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The article discusses the efficiency of backward compatibility for interfacing triode-alternating-current (TRIAC) and light-emitting diodes (LED). It mentions that power-converter designers should consider power conversion to the load of LED when assessing the best interfacing method to use. According to the author, the most effective way to maximize the use of TRIAC and the diodes to regulate the minimum input current.

The article talks about driving a solenoid as a control-loop element. As an electrical load, a solenoid, which consists of magnet wire wrapped around a plastic, ceramic or brass bobbin with a ferrous case, behaves as an air-core inductor. It states that solenoids are used to convert energy from one form to another, usually electrical power to mechanical motion. The amount of torque that the solenoid can generate depends on the strength of the magnetic field, which relates to the current in the coil and the number of turns of wire on the bobbin. It is inferred that in order to keep the noise generated by a current-loop controller from adversely affecting the rest of the system, the paths from the switcher to any victim circuits that may be near must be limited.

In this article, the author states that when it comes to grid-tied photovoltaic systems, designers must focus on minimizing cost per watt in order to deliver the best possible return on investment. In this system, the conversion of energy from solar panels is being done in two stages, a dc/dc converter and the use of inverter to convert from dc to ac and sync it up with the grid. The importance of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic conversion system is mentioned.

The article discusses new topologies capable of improving the efficiency of power converters. The Double Clamp Zero Voltage Switching (dc-ZVS) approach for alternating current/direct current (ac/dc) power conversion is described. It is noted that the Adaptive Cell topology can address the problem of wide input-voltage span in dc-ZVS topology. Combining both topologies reportedly offers advantages in terms of converter efficiency, low-voltage output and using magnetic coupling for isolation.

The article offers information on the Power Conversion Intelligent Motion (PCIM) Europe trade show to be held in Nuremberg, Germany on May 12-16, 2013.

The article focuses on the competitive advantage of fluid power as a compact, efficient,and effective source of energy transmission in mobile applications. It notes the resurgence of interest in fluid-power-control systems at universities and the growth of industry/university collaboration. It also discusses the advantages of hydraulic-control systems over electrically actuated systems and the occurrence of power conversion throughout a basic hydraulic-control system.

The article describes the functions of the ZL2105 digital-power-conversion and -management integrated circuit (IC) from Zilker Labs. The IC targets the needs of the embedded-system market and provides as much as three amperes at 0.6 to 5.5 volts. It uses a state machine, instead of the usual peripheral interface microcontrollers used by other digital conversion IC systems for their pulse-width modulation schemes. The chip requires no programming. The user can set characteristics such as output voltages, overcurrent-protection settings, delay times, and more by strapping pins, selecting resistors, or using any of the PMBus commands that the chip supports.

This article discusses how a three-terminal shunt regulator can replace a more expensive conventional operational amplifier in a power-converter design. A switched-mode power supply uses a galvanically isolated feedback portion of a pulse-width modulation circuit. In designs that omit a voltage amplifier, a shunt regulator can serve as an in expensive operational amplifier. Resistors set the power supply's direct current output voltage, and optocoupler integrated circuit provides galvanic isolation.