Technical Articles / Whitepapers

Passive Components for GaN Based Devices

Passive Components for GaN Based Devices

Passive Components for GaN Based Devices Written By: Ron Demcko | Daniel West Abstract: The theoretical limits of Silicon-based device performance are fast approaching, and in some cases, already here. Therefore, IC (integrated circuit) design companies have turned their efforts into driving costs down while increasing the performance of wide band gap semiconductors such as GaN (Gallium Nitride). GaN based power and RF (Radio Frequency) devices are now available from multiple manufacturers at affordable prices due to those intensive efforts. Multiple sources have documented GaN based semiconductor performance advantages of faster speed, lower loss, and higher frequency-voltage-temperature operation. Those advantages are, in turn, enabling end systems that have enhanced performance on lower power consumption levels in smaller and lighter packages,

The History of Insulation Displacement Technology

The History of Insulation Displacement Technology

The History of Insulation Displacement Technology Written By: Hank Merkle Abstract: The need to physically connect pieces of metal together has been around for thousands of years. In the modern era of electronics, the physical connection requirement is compounded by the need for a low resistance electrical path. In both cases, the process of soldering has proven to be an excellent and time tested solution, with evidence dating back to 4,000 BC. Soldering two metal components together means that the joint is heated and a filler metal with a lower melting point than the constituent pieces is deposited to complete the connection.

The Pros and Cons of MLCC Downsizing

The Pros and Cons of MLCC Downsizing

The Pros and Cons of MLCC Downsizing Written By: Frank Hodgkinson | Maureen Strawhorne Abstract: As integrated circuits (ICs) continue to pack more functionality into smaller packages, the need for bulk off-chip capacitance remains. In resonant circuits, such as phase-lock-loops (PLLs) and switching regulators, precision class one ceramic capacitor may be required. Such capacitors must maintain a tight capacitance range over process, voltage, and temperature variation (PVT) for the host IC to meet its performance specifications. In contrast, class two ceramic capacitors are required for nearly every IC in the form of decoupling and bypass capacitance. They may also be found in amplifier circuits, simple filters, and linear regulators where their function is less dependent on tightly specified impedance requirements.

The Application of Capacitors in Power Supply Regulator Circuits

The Application of Capacitors in  Power Supply Regulator Circuits

The Application of Capacitors in Power Supply Regulator Circuits Written By: Rick Liu Abstract: Advancements in electronic technology over the last decade have led to smarter consumer electronics. As devices become smarter, the components used to power them are shrinking, resulting in small, but incredibly powerful devices — ones small enough to fit inside a pocket or around a wrist. With these smaller, denser designs, it can be impossible to separate analog and digital domains in the layout, as best practices used to dictate years ago. Today, design engineers are compelled to use many capacitors in the power network to attenuate high-frequency digital noise. Circuits are designed to expect pure, clean power without noise that will impact analog circuits.

Tantalum Capacitors: Characteristics and Component Selection

Tantalum Capacitors: Characteristics and Component Selection

Tantalum Capacitors: Characteristics and Component Selection Written By: Raul Wang Abstract: Capacitors are one of the fundamental building blocks of electrical circuits. Whether they are being used for energy storage, noise filtering, or timing/frequency design, capacitors are important in many common electrical devices. Today, various capacitor technologies are available, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks, making each type ideal for different applications. Tantalum capacitors offer many interesting characteristics that combine to offer a unique solution to many design problems.

Connector Solutions for Automotive & Transportation Applications

Connector Solutions for Automotive & Transportation Applications

Connector Solutions for Automotive & Transportation Applications Written By: Matthew Lawrence Abstract: Wiring interconnect in the transportation sector continues to evolve at an extremely fast pace. Automotive technologies, largely driven by electric vehicles and self-driving systems, are placing particularly stringent demands on wiring connectors. On one hand, high-speed busses like automotive ethernet are reducing total wire weight and complexity. On the other hand, reliability requirements are becoming more demanding with 200,000-mile lifetime expectations and routine reliance on highly advanced sensor technologies such as radar and video.

Powering IoT Modules Using Solar Panels, SuperCapacitors, and an Automatic Buck/Boost Controller IC

Powering IoT Modules Using Solar Panels, SuperCapacitors, and an Automatic Buck/Boost Controller IC

Powering IoT Modules Using Solar Panels, SuperCapacitors, and an Automatic Buck/Boost Controller IC Written By: Ron Demcko | Ashley Stanziola | Daniel West Abstract: The use of IoT modules is exhibiting a high rate of growth because of their low cost, ease of implementation, and easily documented impact upon end-user efficiency, reliability, and cost. Manufacturers, installers, and end-users of IoT modules are seeking ways to power these devices and essentially create a set-and-forget module. Set-and-forget means a significant ongoing effort to eliminate batteries or extend the life of batteries powering IoT modules. Manufacturers of IoT modules are working to reduce their designs’ power consumption and also working with IC suppliers by requesting novel chipsets to provide quality power from harvested

Tantalum Polymer vs Aluminum Polymer Performance as an Output Filter Capacitor for Miniature Switching Power Supplies

Tantalum Polymer vs Aluminum Polymer Performance as an Output Filter Capacitor for Miniature Switching Power Supplies

Tantalum Polymer vs Aluminum Polymer Performance as an Output Filter Capacitor for Miniature Switching Power Supplies Written By: Ron Demcko | Ashley Stanziola | Daniel West Abstract: Engineers have questioned the impact performance of converting Aluminum Polymer capacitors to Tantalum Polymer capacitors in applications where MLCCs are present on the output filter ‘bank’ of a small switching power supply. The reasons for designers to convert to Tantalum Polymer capacitors in the design ranged from long term reliability and stability to availability/delivery and company specific design guidelines. This investigation is intended to compare the interchangeability of Tantalum Polymer Capacitors in a design with the original Aluminum Polymer capacitors. The data collected was the measured output voltage ripple on a highly utilized

Solid Tantalum Capacitors | MnO2 vs. Polymer Cathodes for Optimal Performance in High-Reliability Military & Space Applications

Solid Tantalum Capacitors | MnO<sub>2</sub> vs. Polymer Cathodes for Optimal Performance in High-Reliability Military & Space Applications

Solid tantalum capacitors have a long history of proven performance in high-reliability military and space applications. But not all capacitors are created equal — even within the same class. As is the case with virtually all component technologies, materials matter. This paper will discuss the differences in performance and reliability between solid tantalum capacitors with manganese dioxide (MnO2) cathodes and those with conductive polymer cathodes. Bell Laboratories introduced the first solid tantalum capacitors to market in the early 1950s. The first military specification for surface-mount tantalum capacitors (MIL-PRF-55365) was released in 1989 and introduced CWR09-style components. Since then, the product offerings governed by this specification have expanded to include CWR19-style capacitors with an extended range of CV values and CWR29-style

AVX MLCC Flexiterm™: Guarding Against Capacitor Crack Failures

AVX MLCC Flexiterm™: Guarding Against Capacitor Crack Failures

AVX MLCC Flexiterm™: Guarding Against Capacitor Crack Failures Written By: Mark Stewart Abstract: The huge popularity of MLCC capacitors in comparison with alternative technologies is primarily a result of their superb reliability record and low cost. However, in certain circumstances problems can occur due to cracking in the ceramic portion of the component. These failures result from mechanical damage caused after soldering to the PCB; normally a consequence of PCB mishandling or when the assembly is located in extreme environmental conditions. This article outlines the main benefits and features of AVX’s ‘FlexiTerm™,’ a soft termination system that minimizes these failures by relieving the mechanical stress applied to the ceramic.