partners will then be offered the opportunity to integrate Coolteq.L IP (Intellectual Property) into platform ICs or PA modules, allowing them to deliver best in class RF transmission efficiency without the need to add a separate power modulator chip in the highly constrained handset environment.

Vishay Intertechnology has released new power surface-mount white LEDs in two binning versions. Providing a wider range of pin compatibility with similar devices, the VLMW321xx LEDs features three anodes and one cathode, while the VLMW322xx LEDs offer three cathodes and one anode. 

Schneider Electric has enhanced its measuring and monitoring solutions with the introduction of PowerView – a power and energy monitoring software, suitable for small system applications to help businesses save money and energy.

The PowerView software works with Schneider Electric’s PowerLogic EGX100 integrated gateway and comprehensive range of meters. It allows users to track real time power conditions and remotely monitor electrical equipment and installations across an entire electrical network. Through the system, users can measure the energy consumption of specific applications or circuits by day and hour, analyse and compare total harmonic distortion, produce reports and plot trends.

National Semiconductor has introduced the first of three new products in its SIMPLE SWITCHER power module family. The LMZ-series of power modules have been designed to provide an innovative, integrated solution that will save both design time and provide ease-of-use to help system designers.

The power modules provide the efficiency of a synchronous switching regulator but with the simplicity of a linear regulator, eliminating the external inductor and complex layout placement challenges typical of switching regulator designs. Other devices in the power module family will launch throughout 2010.

ANSMANN, a specialist manufacturer of batteries, battery chargers and power supplies for industrial, consumer and hobby applications, has launched the maxE/maxE+ range of long-lasting rechargeable NiMH batteries that can be used in industrial portable equipment applications.

Toshiba Electronics Europe has announced a new 16-channel LED driver that combines comprehensive brightness control with a built-in PWM grey scale capability. The TB62721 is suitable for traffic signs, information boards and other high quality large panel displays requiring the accurate and reliable control of multiple colour LEDs.

Safety Power Group has launched a new range of high quality 6000W DC programmable power supplies for bench or rack mount test & measurement applications offering very stable voltage or current output.

The new SM600-10 offers output voltage from 0 to 600V and current from 0 to 10A with voltage stability (CV) of 5.10^-5 and current stability (CC) of 10.10^-5 for duration of eight hours after one hour warm up. Operating from a three-phase input, the SM600-10 offers very low output ripple and spikes, excellent dynamic response to load changes and is protected against all overload and short circuit conditions.

Intersil has announced a new compact, scalable power module. The ISL8200M provides designers with an easy-to-use general-purpose power solution that satisfies a wide range of point-of-load (POL) power requirements.

The ISL8200M is a 10A, highly integrated POL regulator in a surface mount QFN package that includes a PWM controller, power MOSFETs, power inductor and associated discrete components. It is ideally suited for a broad range of applications in the computing, telecommunications and networking infrastructure, and industrial markets.

Vishay Intertechnology has released four new 600-V MOSFETs that extend its Super Junction FET technology to the TO-220, TO-220F, TO-247, and TO-263 packages. 

The new SiHP22N60S (TO-220), SiHF22N60S (TO-220 FULLPAK), SiHG22N60S (TO-247), and SiHB22N60S (TO-263) combine their 600-V rating with an ultra-low 0.190 Ω maximum on-resistance at a 10-V gate drive. This low RDS(on) translates into lower conduction losses that save energy in power factor correction (PFC) and pulsewidth modulation (PWM) applications in a wide range of electronic systems, including LCD TVs, PCs, servers, switch mode power supplies (SMPS), and telecom systems.

FDK Corporation has introduced the VR Series of voltage regulator modules (VRM) with the launch of the FPVR12CR50130PA dc-dc converter. Designed to meet the power needs of high end microprocessors and related devices in servers, workstations, supercomputers and storage, the VR Series converters are compatible with the Intel VRM 11.1 specification. The FPVR12CR50130PA is the first product in this series and delivers up to 130 Amperes (A) of continuous output current with minimal derating and high efficiency.

International Rectifier has introduced the AUIRF7739L2 and AUIRF7665S2 automotive DirectFET2 power MOSFETs offering power density, dual-sided cooling and low parasitic inductance and resistance in a robust, reliable and AEC-Q101 qualified package for automotive applications.

These first automotive DirectFET2 devices from IR are entirely lead-free and offer overall system level size and cost reductions along with superior performance and efficiency when compared to traditional standard plastic packaged components.

Linear Technology Corporation has launched the LT3640, a dual channel, current mode step-down switching regulator with a power-on reset and watchdog timer. Its 4V to 35V input voltage range with 55V transient ride through makes it ideal for load dump and cold crank conditions commonly found in automotive applications.

The LT3640 uses a unique dual channel design with a high input voltage (4V_IN to 35V_IN, 55V_IN transient) nonsynchronous channel that delivers 1.1A of output current, combined with a lower input voltage (2.5V_IN to 5.5V_IN) synchronous channel that provides up to 0.9A of continuous output current.

TDK-Lambda has extended its CC-E range of high efficiency, high reliability DC-DC converters with the introduction of new 15W and 30W versions. Each CC-E power range comprises 32 models and is available in both surface mount and through-hole packages with applications in factory automation systems, computers and communications devices.

A proprietary TDK low-loss ferrite core material ensures high efficiency of operation resulting in an extremely compact size with an ultra low profile. For instance, the 30W CC30-4805SHF-E model measures just 37.9 x 31.6 x 6.5mm, achieves an efficiency of 92.5% and a power density of 63.2W/in3.

Diodes Incorporated has introduced a 1 Amp rated linear mode constant current LED driver specifically designed to reduce the size and cost of a range of general illumination products, including flashlights and lighting in emergency, garden, and poolside applications.

Packaged in an optimised small footprint, low profile DFN package, the highly integrated DLD101 LED driver provides designers with significant board space savings, with the package's high thermal efficiency assuring higher power dissipation than comparable SOT23 ICs.

RECOM engineers have designed a DC/DC-converter in a DIP24 case that breaks the 10kV barrier. These new converters, the REC 3.5- and REC 6- families, offer 10kVDC resp.5 kVAC isolation.

At the heart of this new development is a new transformer concept, based on "Re³-Inforced" Technology, for which patents have already been applied. Although much smaller than conventional transformers this new concept features triple isolated transformer windings. Not only has the size been significantly reduced, the winding capacity has also been reduced by a factor 3 down to 20pF. This feature ensures extremely low leakages as are required in medical applications, where the electronic circuit is in contact with the patient.

Changes in the type of enemy, nature of threat and style of warfare since the end of the cold war are placing new and exacting demands on modern military technology. Development is now less focused on ultra-rugged equipment capable of withstanding direct assault, but is moving to prioritise stealth for covert monitoring and intelligence gathering.

The military’s emerging need for efficient, lightweight equipment that can be deployed quickly, under stealth, influences all aspects of system design, from the power supply forwards. As far as power supply design is concerned, forces that need to move fast and collect strategically valuable data demand a lightweight, compact and tough supply of power. Dependable low-noise performance is also a pre-requisite to deliver clean, stable power for modern, highly sensitive surveillance equipment.

Gaia Converter, a specialist in high reliability power converter modules, has announced the availability of a range of line conditioning modules for dips, brown-out, transients and spike protection for Military, avionics and similar high reliability applications.

The first line conditioning module available from Gaia Converter has 50W power range. The product is designed to extend and monitor the input voltage bus to provide continuous system protection against cranking, drop-outs, transients and spikes to be compliant with MIL-STD-1275A/B/C, MIL-STD-704A/D/E/F, EN2282 and D0160D/E/F.

Nexeon, a developer of silicon-based anodes for next generation lithium ion batteries, together with advanced battery manufacturer Axeon, the University of St Andrews, a centre of excellence for battery materials chemistry and Ricardo, a leading provider of technology and engineering solutions to the automotive and transport industries are part of a UK consortium awarded almost £1 million in funding by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

The aim of the project is to develop new battery chemistry that will deliver high energy densities, and to produce a prototype for the plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) application. The consortium partners will match the TSB funding in the £2 million project.

Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a new family of standard-footprint power MOSFETs that dissipate heat through the top of the package for high-current DC/DC applications. DualCool NexFET power MOSFETs reduce end equipment size, while providing up to 50 percent more current through the MOSFET and improving thermal management over other standard-footprint packages.

Powersolve has launched a new smart battery charger that can automatically detect and charge 8 to 15 NiMH or NiCD cells. The PSCH30 Smart Charger is “clever” enough to identify the number of cells in series and provide the necessary output to fully charge the cells and then turn itself off.

Output voltage, which varies depending on load, is from 9.6 to 18V and output current is from 500mA to 1.8A which can be switched to charge at 0.9 or 1.8A. Safety ground leakage current is <0.5mA. The charger features battery temperature monitor with over temperature shutdown. Overvoltage and short circuit protection are standard as is protection against reverse polarity. An LED status indicator confirms standby, charging, fully charged and error states.

International Rectifier has introduced the IR3870M SupIRBuck integrated voltage regulator for notebook and desktop computers, game consoles, consumer electronics applications such as set top boxes, and general purpose point-of-load (POL) DC-DC converters.

The IR3870M features a hysteretic constant on-time modulator with adaptive dead-time control and on-state resistance (RDS(on)) current sensing to achieve maximum efficiency for notebooks.  Capable of delivering up to 10A in environments with up to 60°C ambient temperatures, the IR3870M features diode emulation for improved light load efficiency.

Linear Technology Corporation has introduced the LTM2882, a 2-channel isolated RS232 µModule transceiver that guards against large ground-to-ground differentials and common mode transients. In practical RS232 systems, ground potentials may vary widely from node to node, often exceeding the tolerable range, resulting in an interruption of communications or destruction of a transceiver.

With a breakdown voltage rating of 400V, the MMBD5004BRM quad switching diode array from Diodes Incorporated has been designed to withstand worst case line transients in DAA modem tip-and-ring telephone line interfacing and general off-line rectification applications.

The diode array's combination of faster switching speed, trr=50ns, and low junction capacitance, typically 0.7pF at VR=0V and f=1.0MHz, makes it ideal for preserving high-speed signal integrity while its high current rating of 225mA continuous and 625mA peak provides for a healthy margin for DAA modem needs.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX15046, a 40V-input DC-DC controller that integrates rugged protection features to ensure reliable operation in even the harshest operating environments. This robust device is well suited for industrial power supplies, PLCs (programmable logic controllers), CNC (computer numerical control) systems, industrial computers, and base stations.

Linear Technology has unveiled the LTC3588-1, a complete energy harvesting solution optimised for low energy sources, including piezoelectric transducers. The LTC3588-1 integrates a low-loss, full-wave bridge rectifier with a high efficiency buck converter to harvest ambient vibrational energy via piezoelectric transducers and then convert it to a well-regulated output to power application microcontrollers, sensors, data converters and wireless transmission components.

Diodes Incorporated has introduced 0.5A single channel power switches optimised for USB port protection and other 3V-5V hot swap interconnects. The AP2145 (active low enable) and AP2155 (active high enable) provide complete protection solutions for consumer, computing and communication applications subject to the possibility of heavy capacitive loads and short-circuits.

Expanding its popular ISOpro isolation product portfolio, Silicon Laboratories has introduced a next-generation ac current sensor family that replaces traditional current transformers. Silicon Labs' new Si85xx ac current sensors provide up to 5 kVrms of electrical isolation to ensure safety compliance for a variety of critical power delivery systems such as ac-dc switching power supplies, isolated dc-dc supplies, motor control applications and electronic lighting ballasts.

Renesas Technology Europe has announced a lineup of 12 10th generation power MOSFET products for isolated DC-DC converters*1 used in the power supplies of applications such as servers, communications equipment, and industrial equipment. The new power MOSFETs deliver reduced switching loss*2 for improved energy efficiency and cover a wide voltage tolerance range (40 V, 60 V, 80 V, 100 V). Mass production has already started.

The 10th generation fabrication process employed for the 12 new products has a proven track record in earlier power MOSFETs (used mainly in non-isolated DC-DC converters) designed with a focus on on-resistance*2, and it has been optimised to achieve a gate-drain charge (Qgd)*3 that is up to 50% lower than that of previous Renesas Technology products.

Linear Technology has launched the LT3492, a 2.1MHz DC/DC converter designed to operate as a three-channel constant current LED driver. Each of the LT3492's three channels can drive up to ten 300mA LEDs in series, enabling it to drive up to 30 x 300mA LEDs at efficiencies up to 96%. All three channels are operated by an independent True Color PWM signal, enabling each to be dimmed independently to ratios as high as 3,000:1. A fixed frequency, current mode architecture ensures stable operation over a wide range of supply and output voltages.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX2657 and MAX2658, two tiny, battery ‘sipping’ LNAs (low-noise amplifiers) designed for GPS-enabled applications operating in the 1575MHz band. Maxim has merged its innovative SiGe BiCMOS process technology and WLP (wafer-level packaging) expertise in these devices. In doing so it has improved the performance of GPS receive sensitivity with an ultra-low 0.8dB noise figure.

This sensitivity is an improvement over both discrete GaAs and Phempt LNAs or highly integrated RF CMOS solutions.

Murata Power Solutions has added a 3A output current surface mount series to its family of Okami non-isolated, DOSA compliant pinout, point-of-load (PoL) DC/DC converters. The OKI-T/3-W40 series is ideal for use 24VDC input range applications that require a low voltage DC source for powering FPGAs and microprocessors.

ON Semiconductor has introduced a family of low-side protected MOSFETs that feature high levels of integrated protection. Qualified in accordance with the AEC-Q101 standard, devices in the NCV840x family are suitable for use in switching applications operating in harsh automotive and industrial environments.

Designed for robust and reliable operation, the NCV8401, NCV8402, NVC8402D (dual die) and NVC8405 all have an extensive range of self-protection features. These include temperature and current limiting, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, and integrated drain-to-gate clamping for overvoltage protection.

STMicroelectronics has developed a new device in the industry-standard TO-247 size package that delivers the industry’s lowest on-state resistance for 650V MOSFETs. It’s a move that will add further options for designers using its ultra-efficient MDmesh V power MOSFETs.

“The MDmesh V family combines proprietary fifth-generation super-junction technology with our PowerMESH horizontal layout, giving an improved level of performance,” said Maurizio Giudice, Marketing Director, Power MOSFET Division, STMicroelectronics. “With the industry’s lowest RDS(ON) per die area we are able to deliver efficiency advantages in any package style. Designers can use this superiority to improve performance and reduce overall size by replacing multi-parallel networks of conventional MOSFETs with a far smaller number of MDmesh V devices.”

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the new MAX3625B high-performance, three-output clock generator for Ethernet and Fibre Channel equipment. This device utilises a low-noise VCO and PLL architecture to generate a high-frequency, ultra-low-jitter (0.36psRMS) clock signal from a low-frequency crystal resonator or reference clock input.

Its -57dBc PSNR minimises jitter degradation and eases design in noisy system environments. The MAX3625B eliminates the expensive crystal oscillator and fan-out buffer required by conventional solutions, as it only requires an external, AT-cut fundamental-mode crystal. Because it reduces the space requirements and cost of the total clock-distribution solution, this device is well suited for applications such as Ethernet switches/routers and storage-area network switches.

Maxon has unveiled the RE 50. With its 200W power output it delivers amongst the highest levels of nominal torque for its size: up to 0.38Nm  from a drive measuring just Ø50 x 108 mm. This performance is achieved by a two-pole Neodymium permanent magnet, combined with four different versions of maxon’s patented winding technology.

The “heart” of the RE 50, as with all mechanically communicated maxon motor drives, is the ironless rotor which provides smooth running due to its minimal inertia.

Linear Technology has launched the LTC6801 a high voltage battery stack fault monitor that operates without a microprocessor, and without the need for optocouplers or isolators – it can monitor up to 12 series-connected battery cells for overvoltage and undervoltage conditions. 

Multiple LTC6801 devices can be daisy chained, providing a method to monitor each individual cell in very long battery strings. When connected in a daisy-chain, a single differential clock output confirms that all cells in the stack are within the defined operating range. This clock interface provides high noise immunity and ensures that fault conditions are not hidden by frozen bits or short circuit conditions. The result is a reliable and simple design that can serve as a complete monitoring or redundant circuit. 

XP Power has launched a new family of ultra compact LEDs.  The LDU series of 300 - 1000 mA PCB mount LED drivers are highly efficient, measuring just 20.32 x 10.16 x 6.88 mm (0.8 x 0.4 x 0.27 inches) for the LDU08 300 mA model, with a typical efficiency of 95%.

Models within the series offer constant current outputs of 300, 350, 500, 600, 700 or 1000 mA. The non-isolated step-down drivers can accommodate a very wide range of input voltage from 7 - 30 VDC. Dimming options include two analog methods (voltage or resistance) or a pulse width modulation (PWM) input signal.

Trends in portable consumer electronics continue to encourage devices that are smaller, thinner, lighter, sleeker, and more powerful. At the same time, manufacturers want to make devices with an affordable power source. In order to meet this growing expectation in consumer electronics, designers need new and innovative power solutions to meet their needs and the needs of their consumers.

Primary battery makers are focused on bringing new and innovative primary battery solutions to the table, which will enable thinner, sleeker, and more powerful devices all while enabling a lower price point.

Analog Devices has introduced four new energy metering ICs (integrated circuits). They have been designed to improve both the accuracy and performance of commercial, industrial, and residential smart meters. A smart meter accurately measures how much electricity is consumed or generated, and communicates with the local utility for power monitoring, billing, and other purposes.

ADI’s new energy metering ICs will enable smart electricity meters to improve customer billing accuracy, provide advanced power quality monitoring, and reduce operating costs for utility companies. 

ANSMANN, the leading manufacturer of mobile energy solutions for industrial, consumer and hobby applications, has launched the ACS110 lightweight switch-mode universal battery pack charger.  The ACS110 is ideal for manufacturers of portable industrial equipment and instrumentation but is also potentially suitable for all equipment with battery packs.

The ACS110 provides maximum user flexibility enabling the wide range of battery packs available on the market today to be re-charged with only one charger.

Linear Technology has released the LTC3108, a highly integrated step-up DC/DC converter designed to start-up and run from extremely low input voltage sources such as thermoelectric generators (TEGs), thermopiles and small solar cells. Its self-resonant topology steps up from input voltages as low as 20mV. Small temperature differences can be harvested and used to generate system power instead of traditional battery power.

Available in the tiny USPQ-4 package (1.0 x 1.0 x 0.4mm), as well as in standard SSOT-24, SOT-25 and SOT-89-5 versions, the new XC6223 Series of voltage regulators from Torex Semiconductor offer ultra fast load transient response performance, PSRR is 80dB @ 1kHz, as well as protection against inrush current.

Murata has launched the LQH88P_38 series of power inductors, supporting up to 8A rated current. These inductors measure 8 x 8 mm (3131-size) with a low profile of just 3.8 mm (typical) and are designed for use in DC-DC converters for flat panel TVs, set-top boxes, recording devices, wireless base stations and other consumer electronics applications.

The power supply manufacturer, TDK-Lambda, is expanding its DC-DC converter line-up with the introduction of the new CN-A Series and in a move designed to satisfy customer demand for low power DC-DC converters that can be rapidly mounted onto DIN rails, it is also introducing a new series - the DPX Series – designed for industrial applications such as process control and factory automation, as well as in alarm and security systems.

Speaking to CIE the company’s European marketing director, Martin Southam, said that over the last three months orders had ‘taken off’.

“Since the autumn we have seen our order book take off and our factory is now running seven days a week. We are even looking to recruit extra staff to meet this demand.”

XP Power has announced its LCL series of single output chassis mount enclosed AC/DC power supplies. The low cost range comprises 150, 300 and 500 Watt models and provides an industry leading typical efficiency of 90% at full load. The 150 Watt units are convection cooled while the others benefit from an integral cooling fan. These self-contained units require no additional forced airflow. All units come with screw terminals and self-retaining guards.

LEM has launched Sentinel III, an advanced, set of components for a battery monitoring solution that addresses the needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and battery providers, as well as Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and Systems Integrators. Sentinel III components are used to create a simple to install and intuitive solution for continuous battery monitoring within mission critical installations such as hospitals, airports and data centres.

A new series of 120W DC/DC modules designed specifically for worldwide railway applications has been announced by Martek Power. The CMS120 Series features a very wide input voltage range that will meets all relevant railway standards including EN50 155 and work across a broad operating temperature range without derating.

Vicor Corporation has launched three new videos in its Power Techtorial series, which will be available in a new Learning Zone on the Vicor Europe website that provides on-demand solutions to common power design challenges as well as offering self-assessment tools that ensure engineers have understood key topics.

Bel Power, a division of Bel Fuse Inc., has added 20A, 40A, 50A, 60A, and 80A Power SIP modules to their expanding offering of non-isolated DC/DC converters.  With the addition of the newest parts, Bel Power's portfolio of SIP modules now includes cost efficient open-frame parts that can deliver 3A to 80A of output current.

Semikron has introduced a low-inductance 1200V Semitrans IGBT module series for use in AC/DC converters in the 20 – 300kW power range. These modules are available with Fuji fifth-generation V-IGBT chips as an alternative to IGBT4 chips. The very low 15nH module inductance offers two advantages: 50V higher DC link voltage than in competitor modules, thanks to the lower switching over-voltages; plus faster and softer IGBT switching producing lower switching losses, boosting overall efficiency.

Diodes Incorporated has added two new devices to its AP21XX power switch product line for higher current applications.  The single channel AP2101 and AP2111 can provide a continuous output current capability of up to 2A and have been optimised for use in self-powered and bus-powered USB and other 3-5V hot-swap applications.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC6246, LTC6247 and LTC6248, a family of op amps that utilises a power-efficient SiGe process to achieve 180MHz gain-bandwidth product and 90V/µs slew rate, while consuming just 1mA maximum supply current per amplifier. These single, dual and quad op amps also feature rail-to-rail inputs and outputs, and 4.2nV/√Hz wideband noise.

Texas Instruments (TI) has announced the first member of a new product class featuring the industry’s first passive low frequency interface (PaLFI) device designed to wirelessly supply an ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontroller (MCU) with energy to operate even if the optional battery is empty.

Murata Power Solutions has introduced a new series of converter transformers specifically designed for use with Analog Devices’ ADM2482/7 transceiver chipsets used to provide isolated RS-485 and RS-422 interfaces. The 782482 series has carefully controlled turns ratios to ensure consistent performance whilst a toroidal construction helps minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI).

CISSOID, a supplier of high temperature semiconductor solutions, has introduced a new family of High Temperature 40V N-channel power MOSFET Transistor guaranteed for operation from -55°C up to 225°C. These new devices named CHT-NMOS4005, CHT-NMOS4010 and CHT-NMOS4020 are rated respectively for 5A, 10A and 20A maximum drain current.

austriamicrosystems  has expanded its ultra low dropout regulator (LDO) portfolio with the AS1371. The device is capable of delivering up to 400mA while operating down to a low input voltage of 1.2V and as it operates from a 1.2V to 3.6V supply, it is suitable for low-voltage, portable battery-powered applications.

Nextreme Thermal Solutions and Infinite Power Solutions have announced the development of a thermal charger with the ability to continuously recharge the IPS THINERGY Micro-Energy Cell (MEC) using an eTEG thermoelectric power generator from Nextreme.

austriamicrosystems has  expanded its low dropout regulator portfolio with the dual LDO AS1374, capable of delivering up to 200mA continuous load current at each output.

Vishay Intertechnology has announced a new economical, long-life panel potentiometer featuring up to four modules and a compact 12.5-mm size.

Murata Power Solutions has introduced a new series of high performance isolated 1W single output DC/DC converters that offer high efficiency levels and full-load performance across the industrial temperature range.

Powersolve’s XI Series of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) has been designed to be specified for use in a variety of industrial and commercial applications where constant, reliable power is an essential requirement. Versions accept 115 to 230VAC and provide a range of selectable outputs from 100 to 240VAC.

Carlo-Gavazzi has introduced the industry’s smallest 15kW soft-starter, extending the company’s range of compact modules for compressor applications such as geothermal heat pumps.

Microchip has announced a new range of solutions that complement market trends toward ‘green’ products. The MCP14628 and MCP14700 synchronous buck MOSFET drivers and the MCP1804 Low Dropout Regulators (LDOs), provide maximum efficiency in small packages.

Linear Technology has announced the LTC554x family of four new high dynamic range downconverting mixers covering the 700MHz to 4GHz wireless infrastructure frequency range.

ON Semiconductor has introduced 24 new 30 volt (V), N-channel Trench MOSFETs in DPAK, SO-8FL, µ8FL, and SOIC-8 packages featuring enhanced switching performance for synchronous buck converters in computing and game console applications.

Analog Devices, has expanded its low-power data converter portfolio with 26 ADCs (analogue-to-digital converters) for effective high-performance, power-efficient communications, portable device, instrumentation and healthcare applications.

A next generation intelligent display management system that radically lowers power consumption while at the same time significantly improving display quality in all viewing conditions.

Murata has introduced the LXES series of ceramic and silicon based ESD protection devices. Both types feature high suppression levels, high repetition durability and ultra-low capacitance for use in high speed data transmission environments.

The PSCH15 Smart Charger from Powersolve is “clever” enough to identify from 2 to 12 cells in series and provide the necessary output to fully charge the cells and then turn itself off.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced two integrated products designed to provide power and protection for USB ports. 

Wolfson Microelectronics, a leading provider of high performance mixed-signal semiconductors to the consumer electronics market, has announced that Samsung has chosen Wolfson’s power management IC and speaker driver products for its new portable media player, the M1.

The LT3743 is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter from Linear Technology that is designed to deliver constant current to drive high current LEDs. The device’s 5.5V to 36V input voltage range makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications, including industrial, DLP projection and architectural lighting.

News JTK15 and JTL30 series will suit applications in a wide variety of mobile, portable and wireless products, and where designers are looking to reduce the size of their end product.

Vishay Intertechnology has doubled the rotational life of its P30L compact panel potentiometers, which are now specified to deliver 2 million cycles at rated power. The potentiometers' power rating has also been increased, from 2 W to 3 W.

Atmel Corporation has developed a new Li-Ion battery management chipset for high-cell-count automotive and industrial applications such as electrical/hybrid vehicles, e-bikes or uninterruptible power supplies.

Powersolve has launched the ESA24 Series of plug-top adaptors designed for medical system applications. The new power adaptors accept a universal 90 to 264VAC input and provide single outputs from 3.3 to 24VDC.

Despite all the hype about the world moving to a wireless society, there are still more wires than most of us would like.

The bulk of these though are connecting a plethora of electronic devices to the mains, either permanently or periodically to charge the batteries. This could soon change thanks to an American start-up company called Witricity that claims to have developed a technology that can extract power from the mains without using wires and at a high efficiency, albeit over short distances.

Power Integrations has launched a new technical microsite, www.powerint.com/smartmeters, focusing on energy-efficient power supply solutions for utility meters used in smart-grid energy networks.

Utility companies are investing in the so-called smart grid as a way of monitoring, controlling, and managing electric power consumption in homes and businesses. The smart grid requires advanced metering solutions that can communicate with both the power company and the consumer - providing real-time information on energy use and cost. Utilities are also installing innovative network-connected devices that manage end-user power consumption. Customers are given pricing concessions in exchange for granting the supplier control of certain non-critical circuits.

UNIPOWER Corporation has announced the latest addition to its BLUEstreak range of high-density, hot swappable modular rectifiers and front-ends. UNIPOWER's BLUEstreak modules can provide up to 2000W from a 1U high package at power densities as high as 24W/in³ and efficiency levels to 92% at 75% load. This makes them suitablel for energy conscious applications in network equipment, data storage and back-up systems.

Wolfson Microelectronics has launched the WM8320, a highly integrated power management solution to maximise processor performance and extend battery life to leading edge portable multimedia devices.

The WM8320 is the latest addition to Wolfson's WM83xx power management portfolio, and is targeted at providing smaller, more efficient, and lower cost solutions to applications that use ARM-based processors, particularly netbooks, mobile internet devices, smartphones, handsets and digital photo frames.

International Rectifier has introduced the AUIRS2016S for automotive gate drive applications including common injection rails, diesel and gasoline direct injection applications and solenoid drivers.

The AUIRS2016S is a high-voltage power MOSFET high-side driver featuring an internal Vs-to-GND recharge NMOS. The device's output driver features a 250mA high pulse current buffer stage. The channel can be used to drive an N-channel power MOSFET in the high-side configuration, operating up to 150V above ground. The AUIRS2016S also provides negative voltage spike immunity (-Vs) to protect against catastrophic events during high-current switching and short circuit conditions.

Linear Technology has launched the LTC6655, an ultra-stable voltage reference with an unequaled noise level of only 625nVp-p (0.25ppmp-p) from 0.1Hz to 10Hz.

The LTC6655 is an ideal companion to high resolution DACs and ADCs required by instrumentation and test equipment, while the fully specified temperature range of -40°C to 125°C supports automotive and industrial applications. Advanced curvature compensation allows this bandgap reference to achieve a drift of less than 2ppm/°C and an output voltage accurate to ±0.025%, reducing or eliminating the need for system calibration.

XP Power has announced the availability of the ECS100 family of single output 100 Watt AC/DC power supplies. Fitting into a standard 1U space, this compact unit, measuring only 50.8 x 101.6 x 30.5 mm (2 x 4 x 1.20 inches), offers a high power density of 10.4 Watts per cubic inch. The units can provide 80 Watts when convection cooled, and require only 10 CFM of forced airflow to provide the full 100W output. The ECS100 series is a highly efficient design, achieving 88% typical efficiency.

Designers of portable electronic products are faced with unprecedented challenges. Among these are the demands for high performance power management systems to accommodate growing system complexity and higher power budgets. These systems strive for an optimum balance among competing objectives including long battery runtime, compatibility with multiple power sources, high power density, small size and effective thermal management.

Finder has now added a higher current rated relay interface module to its broad range of electromechanical products. The single pole 38.01 and 38.11 are designed to switch electrical loads up to 16A, 250VAC and provide an interface between output limited PLC, BMS and other electronic controllers, and high current loads such as heaters, motors and solenoids.

To ensure compatibility with most controller outputs, the relay interface modules offer a comprehensive selection of sensitive DC or AC/DC coils, spanning the voltage range from 12V through to 240V. Integrated coil status indication enhances control system diagnostics, while the relay's protection circuitry ensures any back emf effects are suppressed.

Audium Semiconductor has launched an audio power amplifier IC which, at normal listening levels of (that is 73dBC sound pressure level (SPL) at a distance of 1 metre, with a speaker sensitivity of 89dBC/W at 1 metre), is 20 times more efficient than competing devices, such as Class D amplifiers, without compromising audio quality. The AS1001 operates from a nominal 1.5V power supply and delivers 100W peak power output. The amplifier is so efficient that battery-powered amplified loudspeakers can run for up to 10 months on a set of four 'C' batteries, playing for three hours per day, vastly reducing CO2 from power generation and pollution from battery production.

Torex has unveiled the XC6118 and XC6119, two new 0.8µA low-power consumption supervisors that enable a delay time to be set up externally by connecting only a single capacitor to the ICs delay capacitor pin. In addition, the XC6118 also has a sense pin (VSEN) to monitor a separate power supply.

Manufactured using CMOS technology, the new supervisors are particularly suitable for applications such as re-setting microprocessors, memory battery back-up switches and power failure detection circuits. The operating voltage range of the XC6118 is between 1.0V and 6.0V while with the XC6119 it is from 0.7V to 6.0V. The detect voltage can be selected within the range of 0.8V to 5.0V in 100mV increments for both types, and the operating temperature range is -40° to 85°C.

TDK-Lambda has introduced the RFE1000 series; a new 1kW embedded 1U high single output AC-DC power supply for stand alone and distributed power architecture (DPA) applications requiring reliable 24V, 32V and 48V bulk power. Up to 20% output voltage adjustment is possible enabling the RFE1000 to be used in a variety of customer specific applications including battery charging. Operating from a universal input of 85 to 265VAC, typical applications for the RFE1000 supplies include communications, factory automation and RF amplifiers. Efficiency up to 89% minimises heat dissipation.

Nujira has released a new DC-DC converter reference design that delivers up to 95% efficiency and can be manufactured at one-third of the cost of standard designs.

Engineered for use with Nujira's Coolteq.h power modulator modules, the Nujira Coolteq.p DC-DC converter reference design is typically suitable for up to 40W RRH and BTS applications. Coolteq.h modules do not require a highly regulated supply and Coolteq.p was developed specifically to address the opportunity to use a lower cost, high efficiency lightly regulated supply to power the RF subsystem.

Despite EMC issues now usually being considered at an early stage during the product design process, unexpected problems can still occur.

In some cases, a simple approach to EMC and filtering is found to work but more often than not a more in-depth analysis is required to address the relevant EMC design considerations and subsequently identify the EMC solution.

Wiring accessories and smart control technologies can offer a modern and exciting twist to any property for true, flexible functionality.

Wiring accessories have a key role to play in helping homeowners and property developers provide functionality and control within a new build. They can add the finishing touches to the aesthetics of a building, but failing to give proper consideration to the functionality of its wiring needs can have a major impact on the building's appeal.

UNIPOWER Corporation announces a new range of AC input medical switching power supplies that can be customised and delivered in just two weeks. The AL-070UM MEDIMOD family provides up to 70W of highly regulated output power in single to triple output configurations from 1.5 to 48VDC.

TDK-Lambda has developed a new range of power supplies specifically targeted towards LED applications requiring high reliability.  Perfectly suited for all indoor and outdoor LED lighting installations, as well as digital signage and industrial applications, these 12W supplies are IP66-rated and accept a wide universal AC input.

Nujira, world leaders in efficient RF transmission technology, today released a DC-DC converter reference design that delivers up to 95% efficiency and can be manufactured at one-third of the cost of standard designs.

Audium Semiconductor has launched an audio power amplifier IC which, at normal listening levels, is 20 times more efficient than competing devices, such as Class D amplifiers, without compromising audio quality. The AS1001 operates from a nominal 1.5V power supply and delivers 100W peak power output.

Dialog Semiconductor, a provider of highly integrated innovative power management semiconductor solutions, has collaborated with NEC Electronics Corporation (NEC Electronics) to develop a design platform based on NEC Electronics' multimedia processor system-on-chips (SoCs) and Dialog's power management platform ICs. 

Phihong has improved the energy efficiency of both its PSAA60M universal 3-wire input adapter series and its PSAA60W universal 2-wire input adapter series. Suitable for portable equipment, networking, peripherals, and gaming machines, the low-cost adapters are available in 12-, 15-, 18-, 24-, and 48V single output models; all of which are now ENERGY STAR EPS Version 2.0 (Level V) compliant.

RMI Corporation, a provider of high performance processors for communications and media-rich applications, has announced that its market-leading Au1250 series of Ultra Low Power Processors has been selected to power next-generation intelligent real-time energy-monitoring systems from Threshold Corporation.

XP Power has announced the availability of the ECS100 family of single output 100 Watt AC/DC power supplies. Fitting into a standard 1U space and measuring only 50.8 x 101.6 x 30.5 mm (2 x 4 x 1.20 inches), the ESC100 offers a high power density of 10.4 Watts per cubic inch. The units can provide 80 Watts when convection cooled, and require only 10 CFM of forced airflow to provide the full 100W output.

Linear Technology has launched the LT3519, a 45V, high side current sense DC/DC converter designed to drive high current LEDs. The LT3519's 3V to 40V input voltage range makes it suitable for applications such as automotive and industrial lighting. The combination of an internal 45V, 750mA switch, Schottky diode and internal compensation provides a highly compact LED driver solution.

Intersil's ISL99201 and ISL99202 are the first audio products in a new family of ultra-small-footprint packages that will enable smaller, thinner and lighter consumer devices that run longer on a battery charge. These audio amplifiers are suitable for use in SmartPhones, PDAs, game consoles, MP3 and personal media players, personal navigation devices and LCD TVs.

MaxLinear has announced the availability of its MxL1x1SF family, a performance tuner and demodulator system on chip (SoC) for DVB-T applications and hybrid multi-mode applications combining DVBT & other analog/digital terrestrial TV & cable TV standards including ATSC, ISDBT13, DTMB, NTSC, PAL, SECAM, DVB-C, & DOCSIS.

Carlo Gavazzi has a new versatile, reliable management and control system targeting small to medium or high power solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. The new controller is designed to enable the plants to meet growing demand for clean sources of energy by maintaining efficient operation, maximising performance and strengthening the Return on Investment.

Black Sand Technologies, a fabless semiconductor company specialising in advanced power amplifier technology for wireless applications, has announced that it has produced the world's first 3G CMOS RF Power Amplifier (PA). The company's proprietary CMOS PA architecture offers a breakthrough in combined performance, cost, battery life, and reliability for mobile devices such as mobile phones and datacards.

HiTek Power has extended its comprehensive XRG70 range by introducing the XRG70-703, a compact high-voltage power supply that has been specifically developed for high-performance analytical and measurement X-ray applications. Output voltage is 0 to 70kV at 0 to 1mA and maximum output power is 70W. The unit also incorporates a 5.5VDC, 3.5A grounded filament power supply.

Vishay Intertechnology has launched a new 600-V FRED Pt Hyperfast tandem rectifier that reduces losses in high-efficiency continuous current mode (CCM) power factor correction (PFC) applications with its extremely fast reverse recovery time, low forward voltage drop, and low package thermal resistance.

Linear Technology has launched the LTC3620, a high efficiency, synchronous buck regulator which can deliver up to 15mA from a very small footprint for single Li-Ion-powered applications. The internal synchronous switches deliver efficiencies as high as 95% while Burst Mode operation requires only 18uA of quiescent current, maximising battery run time.

TDK-Lambda has expanded its innovative NV-Power family of configurable AC-DC power supplies with the addition of four new output modules. Compatible with the popular NV-350 (six-slot) and NV-700 (eight-slot) platforms, these modules complement the range already available by extending its capabilities and meeting the ever increasing demands of the broadcast, instrumentation and medical markets, as well as other applications, such as ATE, automation, routers and servers, and security networks.

Texas Instruments has introduced the 2.25-MHz DC/DC converter for USB-powered portable applications and wireless modems. The TPS62750 is a high-performance, 92 percent power-efficient, synchronous step-down converter, which can provide up to 1-A typical input current. The device supports an input voltage from 2.9 V to 6 V, allowing it to support batteries with an extended voltage range and USB-compliant power requirements.

In addition to small size, the TPS62750 offers a high degree of performance and efficiency. The device's Power Save Mode operates at light load currents over the entire load current range. In addition, the converter can discharge during shutdown.

Maxim Integrated Products has launched the DS4426, a low-cost, quad sink/source current DAC with tracking control. This device is an I2C-controlled, 7-bit current DAC with four output channels explicitly designed for power-supply margining and adjustment functions. Three of the DAC channels have additional circuitry to provide power-supply sequencing or tracking. Each output channel provides control of a DC-DC power supply by sinking or sourcing current directly into the power supply's feedback node. This technique allows existing power-supply designs to be margined and adjusted with minimal redesign, thus making the DS4426 ideal for any DC-DC power-supply application requiring low-cost, system-level voltage control, calibration, or margin testing. Typical end products include servers, routers, switches, and video processing cards.

The industry's first precision thin film surface-mount resistor networks and dividers to feature a 4-mm by 4-mm dual flat no-lead package with a 0.65-mm pitch and low 1-mm profile have been unveiled by Vishay Intertechnology. The new package format of the DFN series saves 53% on PC board space compared to traditional 5-mm by 6-mm SOIC 8-lead packages.

The devices feature precision ratio tolerances to ± 0.05 % and stable film and performance characteristics of 500 ppm at 70°C for 2,000 hours. The DFN resistor networks and dividers offer tight TCR tracking to ± 3 ppm and ± 5 ppm, respectively. These specifications make the devices ideal for unity gain operational amplifier applications in industrial, telecommunication, military, and test and measurement instrumentation and equipment.

Intersil's ISL28207 op amp features advanced bias current cancellation techniques that can achieve extremely low bias current drift over the operating temperature range, making it well-suited for high-impedance input signals for process controls, automated test equipment, and data acquisition.

The first in a family of operational amplifiers built using the company's new proprietary bipolar process technology, the ISL28207 is a dual 40V low-power bipolar precision operational amplifier that exhibits outstanding DC precision and superb temperature drift performance.

Linear Technology has introduced the LT3652, an innovative, solar power directed monolithic buck battery charger IC for modern battery chemistries. The LT3652 features an innovative input voltage regulation loop, which controls charge current to hold the input voltage at a programmed level. When the LT3652 is connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the panel at peak output power. Steve Pietkiewicz, Vice President and General Manager of Power Products, said: "The LT3652's simple but unique input voltage regulation loop circuitry delivers virtually the same charging efficiency as more complex and expensive Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) techniques."

International Rectifier has launched a new series of 150V and 200V HEXFET power MOSFETs with ultra low gate charge (Qg) for industrial applications including Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), inverters and DC motor drives.

IR's 150V MOSFETs offer up to 59 percent lower total gate charge than competing devices while the new 200V MOSFETs feature up to 33 percent lower total gate charge than competing devices.

Charging Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries does not, on the face of it, seem a particularly difficult process, but the hard part in charging an SLA battery is maximising the battery life. Simple constant current/constant voltage chargers will do the job for a while, but the battery life expectancy quoted by the manufacturer will be greatly reduced by using non-intelligent chargers like this. Maximising the life of your SLA battery by using an intelligent charger is not only cost effective, it is also better for the environment.

Following a decade of "spectacular" growth, the world's wind energy capacity is predicted to nearly triple in the next five years, according to the Global Wind Energy Council's (GWEC) Global Wind 2008 Report. This market development, the report shows, will be led by tremendous growth in China, and steady expansion in Europe and North America. GWEC is predicting that in 2013, global wind generating capacity will stand at 332 gigawatts (GW), up from 120 GW at the end of 2008. The offshore wind power market is predicted to add nearly 2.3GW of new capacity by the end of 2009 and to begin a period of rapid growth beginning mid-decade. Industry research firm Emerging Energy Research expects the total global installed base of offshore wind power to exceed 50GW by 2020.

The proliferation of portable devices is continually expanding the market for battery-charger ICs and manufacturers now provide a wide range of battery-charger ICs in a bid to get close to the best combination of performance and functions for every application.

The result of this is a general improvement in the available battery-charger technology in recent years; however, selecting the right IC is now much more complicated than it was just a few years ago.

XP Power has announced a new 250W AC/DC power supply, the CCM250, that achieves up to 95% efficiency, dramatically cutting the heat generated in medical, IT and industrial systems. Rival products typically operate at 90% maximum efficiency, with 10% of the input energy being converted to waste heat that needs to be removed. The 5% improvement in efficiency offered by the CCM250 means that it dissipates only half the heat, reducing or eliminating the requirement for heatsinks, or fans for forced-air cooling.

Pulse Electronics has launched a a new family of mil-spec', low-voltage power modules. Called Cheetah II, the family debuts with output powers of up to 150W; but with 200W expected to be available later in the year. Standard input voltages will be 28 and 48V; and outputs can be single, dual or triple with voltages of 12, 15 and 24V available in the debut modules. The full range is expected to span from 3.3 to 48V (output).

International Rectifier has introduced the IR3640M PWM control IC for high performance synchronous DC-DC buck applications including servers, storage, netcom, game consoles and general-purpose DC-DC converters.The IR3640M is a single phase synchronous buck PWM controller with integrated MOSFET drivers and bootstrap diode. The device's single loop voltage mode architecture simplifies design while delivering precise output voltage regulation and fast transient response.

Bourns has announced the introduction of two new power resistor products that provide high power density in a small form factor and which have been designed to meet the growing demand for low-power, space-saving devices. Designated Bourns models CRF1206 and CRM2512-FT, the new power resistors are RoHS compliant. Bourns' CRF1206 power resistor is constructed from a stamped metal alloy boasting an extremely low one watt of power in an ultra small 1206 size package. Bourns' CRM2512-FT is a new surface mount power resistor that features a power rating of two watts in a small 2512 size package. 

Interleaved Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM) Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits have become increasingly popular recently, because of their ability to improve energy efficiency by reducing the overall magnetic and EMI filter size.

The use of a BCM interleaving power factor correction controller can in fact provide 96 per cent power conversion efficiency for AC-DC power supplies and is applicable for applications including power supplies to digital TVs, desktop and entry-level server computers, front-end telecom systems and industrial power systems rated from 100W to 1000W.

If looking back in time at where networking in the workplace was at the end of the millennia, it is easy to now see why Power over Ethernet makes sense. From our office phones and wireless LAN access points, PoE is powering our workplace.

LEM has introduced its ITL 4000-S current transducer for non-invasive measurement of currents up to 4000ARMS in conductors of up to 268mm diameter. The new transducer allows the isolated measurement of AC, DC and pulsed currents, up to three times the nominal value for peak measurement at frequencies up to 50kHz (+/-1dB).

Avago Technologies has developed new ultra-low power optocoupler technology for the next generation of optical isolators. The total power consumption of the new optocoupler design is below 2mA compared to 15mA for a standard optocoupler and 4 to 5 mA for magnetic isolators. These new ultra-low power optocouplers will be used to target designers of communication interfaces (RS485, CANBus, and I2C), microprocessor system interfaces, and digital isolation for A/D, D/A conversion applications. Avago is a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications.

Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched a new range of power MOSFETs for motors used in fans, pumps and other automotive motion control applications. The new MOSFETs combine on-resistance and input capacitance ratings with a package design that offers better thermal dissipation and power cycling capabilities than previous automotive MOSFETs.

Vishay Intertechnology has added a new, automotive-qualified 1-W white LED that combines high brightness with a compact package outline. The Little Star VLMW711U2U3XV additionally offers a low thermal resistance and high luminous intensity for a wide range of applications.

Featuring an SMD power package with a compact 6.0-mm by 6.0-mm footprint and ultra-low profile of 1.5 mm, the new Little Star LEDs are robust and light-efficient. The device is designed for a high current drive of up to 350 mA, and offers extremely bright luminous intensity of 29,700 mcd typical. Typical luminous flux is 90 lm.

Power Integrations has introduced a new online tool that enables designers of external chargers and adapters to instantly determine whether their product complies with worldwide energy-efficiency regulations.

The new External Power Supply Efficiency Compliance Calculator easily compares power supply performance measurements against the maze of specifications that now apply to external chargers and adapters, significantly simplifying the design engineer's task of verifying compliance.

Texas Instruments has introduced a new automotive-qualified DC/DC step-down converter that offers high voltage up to 60 V, a switching frequency up to 2.2-MHz and ultra-low quiescent current of 65 µA in a small, monolithic package.

The first in a family of automotive-qualified DC/DC controllers and converters, the TPS54362-Q1 converts an unregulated input voltage to a fixed lower output voltage to power automotive applications, such as infotainment, navigation systems and power supply for electronic control units. The device allows designers to reduce size, cost and design complexity when compared to discrete solutions.

Intersil has introduced the ISL8201M, a highly integrated Power Conversion Module that has been designed to save space, reduces cost and simplify design.

The device is a high-efficiency, low-noise, highly integrated DC/DC power solution in a thermally enhanced QFN package. Included in the package is a high performance PWM controller capable of switching at 600kHz, power MOSFETs, an inductor, and all the passive components required for a complete DC/DC power solution.

The latest addition to Leclanché Capacitors product family is the PPMCI series. Especially designed for tough applications, this capacitor offers extreme mechanical stability due to the rugged 16 pin contact.

Using self-healing polypropylene and polyester films, design engineers can utilise its compact design as well as the relatively high current values.

Gresham Power Electronics has launched its latest open frame switch mode power supply family, the HD365.

For cPCI system builders Gresham's latest rack mount product the CPCI-6U-600 now provides 600W in a standard 6U with universal AC or a 48V DC input. The CPCI-6U-600 offers the highest power density on the market and some 20% more power from its standard package than most competitors.