Nexperia has introduced a range of highly efficient and robust industrial grade 1200V SiC MOSFETs with industry-leading temperature stability in innovative surface-mount (SMD) top-side cooled packaging technology called X.PAK. This package, with its compact form factor of 14mm x 18.5mm, incorporates the assembly benefits of SMD with the cooling efficiency of through-hole technology, providing optimal heat dissipation. This release addresses the growing need from a wide range of high-power (industrial) applications for discrete SiC MOSFETs that harness the advantages of top-side cooling to deliver exceptional thermal performance. These switches are ideal for industrial applications such as BESS, photovoltaic inverters, motor drives, and UPS. Additionally, they are ideal for EV charging infrastructure, including charge piles.

The X.PAK package further improves the thermal performance of the company's SiC MOSFETs by decreasing the negative impacts of heat dissipation via the PCB. Furthermore, the X.PAK package allows low inductance for surface mount components and supports automated board assembly.

The new X.PAK packaged devices deliver class-leading FoM known from the company's SiC MOSFETs, with RDS(on) being a particularly critical parameter due to its impact on conduction power losses. However, many manufacturers focus on this parameter's nominal value and neglect that it can increase by more than 100% as device operating temperatures rise, resulting in notable conduction losses. On the other hand, the company's SiC MOSFETs provide industry-leading temperature stability, with the nominal value of RDS(on) increasing by only 38% over an operating temperature range from 25C to 175C.

"The introduction of our SiC MOSFETs in X.PAK packaging marks a significant advancement in thermal management and power density for high-power applications," said Katrin Feurle, senior director and head of SiC Discretes and Modules at Nexperia. "This new top-side cooled product option builds on our successful launches of discrete SiC MOSFETs in TO-247 and SMD D2PAK-7 packages. It underscores Nexperia's commitment to providing our customers with the most advanced and flexible portfolio to meet their evolving design needs."

The initial portfolio includes products with RDS(on) values of 30, 40, and 60mOhm (NSF030120T2A0, NSF040120T2A1, NSF060120T2A0), a part with 17mOhm will be released in April 2025. An automotive-qualified SiC MOSFETs portfolio in X.PAK packaging will follow later in 2025, and further RDson classes like 80mOhm.

Bourns, Inc. announced its HRP3822X and HRP5022X Series Shielded Power Inductors. These very high current power inductors feature low DCR and shielded construction for low radiation. Designed to help maintain stable current flow and enhance efficiency in high power applications, Bourns new shielded power inductors are optimal current management solutions for today’s industrial high current filters, high current battery charging, and DC-DC converters.

In addition, the Bourns Model HRP3822X and HRP5022X Series have a metal alloy powder core for high saturation current. The series feature an inductance range of 0.68 to 3.3 µH, with DCR from 0.11 to 0.42 mΩ and an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C.

For high-efficiency applications, low resistance values are crucial to minimize power dissipation. However, achieving accurate current sensing at low resistance values can be challenging due to lead resistance. Stackpole’s HCSK series addresses this with a four-terminal shunt design, eliminating lead resistance effects and ensuring precise measurements.

The HCSK features a raised element that lowers terminal temperatures, reducing thermal stress on the PCB. With power ratings up to 12W and resistance values as low as 0.2 milliohm, it maximizes sensing efficiency under high current loads. Its low TCR of 50 ppm minimizes temperature-induced inaccuracies, while the all-metal element and welded construction offer superior pulse handling, making the HCSK an ideal solution for demanding applications.

Pricing for the HCSK varies with size, value and tolerance. Contact Stackpole or one of our franchised distribution partners for specific or volume pricing.

Today Texas Instruments has lifted the curtain on six new DC-DC power supply modules with improved thermal, EMI, and efficiency performance.

Today Texas Instruments introduces its MagPack component packaging with a family of six new power magnetic modules. The family is reportedly up to 50% smaller than prior TI generations and up to 23% smaller than competing current-generation modules. In addition to its size breakthrough, the new MagPack packaging delivers an 8 dB reduction in EMI and up to a 2% improvement in efficiency.

The new line of MagPack power modules includes an internal inductor and has a footprint of 6.9 mm² or less while delivering as much as 6 A at a 5.5 V output. This makes the parts the "world’s smallest 6 A, 5 V power module" with a near 1 A per 1 mm² of PC board real estate.

The MagPack technology will help designers reduce the size and weight of their products while maintaining critical power delivery. TI designed the power modules for applications in optics, medical electronics, industrial control, and aerospace and defense.

Power supplies don’t often get the glory in electronics, but they can make or break a product as fast as any design section. These new MagPack-based power modules allow engineers to spend less time on power supply optimization, which leaves more for the rest of the circuit.

A Design and Packaging "Breakthrough"

TI achieved this performance with efficient electrical design and packaging—specifically, a lower junction-to-ambient resistance (R_ӨJA) than older technology packages. R_ӨJA is the speed at which heat moves from the silicon junction to the ambient air. The MagPack modules forego internal bond wires for optimized internal routing. Both factors improve the R_ӨJA and reduce parasitic resistance and inductance. The specialized lead frame improves the transfer of heat from the module to the PC board.

The internal inductor is matched to the silicon die, which improves both AC and DC loss factors. Inductors are one of the most critical components of efficient power supply design but are also one of the most difficult to match and acquire. Having this difficult part integrated shortens the design time, aids the supply chain burden, and reduces the manufacturing parts count.

"Innovative packaging is radically reshaping our industry and is something we believe is key to the next frontier of power innovation,” said TI product line manager Roja de Cande.

“With a new approach to packaging, our power modules enable designers to achieve previously impossible levels of performance in a world where space allocated to power is shrinking year over year.”

MagPack includes an internal inductor and external capacitors, delivering a much smaller footprint than other packaging systems with external inductors.

The input and output capacitors are less critical components and are thus not built-in, providing more flexibility in selection and placement. According to Anton Winkler, systems engineer and power modules technologist at TI, the inductor is a much bigger challenge for a power supply designer than the input and output capacitors.

“Sometimes it's easy for the customers to place these [input and output] capacitors because they already have plenty of, let's say, ten-microfarad capacitors on their board, so it's already part of their BOM,” Winkler said. “But for the inductors, it's a bit more difficult. They might need a special component for a dedicated converter.”

TI built the inductor around the silicon die and into the packaging. Winkler explained that the inductor was molded around the whole silicon and overmolded with the packaging. Having the inductor surrounding the silicon contributes to improved EMI performance and negates the need to either compromise in inductor selection or commission a custom design inductor.

“TI's new MagPack packaging technology is inherently different because nothing like that exists in the market,” said Winkler.

Breakdown of the MagPack Family

The modules operate with up to 96% efficiency. They have an integrated soft start circuit to reduce inrush current, overtemperature protection, and hiccup short-circuit protection. They require minimal external components, with just input and output capacitors and resistors required.

The EPC91104 provides a versatile reference design, with optimized PCB layout, for wide input voltage range motor drive applications.

Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), the world leader in enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN®) power devices announces the launch of the EPC91104, a high-performance 3-phase BLDC motor drive inverter reference design. This innovative design is ideal for powering compact, precision motors in humanoid robots, such as those used for wrist, finger, and toe movements.

Tailored for Humanoid Robotics and Beyond
The EPC91104 evaluation board uses the EPC23104 ePower™ Stage IC, offering a maximum RDS(on) of 11 mΩ and supporting DC bus voltages up to 80 V. The design supports up to 14 Apk steady-state and 20 Apk pulsed current, ensuring reliable performance for humanoid robot applications that require fine motor control and precision.

Key Features of the EPC91104:

• Wide Voltage Range: Operates between 14 V and 80 V, accommodating a variety of battery systems.
• Compact Design: Suitable for space-constrained robotics.
• Advanced Protection: Includes overcurrent and input undervoltage protection, ensuring reliability in demanding applications.
• Optimized Efficiency: Low-distortion switching reduces torque ripple and motor noise.

“Humanoid robots demand motors with precision and compactness, and the EPC91104 is specifically designed to meet those needs for applications like small joint actuation,” said Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC.

EPC9176 for Higher Power Applications
For higher-current requirements, such as elbow and knee motors in humanoid robots, EPC offers the EPC9176 board in the same family. With enhanced current capacity, the EPC9176 complements the EPC91104 to cover a full range of motor drive applications in humanoid robotics.

Ready for Development
The EPC91104 is compatible with controller boards from leading manufacturers, including Microchip, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, and Renesas, offering engineers flexibility in development. It is equipped with comprehensive sensing and protection features, ensuring rapid prototyping and testing.

Expands standard off-the-shelf line of power supplies certified for cardiac applications to 660 W, enabling critical medical device designers to streamline development process.

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEIS) – a global leader in highly engineered, precision power conversion, measurement and control solutions – expanded its family of convection cooled CF-rated medical power supplies with the launch of NCF660.

The system-level cardiac floating (CF) rating is the most stringent medical device electrical safety classification and is intended for equipment with direct cardiac or bloodstream contact. The NCF660 family joins Advanced Energy’s NCF family of products, which is a unique set of standard off-the-shelf power products that include less than 10 microamps leakage current and the high levels of isolation required for these critical medical devices.

“The nature of CF-rated medical systems, which come into direct contact with the heart, has relied upon custom-developed power supplies and a lengthy certification process. Advanced Energy introduces these pre-qualified supplies as a standard product, with the aim to simplify design of these critical medical systems while ensuring high levels of patient protection,” said Emdrem Tan, executive vice president, System Power at Advanced Energy.

By implementing NCF660, which is standard certified to the requirement of the IEC 60601-1 medical safety standard, medical system engineers can shorten time to market and reduce non-recurring engineering costs. Additionally, the product family includes built-in power surge protection and enhanced thermal and EMI shielding that simplifies system design and reduces system size, weight and bill of materials.

Applications include surgical generators, cardiac assist devices and monitors, RF ablation, pulsed field ablation (PFA), and hemodialysis.

The 660 W supplies feature 5 kV defibrillator pulse protection and meet the highest possible (2 x MOPP) means of patient protection rating, which requires isolation to 4 kVAC and a creepage of at least 8 mm.

RECOM POWER REM2A and REM4A Regulated DC/DC Converters are compact, medical-grade modules designed for reliable performance in medical and industrial applications. Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!
 
RECOM POWER REM2A and REM4A Regulated DC/DC Converters

RECOM POWER REM2A and REM4A Regulated DC/DC Converters, available from Mouser Electronics, are compact, medical-grade modules designed for reliable performance in medical and industrial applications. With a 2:1 wide input voltage range, they feature reinforced 250VAC isolation, single/dual outputs, ≥8mm creepage and clearance distances, and up to 5kVAC reinforced insulation for 1 minute. They meet stringent safety compliance standards.

The REM2A provides 2W power with an operating range of -40°C to 90°C, while the REM4A delivers 4W power from -40°C to 80°C. These converters offer continuous short-circuit protection, no minimum load requirements, and operation at altitudes up to 5000m.

The REMxA series is ideal for medical, industrial, test, automation, and power distribution applications, ensuring high reliability and robust performance.

In a recent demonstration, GuRu Wireless used its wireless charging system to power an untethered drone 30 feet away.  GuRu Wireless recently demonstrated its wireless power transfer system powering an untethered drone from 30 feet away. This demonstration highlighted the practicality of long-range energy transfer and how it integrates power delivery with communication. GuRu attached a recovery unit to the drone that worked with a transmitter to optimize power delivery dynamically, ensuring it received only the energy it needed. In the test, the drone operated for 96 hours without recharging—a game-changing improvement over the typical 30–45 minutes of drone operation time.

Guru wireless power transfer system

In GuRu lab, the team demonstrated its latest architecture with a transmitter configuration directly powering an untethered drone across 30 feet.

By focusing on modularity, efficiency, and long-range capabilities, GuRu claims its technology offers a scalable way to deliver power without relying on traditional methods like batteries or tethered systems.
 
GuRu's Wireless Energy Transfer

GuRu’s system uses high-frequency millimeter-wave radio signals instead of the usual inductive coupling in many wireless charging systems. Operating at 24 GHz, this approach can transfer energy over several kilometers. The system sends targeted beams of non-ionizing radio waves—similar to the frequencies used in 5G networks—to a receiving device.

This targeted energy transfer requires precision. The transmitter is equipped with proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) that are the "smallest 24-GHz modules in the industry." These modules are assembled into tiles, creating a phased array architecture that efficiently directs energy. A recovery unit on the receiving device communicates its location and power needs, ensuring accurate power delivery.

Modular and Synchronous

GuRu says its hardware is compact and adaptable. The system's modular design enables various configurations, which means the system’s tiles can be scaled and configured to suit different power and range requirements. Synchronization between transmitters eliminates inefficiencies to ensure that power delivery is highly targeted and efficient. Unlike older wireless charging systems that rely on coil alignment, GuRu’s technology removes the need for precise positioning, reducing energy loss and minimizing heat generation.

This modularity translates to flexibility across different industries and applications. For large-scale applications, such as powering industrial IoT networks or automotive charging stations, the system can be expanded by adding more tiles. Alternately, the recovery unit offers a lightweight and compact solution for smaller, space-constrained devices.

Perhaps one of GuRu's most anticipated applications is in drone operations. Here, wireless power transfer can keep surveillance and reconnaissance drones airborne for days. This has obvious security and operational efficiency advantages, especially in defense and environmental monitoring deployments.

The system also has potential for consumer electronics, where it could enable wireless charging of multiple devices in a room without requiring precise alignment. In the automotive sector, wireless charging stations could replace traditional plug-in chargers, offering greater convenience. Additionally, GuRu’s compact recovery unit is well-suited for applications with strict size and weight constraints, such as satellites or wearable medical devices.
 
A Promising Proof of Concept

By combining modularity, long-range capability, and efficient energy delivery, GuRu’s system addresses many challenges that have limited wireless power technologies in the past. Its targeted energy transfer eliminates the alignment issues common with older systems, while its phased array design minimizes power loss and interference with other devices.

Complete power management solution enables inductor-less designs.

Nexperia is expanding its energy harvesting portfolio with the NEH71x0 power management IC (PMIC) family. This advanced PMIC line combines superior performance, cost-efficiency, and versatility, setting a new standard in sustainable design for low power applications. Unlike competing products, these devices eliminate the need for an external inductor, significantly reducing circuit board space and bill-of-materials (BOM) cost. It is available in a compact 4 mm x 4 mm QFN28 package. Applications include remote controls, key fobs, smart tags, asset trackers, occupancy sensors, environmental monitors, wearables, keyboards, tire pressure monitors, and any number of Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

These new PMICs represent a complete power management solution for energy harvesting: enabling engineers to extend battery life, recharge batteries or supercapacitors, and even eliminate batteries in certain designs, thanks to its cold start feature. With the NEH71x0 (NEH7100BU, NEH7110BU) PMICs, designers can choose from multiple ambient power sources such as light, kinetic/piezo or a temperature gradient. With an input power range from 15μW to 100mW, these high-performance energy harvesting ICs can convert energy with an efficiency of up to 95%. These devices include an on-chip maximum power point tracking (MPPT) adaptive algorithm to optimize the energy harvested, which adapts every 0.5 second, making the PMIC extremely responsive to changing environmental conditions.

The NEH71x0 family integrates a range of power management features to protect batteries and storage elements, including over-voltage protection, low-voltage detection, and over-current protection. The addition of a low dropout (LDO) regulator and USB charging further reduces the BOM cost and simplifies the design process. For greater functionality, the NEH710BU variant includes I2C programmability and measurement readings, giving engineers additional flexibility and control in their designs.

“The NEH71x0 family addresses key challenges in energy harvesting by offering an inductor-less solution with integrated power management features,” said Simon van der Jagt, Energy Harvesting Product Group Leader at Nexperia. “This enables customers to lower costs while delivering an innovative solution for a wide range of applications. By optimizing battery life and reducing the need for costly, polluting battery replacements, the NEH71x0 contributes to a more sustainable future of electronics.”

NEH71x0 complements NEH2000, Nexperia’s first energy harvesting power management IC – a compact, low-BOM converter – by adding more advanced energy harvesting features and a new set of power management features, marking the next step in a growing roadmap of innovative inductor-less energy harvesting products.

The buck-boost battery charger and USB-C port controller ICs target power tools, home appliances, and light industrial products. Renesas recently announced two additions to its USB power delivery (USB-PD) extended power range (EPR) portfolio. Renesas claims the new ICs, the RAA489118 and RAA489400, will allow it to expand its USB-PD business to new applications such as power tools and light industrial products.
 
The RAA489118 Buck-Boost Charger

The RAA489118 (datasheet linked) is a buck-boost battery charger that can support two to seven battery cells in series or act as a 30-V input/output voltage regulator. It can operate in reverse buck, boost, and buck-boost operations from the battery.

The RAA489118 provides programming resistor options. This includes autonomous charging, max output, and adapter current limit options. It operates mainly on a USB-C interface that supports USB-PD EPR. It can also be programmed serially on the SMBus interface.

The RAA489118 features Renesas’ Robust Ripple Regulator ("R3") technology. Renesas says R3 delivers acoustic noise-free operation, fast dynamic response, and better battery life efficiency. This is done by combining fixed-frequency PWM and hysteretic PWM. According to Renesas, by controlling the PWM frequency and duty cycle, the R3 modulator can respond to input and output load transients to synthesize an "ideal" output AC signal. This may provide light-load efficiency and extend battery life.

The RAA489118 operates from an input voltage of 3.9 V to 30 V, with an output of 2.4 V to 30.8 V. Renesas designed these output ranges to match mainstream solar power voltage levels and serve solar portable power station applications. Available in a 4 mm x 4 mm, 32-Ld TQFN package, the RAA489118 is also suitable for power tools, laptop batteries, and any USB-C interface portable device that requires batteries.
 
The RAA489400 USB Type-C Port Controller

The RAA489400 (datasheet linked) is a USB-C port controller that supports USB-PD VBUS up to 48 V/5 A. The device is compatible with the USB-C port controller, cable and connector, and USB-PD specifications. The port controller includes integrated TCPC PHY and CC-logic. When combined with a single USB-C port manager, multiple RAA489400 devices can implement all USB-PD functions. This includes power negotiation and alternate modes to support multiple USB-C ports.


The RAA489400 contains other built-in features for its use as a port controller, including an integrated VCONNN MUX. It also contains sink/source power path gate drivers with external NFET for its VBUS. It offers four-channel GPIOs for control and various signal outputs like OCP# and PROCHOT#.

The RAA489400 supports a max rating of 60 V on its VBUS (55 V recommended). It contains built-in OCP/OVP/UVP/RVP and short-circuit protection. Its CC1 and CC2 pins can provide EPR up to 240 W/48 V. The RAA489400 supports general-purpose applications up to 240 W, including mobile devices, electric bikes, power tools, and home appliances. The RAA489400 is available in a 3 mm × 5 mm, 32-pin FCQFN package.
 
Renesas Expands USB-PD Market

USB-C allows consumers to use the same cables for all their electronics needs. Renesas hopes to tap into new USB-PD application markets with the RAA489118 and RAA489400. These two devices may be especially useful in power tools and light industrial products like portable vacuums and battery lawnmowers.