Technical articles
EA Battery Simulator
Source: Elektro-Automatik
EA Battery Simulator is a Windows software to remotely control one bidirectional power supply device of PSB Series (single unit or a master-slave system) in order to simulate specific battery types and their charging/discharging characteristics. This remote control is via digital interface only. Supported are USN and Ethernet.
This software is based upon the programming language Visual C# and requires the Microsoft NET Framework with certain minimum version which is probably already installed on the PC system or will be installed by the installer of the software product, if selected by the user.
Application Note 001: Connection of an energy recovery DC Electronic Load
Source: Elektro-Automatik
This application note describes the necessary procedure and safety concerns to connect a regenerative DC Electronic load to the mains. As this electronic load has the unique option of backfeeding converted energy into the grid, there are various concerns about its appropriate connection to the local or public grid, so clarification is needed on how correctly connect the load in order to enable it achieving such task.
The electronic loads of the Elektro-Automatik (EA) ELR-9000 Series are especially suitable for test systems and industrial controls due to their compact construction. Apart from having basic functions of electronic loads, the electronic loads have an integrated function generator which can produce other several types of curves. In addition, these units are capable of achieving really high power ratings.
[ pdf Download full Application Note (1.41 MB) ]
Low Intensity Light Detection Requires High Stability, Low Noise Electronic Circuitry
Source: XP Power
When it comes to low intensity light detection, performance requirements often lead to selecting devices with greater sensitivity than common photodiodes or even charge coupled devices (CCDs). Specialized detectors such as avalanche photodiodes (APDs), photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and microchannel plates (MCPs) are often employed for these more precise applications. High sensitivity devices bring with them a set of electronic design considerations needed to maximize the performance
potential of the system.
Applications requiring sensitive light detection include spectroscopy, radiation detection, night vision, laser rangefinders, long-range fiber-optic telecommunication, blood analyzers, positron emission tomography and particle physics, to name but a few. These devices convert incoming light into an electronic signal via the photoelectric effect, whereby electrons are ejected when photons strike a photosensitive surface. The photosensitive surface is frequently held at high voltage potential, usually from around 100V up to about 6000V depending on the device, and commonly at negative voltage potential.
System integration of baseplate cooled converter modules, or ‘bricks’
Source: Gary Bocock
Technical Director at XP Power
Baseplate cooled power converter modules, also known as bricks, provide building block power solutions for integration into end equipment. These high-density power solutions are ideal for rugged outdoor sealed enclosures, transportation and defence applications, where their rugged construction and conduction cooled properties are beneficial, and in high-density forced air cooled applications where the benefits of the compact size can be realised.
They also provide the building blocks for low-risk bespoke power solutions designed either by the end equipment designer using support and application notes from the manufacturer, or by the module manufacturer itself using the proven, reliable module as a base for low development cost, low-risk custom solutions with accelerated time to market.
The powerful impact of protecting future LED lighting applications, including improved growth of animals, plants and algae
Jade Bridges describes some interesting applications of LEDs and looks at how modern protective compounds and thermal management materials are enhancing the performance and prolonging the life of LED lighting units exposed to challenging indoor and outdoor environments, with positive powerful results.
It is hard to ignore the phenomenal growth of the LED market, spurred on by new applications, advertisements for energy saving and company policies to switch to more efficient lighting systems. In conjunction with the design freedom and application possibilities now offered by the technology, LEDs are predicted to take almost a 70% share of the lighting market and be the most commercially viable lighting technology by 2020.
A New Generation of Conformal Coatings for Challenging Operating Environments
Electrolube’s Phil Kinner discusses the evolution of tougher, more environmentally friendly conformal coating materials that have been formulated to cope reliably with the rigours of modern electronics deployments.
Modern electronic assemblies are increasingly expected to survive hostile operating environments and work reliably in conditions of prolonged high temperatures in the presence of thermal shock and high humidity, and where the assembly may be subject to condensation, corrosive agents or other types of chemical attack. Despite this, weight-saving measures have reduced the robustness – and therefore the protective properties - of enclosures and at the same time, environmental legislation continues to limit the use of those considerably more versatile solvent-based protective materials.
Updates to Legislation Drive External Power Supplies’ Efficiency
Source: Gary Bocock,
Technical Director at XP Power
As concern for carbon emissions grows, most countries have introduced legislation to regulate the efficiency of external power supplies (EPS), so that as little as possible of our natural resource is wasted. This legislation encourages power supply manufacturers to introduce EPS models with higher efficiency and lower no-load power consumption and, by gradually tightening the limits on these figures, governments and regulatory bodies around the world are effectively driving the power supply industry to produce more energy efficient products.
Minimizing the Impact of Source Resistance on High-Voltage DC to DC Converters
Source: XP EMCO
A primer for system designers
Resistance between a low-voltage power supply and the input terminals of a DC to HV-DC converter results in not only power-loss but reduced long-term reliability in the converter. The impact of source resistance to a converter is measured using XP EMCO A-Series models. Design guidelines are given to minimize reliability impact due to source resistance.