Page 3 - PEN eBook July 2023

VIEWPOINT

Efficient Power

Solutions for a

Wide Range of

Applications

In the realm of DC/DC power modules, the trend has been away from specialization and toward a
“generalist” strategy. This means that the power modules no longer require a singular distinguishing

feature for use in a specific application but rather have a variety of features that make them
desirable for a wide range of applications. Timur Uludag, senior technical marketing manager at Würth
Elektronik, looks at the individual requirements and gives an overview of how a DC/DC power module
can fulfill the main requirements. Monolithic GaN integration has matured to the point that complex
circuits like a half-bridge gate driver with various features, such as cross-conduction protection, can
now be realized. These complete circuits are packaged into a single and simple-to-use component.
This issue will also cover DC-to-DC and BLDC motor drive application examples that benefit from

monolithic half-bridge integration. As the market forecasts a steady growth in sales of electric
vehicles in the next decade, several government initiatives toward climate change also deal with
discontinuing fuel-based vehicles. The growth of the EV is powered by electric rechargeable batteries,
the basic structure for using clean and renewable energy. Producing EV powertrain batteries has
proven to be environmentally costly. The raw materials used in making these batteries are lithium and
its variants. This issue explores the workings of Li-ion batteries. Moreover, to meet the demands of
these highly capable and efficient EV charging designs, the industry offers a broad product portfolio
of active and passive electronic devices specifically tailored to EV charging applications. In particular,
silicon carbide solutions, along with supporting gate drivers, have yielded a strong competitive

advantage in terms of price and performance.. Other topics are wireless-power–transfer systems,
battery management systems, characterization of GaN FETs, high-voltage electroporation, a new
power-switching technology that, compared with conventional power switches like SCRs, IGBTs and
MOSFETs, should offer significant performance improvements. Semiconductor power switches play a
critical role in enabling the efficient and clean conversion of power in a variety of applications. From
electric vehicles to renewable-energy generation and energy storage, these components are crucial
for achieving high efficiency and low emissions in the transition to a greener future.

Yours Sincerely,
Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio
Editor-in-Chief, Power Electronics News

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