Page 3 - PEN eBook October2023

VIEWPOINT

Reducing the

Complexity of

Power Systems

As more consumer electronic devices shift toward USB-C–based
battery-charging methods, new architectures and products are emerging to reduce the complexity of
battery-charger systems. Infineon’s article is geared toward system designers investigating the incorporation of

USB-C into their embedded applications, such as smart speakers, IoT hubs, home appliances, internet gateways,
and power and garden tools. The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the USB-C PD
system, casting light on the evolving system architecture designed for battery-powered applications transitioning
to USB-C. USB-PD chargers are getting smaller. Various techniques have been employed to reduce their size, yet
certain power components—specifically, the boost inductor, boost diode and integrated boost switch—remain
stubbornly space-consuming. In this issue, we analyze a new IC, used in boost power-factor–correction topology
designs, that addresses this issue. Other topics include how to prototype a power bank charger without building

dedicated hardware, gallium nitride components utilized in pre-sizing a modular high-power DC/DC converter
and their adoption in markets, how silicon carbide can enable next-generation solid-state circuit breakers and
the case for superjunction MDmesh. Moreover, we will discuss power modules for semi-trucks’ autonomous
driving and how to simulate and estimate the value of parasitics using Keysight’s PathWave Power Electronics
Professional (PEPro) software tool. PEPro is a switch-mode-power–supply next-generation electromagnetic-
circuit co-simulation platform that predicts the values of the parasitic inductance on the layout. The importance
of developing a renewable-energy power system is directly related to addressing global climate change concerns.
The effects of climate change have economic repercussions that affect diverse industries and regions. As global
temperatures continue to rise and the frequency of extreme weather events increases, crucial factors like

agricultural productivity, water resources and supply chains are directly impacted. We explore a report by the Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which
outlines an ambitious plan to achieve a fully renewable-energy power system by 2045. The report comprehensively
addresses various factors that must be considered to accomplish this objective. Moreover, electronic waste
(e-waste) disposal is becoming more important as technology advances. Electronic components, especially
PCBs, that are incorrectly dumped harm the environment. However, recyclable PCBs are a new idea. Infineon
Technologies will employ recyclable PCB substrates from Jiva Materials in its demo and evaluation boards,

minimizing e-waste and conserving resources. This issue will examine recyclable PCBs and how Infineon’s move
may increase the adoption of this innovative technology.

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

OCTOBER 2023 | www.powerelectronicsnews.com 3 3