Technical Articles / Whitepapers

Surface Mount Thermal Conductors for Heat Management

Surface Mount Thermal Conductors for Heat Management

Surface Mount Thermal Conductors for Heat Management Written By: Jern Ng Abstract: Efforts to miniaturize electronics are becoming increasingly common as designers work to fit more components into smaller packages, offering low-weight, low-volume products. The continuous march toward electronic miniaturization brings to light one primary challenge: the dissipation of heat. As semiconductor manufacturing realizes smaller feature sizes, microprocessor capability is simultaneously advancing with greater functionality.

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Use in Three-Phase BLDC Motor Controllers

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Use in Three-Phase BLDC Motor Controllers

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Use in Three-Phase BLDC Motor Controllers Written By: Ron Demcko | Slavomir Pala Abstract: The uses of industrial control systems and robotics are expanding rapidly due to their positive impact on costs and quality. This paper will discuss Aluminum Electrolytic capacitor roles as an output filter capacitor to improve power quality in Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) motor controller & drives. Aluminum Electrolytic capacitors can be used to provide exacting drive voltage to motors. This in turn improves system reliability and performance. The case studied will be a 3-phase, 24V / 30 watt BLDC motor with a rated speed of 4000rpm and rated torque of 0.072 N-m.

Miniature MLVs for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Miniature MLVs for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Miniature MLVs for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Written By: Sudhama Dharmappa Abstract: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have been used to enhance vehicle safety and performance long before the pursuit of self-driving cars. Since the moment electronic sensors were integrated into automotive designs, a variety of driver assistance techniques have been widely adopted, including anti-lock braking, traction control, and cruise control.

Replacing Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors with Tantalum or Ceramic Capacitors

Replacing Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors with Tantalum or Ceramic Capacitors

Replacing Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors with Tantalum or Ceramic Capacitors Written By: Teddy Won Abstract: Like all capacitors, electrolytics (e-caps) are based on the principle of storing energy in an electric field using a voltage applied across a dielectric. This paper discusses the basic structure and characteristics of electrolytics and shows alternates for circuit use.

The Benefits to Using SuperCapacitors in Electric Vehicles

The Benefits to Using SuperCapacitors in Electric Vehicles

Using SuperCapacitors in Electric Vehicles Written By: Adrian Thomas Abstract: The improved performance and practicality of electric vehicles (EVs) have merited them a permanent foothold in the overall automotive market. When combined with geo-political and environmental initiatives, it is clear that the demand for EVs will continue to increase long into the future.

Low ESR Tantalum Capacitors in Circuit Design

Low ESR Tantalum Capacitors in Circuit Design

Low ESR Tantalum Capacitors in Circuit Design Written By: Colin Li Abstract: Tantalum is a relatively scarce transition metal with several unique properties that make it a technology-critical element. It is highly corrosion-resistant and chemically inert. It is non-ferrous and non-magnetic, has a high melting point and density, and is extremely stiff. Most importantly, Tantalum readily forms a protective and electrically insulating oxide layer. This ability makes it an ideal candidate as the base building block of electrolytic capacitors.

Tantalum and SuperCapacitors Enable Maintenance Free Microcontrollers

Tantalum and SuperCapacitors Enable Maintenance Free Microcontrollers

Tantalum and SuperCapacitors Enable Maintenance Free Microcontrollers Written By: Ron Demcko | Daniel West | Ashley Stanziola Abstract: Ultra-low-power microcontroller families now exist with such low power requirements that they can be powered by energy harvesting rather than battery-operated or conventional mains. These powerful MCUs enable maintenance-free control systems in applications ranging from structure/soil/water/air monitoring applications to industrial point controllers (such as smart faucets) to wearable electronics, location tracking, and even BLE beacons.

High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors for Electric Vehicles

High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors for Electric Vehicles

High Voltage Ceramic Capacitors for Electric Vehicles Written By: Jeff Lee Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) have accelerated the demand for high-performance, high-reliability capacitor technologies. The wide array of voltage, power, and size requirements of the various electrical subsystems in modern EVs necessitates careful capacitor selection by designers. As shown in the blue segments of figure 1, these subsystems include AC-DC conversion, DCDC conversion, power management, and battery monitoring, to name a few.

Energy Storage Capacitor Technology Comparison and Selection

Energy Storage Capacitor Technology Comparison and Selection

Energy Storage Capacitor Technology Comparison and Selection Written By: Daniel West| Ussama Margieh Abstract: Tantalum, MLCC, and super capacitor technologies are ideal for many energy storage applications because of their high capacitance capability. These capacitors have drastically different electrical and environmental responses that are sometimes not explicit on datasheets or requires additional knowledge of the properties of materials used, to select the best solution for a given design.