Power Electronics

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StarPower supplies compact three-phase bridge modules

StarPower has introduced two three-phase IGBT modules for EVs, designed to save space, thanks to their compact design with six IGBTs in one housing. A common feature of the modules is that they are fitted with trench IGBTs in an arrangement of six per housing with an integrated temperature sensor.

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Testing power electronics components reliably

Alongside assembly systems, Sonplas also offers extensive expertise in testing. The power electronics in electric and hybrid vehicles is improving all the time. In order for manufacturers to remain competitive at this high level, they require systems that not only allow them to safely assemble the individual components - inverters, chargers and DC/DC converters - but also to test them. Sonplas delivers everything from a single source.

Grid

New standard proposed for e-mobility power management

Intel is proposing a standard for power management across an e-mobility platform, based on its work in the computer sector, writes Nick Flaherty. It is taking a whole vehicle energy-management approach, inspired by PC equipment. It is looking to apply these concepts to an electric vehicle (EV) platform for the first time to provide a central energy management standard.

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Bel Fuse adds 800 V to its range of fuses

Bel Fuse has expanded its range of fuses for electric and hybrid vehicles with a complete line of 800 V offerings, complementing its 500 V and 1,000 V products. The fuses come in a variety of formats and mounting options, and they are suitable for operating temperatures of -40 C to 100 C, with some featuring a range of up to 125 C.

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FEV software detects and prevents partial discharge early on

FEV has developed PD-HVX (Partial Discharge – High Voltage X) for the early detection and prevention of PD in high-voltage electric-drive units (EDUs). PD can cause damage to the insulation in modern EDUs, and in the worst-case scenario this can result in total failure of the vehicle.

Grid

Lead-less transistor packaging

Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS) has developed lead-less packaging for its automotive grade 80V and 100V MOSFET transistors for two and three wheelers, writes Nick Flaherty. The lead-less packaging is a key step in making battery packs and brushless DC motors smaller in two and three wheel scooters. Removing the leads inside and outside the package helps to lower the resistance to 1.25 mOhms and 1.7 mOhms, giving lower losses and allowing higher efficiency for light vehicles.

PS

A question of bandgap

As system voltages in EV powertrains increase to enable the use of higher power levels without creating excessive currents and the associated energy losses and heat dissipation problems, so does the importance of wide bandgap semiconductors, writes Peter Donaldson. Ones such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) in applications such as traction inverters, DC-DC converters and onboard chargers.

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Schaeffler’s high-performance ball bearing offers better range

They literally move the world as no powertrain can do without bearings ─ be it electric cars, hybrid vehicles or internal combustion engines. Schaeffler has now developed a special high-performance ball bearing with an integrated centrifugal disc.

Deep Insight

Improving power electronics

Nick Flaherty reports on how semiconductor r&d is leading to more efficient and powerful electronic switching solutions for e-mobility Power devices for e-mobility come in a range of technologies to boost performance and efficiency. Insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) made from silicon have been the original power switch for decades; they are robust and low cost but can only switch at frequencies of around...

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CUI Inc, announces expansion of AC-DC power supplies

CUI Inc, a Bel group company, announced the addition of three, chassis mount ac-dc power supplies housed in compact metal cases with the VGS-500, VGS-350D, and VGS-200E series line of products.
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