HOW2POWER TODAY NEWSLETTER

HOW2POWER TODAY brings you in-depth reporting on the latest design techniques for power conversion, new components, and the employment outlook for power electronics engineers.

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In the February issue of HOW2POWER TODAY:

» The Small-Signal Model of An Active-Clamp Forward Converter (Part 1): Basics of The Forward Converter And Its Transfer Function

» Video: Inside the 21st Century Power Test Lab

» Control Circuit Simplifies PFC Boost Converter Design

» USB Charger Provides Battery Backup And Load Switching With Easy, Low-Cost Design

» Focus On Magnetics:
Understanding Tradeoffs In Core Geometry Aids Transductor Design

» Book Review:
Text Reveals Circuit And System Knowledge For Designing Grid-Connected Converters In Renewable Energy Systems

» New Power Products

» Other Top Power News

» Kudos2

» From the Editor's Desk

From the Editors Desk (February Newsletter)

Even advocates of simulation will point out that it's not sufficient to fully characterize a power converter design and that mathematical analysis and testing of prototypes are needed to provide the missing details. These themes are touched on as Christophe Basso begins an article series in which he will explain how to build a small-signal model of the active-clamp forward converter and derive its transfer function. Here In part 1, he acknowledges that engineers can derive the small-signal response of a converter using simulation, but that won't tell designers about the effects of parasitic elements on the poles and zeros of the power stage, leaving designs vulnerable to the production spread in various parameters. As Basso observes, "Only a complete transfer function analytically derived can tell you where [the design vulnerabilities] are and how you can counteract them." Similarly, previous features have stressed the need for more and better measurements. In support of that goal Steve Sandler now takes you on a video tour of his "21st Century Power Test Lab" where he discusses a variety of advanced instruments for measuring power supply waveforms and troubleshooting power-related problems. This issue also brings you Dennis Feucht's article explaining tradeoffs in core geometry that influence the design of transformers and coupled inductors, his review of a text on grid-connected converters, Tom Ribarich's article on a PFC boost converter design, Budge Ing's USB charger circuit for battery backup and load switching, and more. Read more»

HOW2POWER’s Careers in Power Electronics section is intended to help power electronics (PE) engineers  and other EEs with experience or interest in power conversion to learn more about career opportunities in various industries.

 In this section, you’ll find:

• Articles discussing opportunities, technical requirements, and design challenges for power electronics engineers  and  related positions in different industries & application areas. Many of these articles contain lists of job openings  for PE engineers and related positions in the specific industries being discussed. Though these job listings may not be current, they often provide a barometer of ongoing hiring activity in a particular industry.
• Articles discussing general business and technology trends  that may affect  hiring of power electronics  engineers and  related positions

View the Career Section»

HOW2POWER’s Events Calendar lists selected conferences, tradeshows, and workshops related directly or indirectly to power conversion. This listing includes a wide range of application or market-focused events where suppliers of power components or power supplies may be exhibiting, or where technical presentations related to power conversion may be presented.

View the Calendar»

This section brings you news of Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride developments along with related design information, supplier data, book reviews, and technology roadmaps.

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HOW2POWER BOOKSTORE

In conjunction with the Power Sources Manufacturers Association (PSMA), How2Power is pleased to offer valuable technical publications. The list includes reprints of classic texts and unique reference materials relating to power supply design and power magnetics design.

Enter the Bookstore»

Read about the services and skills offered by consultants specializing in power electronics design. As you’ll discover from viewing their entries, these consultants have years of experience in power conversion across a wide range of power levels, applications, and technologies. If you’re a manufacturer who needs help with power system design, these consultants are poised to tackle your most difficult design challenges.

Meet the Consultants»

Learn more about the wide array of resources available on other power electronics websites. Here you’ll find descriptions of relevant websites, organized into the following convenient categories: Blogs • Design Notes & Tools • Industry Organizations People • Jobs • Product Guides • Publications.

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