The power factor correction (PFC) boost converter is the industry-standard topology for meeting harmonic current regulations such as IEC 61000-3-2. This circuit is essential in modern AC/DC power supplies, where it shapes the input current (IIN) to follow the input voltage (VIN) sinusoidal waveform, achieving a power factor near unity. The key to successful PFC design lies in its operating mode. ...

Magnetic position sensors, especially magnetic angle sensors, are the fundamental building blocks of countless motion-control applications that necessitate precision positioning. These sensors are pivotal in a wide range of industries, from automotive and robotics to consumer electronics and medical devices, underscoring their universal appeal and importance (see Figure 1). However, to ...

Modern step-down converters are becoming increasingly efficient. In the frequency range of several hundred MHz, step-down converters can emit higher levels of interference. New IC designs and clever layouts are already able to compensate for such disturbances. By implementing high-frequency ferrite beads, interferences can be further effectively eliminated. In this article, an automotive expert d...

As AI systems continue to push boundaries, current demands are rapidly increasing. Next-generation AI systems face a critical layout bottleneck caused by escalating current demands that now frequently reach the 1000A to 2000A threshold per socket. To supply this immense demand for low-voltage power stably while minimizing ripple, voltage regulator module (VRM) architectures are forced to aggressi...

The planet is facing a crisis in energy demand versus supply, and datacenters are at the center of this dilemma due to the increasing demand from new data-intensive applications. This article will explore the causes of datacenter inefficiency and speculate on methods to improve that efficiency. It will also acknowledge the US Department of Energy’s analysis on energy efficiency, which provides a b...

The relay is the most failure-prone component in a residential thermostat. Mechanical relays wear out, generate audible noise, produce electromagnetic interference (EMI), and consume valuable printed circuit board (PCB) area. For engineering teams designing the next generation of smart thermostats, these limitations directly impact product lifespan, certification timelines, and field failure rates...

Input filter design in DC/DC converters has a significant impact on power converter performance, as well as the reliability, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electromagnetic emissions of the overall system design. This article will discuss how to optimize input filter design for application boards that contain single or multiple DC/DC converters on the same voltage bus. An optimized input ...