The most crucial element of a switched mode converter or an SMPS is the inductor. Energy is stored in the form of a magnetic field in the core material of the inductor during the brief ON period (ton) switched through the connected switching element such as MOSFET or a BJT. How the Inductor Works in […]
Electronics Theory
Understanding MOSFET Safe Operating Area or SOA
If you are wondering or worried about precisely how much power your MOSFET can tolerate under extreme conditions, or under extreme dissipative situations, then the SOA figures of the device is exactly what you should be looking at. In this post we will be comprehensively discussing the Safe Operating Area, or the SOA, as it […]
Understanding MOSFET Avalanche Rating, Testing and Protection
In this post I have explained MOSFET avalanche ratings, and learn how to understand this rating in the datasheet correctly, how the parameter is tested by the manufacturer, and measures to protect MOSFETs from this phenomenon. The avalanche parameter not only helps to verify the devices ruggedness, it additionally helps filtering out weaker MOSFETs or […]
What is IGBT: Working, Switching Characteristics, SOA, Gate Resistor, Formulas
IGBT stands for Insulated-gate-Bipolar-Transistor, a power semiconductor which includes the features of a MOSFET’s high speed, voltage dependent gate switching, and the minimal ON resistance (low saturation voltage) properties of a BJT. Figure 1 exhibits IGBT equivalent circuit, where a bipolar transistor works with a MOS gate architect, while the similar IGBT circuit is actually […]
LiFePO4 Battery Charging/Discharging Specifications, Advantages Explained
While Li-Ion and Lithium polymer electrolyte (LiPo) batteries possess unmatched energy density, Lithium-based batteries are costly to produce and need meticulous handling along with a cautious charging. With the advancement of nanotechnology, the manufacturing process of the cathode electrode for these batteries has seen a substantial improvement. The break through nanotechnology-based high-load LiFePO4 cells are […]
Simple Triac Phase Control Circuits Explored
In a triac phase control circuit, the triac is triggered ON only for specific portions of the AC half cycles, causing the load to operate only for that period of the AC waveform. This results in a controlled supply of power to the load. Triacs are popularly used as a solid-state replacement of relay for […]
