Technical articles
Installation of open frame and U channel ac-dc power supplies
Source: XPower
AC-DC power supplies are commonly supplied in what is known by the industry as an open frame format. Open frame generally describes a product which is a PCB only construction, component power supply designed to be installed into an end equipment application which provides the enclosure for the entire product.
Power Architectures for Patient Connected Medical Devices
Source: By Gary Bocock, Technical Director, XP Power
This paper discusses approaches for power architectures within medical devices for patient connected applications. There are several key elements to consider; isolation, leakage/touch currents, Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC), number of power outputs required and environment for use.
Grounding Methods for HV Power Supplies to Ensure Reliable Operation in a Customer’s System
Source: XPower
Proper ground connections between a power supply, AC mains input and the Customer’s load are essential for stable, reliable operation, but for HV supplies this is even more crucial. This is due to the large stored energy in the HV output circuits and the higher possibility of an arc discharge between the HV output and ground within the customer’s load and connections. There are three major ground signal paths in a HV power supply driven system; AC mains input sources, control signals, and the HV load return. Let’s take a look at each one.
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.