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The article discusses the advantage, challenges, and testing of high-voltage silicon-carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and diodes. Topics include the advantage of SiC MOSFETs and diodes for fast switching and very low switching losses, the challenges in terms of accuracy, power loop layout optimization, and the design and integration of gate-driver. It also mentions the use of double-pulse testing to accurately evaluate switching performance of SiC device.

The article discusses the benefits of using variable frequency drives (VFDs) that are used for their variable speed control with minimal wiring terminations. It outlines the purpose and advantages of utilizing the inputs and outputs of a VFD. It notes that VFD may allow voltage to be sourced externally though a setting change by means of a jumper or digital input switch may be required.

The article discusses the efficiency of the LT8390A and LT8391A buck-boost controller in high power applications. It examines the low switching frequency of the controllers in high power applications with power switches for embedded developers. It also cites the input voltage range of the open light-emitting diode (LED) fault protection.

The article discusses the significance of several designs of frequency synthesizers used in the microwave industry deliver higher performance, higher functionality, and lower power consumption. It discusses the impact of frequency switching speed on system performance and signal amplitude. It also mentions the use of Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) system to provide fine frequency resolution.

The article offers information on switching systems which includes the 40-202 2-A fault-insertion switch module from Pickering Interfaces, the 124 reed relays from Pickering Electronics Ltd. and the fast line-length switch from Cytec Industries Inc.

The article discusses the challenges of low-level signals measurement subject to thermally induced voltage errors or Seebeck effect as applied to low-level switching applications. Topics mentioned include the reed relay products from VTI instruments, Littlefuse general purpose HE3600 500-ma/200VDC reed relay and the National Instruments technical paper instructions to reduce thermal error voltages.

The article offers information related to choosing and applying right switching systems. According to Norton W. Alderson, vice president of marketing at Universal Switching Corp., various companies provide a range of products to help implement effective switching strategies. He further added that USC has launched four unique client-application-driven product lines within the last six months to target government clients, satellite ground stations, teleport providers, and many oter uses.

The article discusses the applicability of the pulse-width modulation (PWM) process which is used to regulate pressure in industrial hydraulic systems. Topics discussed include performing hydraulic switching through PWM, the effects of non-constant hydraulic pressure and error predictions. It also discusses the use of standardized dynamic and steady-state PWM pressure-regulation methods.

The article discusses the adoption of silicon-carbide (SiC) and gallium-nitride (GaN) power devices in many semiconductor companies. It highlights the high switching frequencies of power packaging technologies for the development of wide bandgap (WBG) power devices. It also cites the increase of the amount of power delivered to receiving devices in the data centers.

The article discusses the switch of technology innovation from sensor emulation to microwave multiplexing. Topics mention including exhibiting the Model 60-105 4-slot US/LXI chassis from test and measuring manufacturing firm Pickering Interfaces, features of GX7017 from Marvin Test Solutions and several companies who develops switching components.

The article showcases matrix switchers for audio-visual applications including the Enova DVX-3155HD from AMX, SmartMatrix Ultra-SMX12x4 from Anlaog Way, and 4x4 AT-PRO3HD44M from Atlona.

The article explores the basic concepts of linear regulators as well as switching mode power supplies (SMPS) for system engineers who may not be very familiar with power supply designs and selection. It cites the basic operating principles of SMPS and linear regulators along with the advantages and disadvantages of the given solutions. Several applications in which linear regulators or low dropout regulators (LDOs) provide superior solutions to switching supplies are also tackled.

The article reports that modular instrumentation are available in the form of kits. Switching modules support only certain circuit configurations such as multiplexers or matrices. Several manufacturers provide high-speed digitizers with 12 or 14 bits of resolution. ADLINK's 14-bit PCIe-9852 two-channel 200- MS/s digitizer includes onboard signal averaging.

The article presents information on several switching systems. MEMS switching device companies are reported to be promising a solution to real-world switching requirements. Dr. John Maciel, the vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of Radant MEMS Inc., said that although no commercial MEMS switching modules are available yet some of his devices were being used in test applications.

This article presents information on an effective development method for radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers with the use of a digitally-controlled dynamic bias switching (DDBS) integrated circuit (IC). It states that the DDBS IC chooses two different drain bias voltages for the power amplifier. This is done in order to make the most of the efficiency enhancement for the statistical sharing of the signal.

The article discusses the use of silicon carbide (SiC) power devices in optimizing power inverter designs. According to the author, the new generation of power inverters can be applied in alternative energy sources. The comparison between silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (SiC MOSFET) and silicon insulated-gate bipolar transistor (Si IGBT) is detailed. It is said that SiC MOSFET has advantages in switching performance, thermal characteristics and efficiency.

The article studies the switched-mode pump's (SMP) boost-converter role in microcontrollers and system on chips (SOCs) in low-power embedded and portable applications. It enables stored capacity access to the battery voltage and works in a system that requires a higher operating voltage. To offset switch and passive-component losses, the switching frequency must optimize power and the inductor must be chosen for its switching frequency. SMPs foster the development of solar-cell systems.

The article evaluates switches including the MX430-101 matrix switcher from Altinex, the Enova DGX 32 Enclosure switcher from AMX and Analog Way SMX200 Smart MatriX 12x2 scaled matrix switcher.

The article discusses the use of ground-fault-circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Electrical codes have mandated the use of GFCIs in homes since the late 1960s as a way of minimizing the chance of electrocution. GCFIs were designed to shut off power within 20 msec at 100 mA. Currently, the scope of ground-fault sensing has been extended and now protects equipment so faults do not create sparks, smoke, and fire. Shunt-trip circuit breakers have the shunt trip option which trips the breaker remotely.

The article discusses the use of matrix switching systems which offer a solution for signal switching in test systems. Nick Turner, president of instrument maker Cytec, pointed out size limitations for matrices and multiplexers. He said that signals which connect to a large number of relay contacts in parallel, such as in a big matrix, the overall capacitance of the contacts limits high-frequency performance.

The article offers the author's insights on Deans switch, which is synonymous with the suitability of fluidic flow switching devices for capillary gas chromatography (GC) applications. It says that Deans switch is employed originally in a series of interconnected crosses and tees with control flows that are driven by electrical solenoids. It also adds that the term Deans switch is derived from researcher David R. Deans.

The article discusses the factors that need to be considered when designing a high-density switching system. According to the author, the factors include the test system form factor, the switch architecture, voltage, current and power trade-offs. He adds that the switch should operate well within its specifications even at low frequencies to remain reliable. He discusses various types of switching systems and their applications which include solid-state, feed relays, electromechanical relays.

The article suggests solutions to problems arising from designing offline power supplies that integrate high-efficiency switching-regulator-control circuits. Tight printed-circuit-board (PCB) layouts can reportedly address radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) into space. It recommends the use of control chips with undervoltage lockout when designing systems with applied intermittent power. One of the factors to consider in selecting a switching architecture is whether to use current-mode or voltage-mode feedback.

The article discusses the use of classic four-wire remote sensing to eliminate line-drop effects in electrical design. It says that the advantages of four-wire remote sensing can be retained despite eliminating the sense loads. According to the author, a Linear Technology Virtual Remote Sense (VRS) can be used with a linear regulator and can be designed into switching regulators. The use of the VRS approach in isolated output supplies is also discussed.

The article explains the benefits of using direct current (dc)/dc switcher between the battery and the power amplifier by using dynamic voltage scaling. The problems associated with low power-added efficiency in single-cell lithium-ion batteries of cellular telephones are presented. Also discussed is the approach to reducing power loss within a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier. An explanation of how the integration of two parallel power amplifiers can improve efficiency is offered.

The article discusses radio frequency (RF) and microwave switching modules. It offers information on selecting good RF modules based on relays and overall performance. Among the considerations for switches include their frequency range, isolation, insertion loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).

The article focuses on the use of radio frequency (RF)/microwave switches in microwave test systems to permit automated testing and measurement on multiple devices under test (DUTs). It states that it is significant to understand the type of multiplexer and switch options available when setting a high-frequency switching systems for test applications. A single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch can be applied in route signals to two various devices under test.

Several charts are presented depicting the multi-layer circuits of Mini-Circuits including amplifiers, switches, and limiters.

Several charts are presented depicting the plug-in products of Mini-Circuits including amplifiers, phase detectors, and switches.

The article presents information on the importance of choosing the most appropriate switching system architecture used in engineering. It describes the electrical characteristics of switching system and their use in all kinds of automated test applications. It also compares the types, configuration, circuits and life expectancy of several switching systems, which include the 34934A from Agilent Technologies, the HXV Series from Cytec, GX6377 from Geotest-Marvin Test Systems, and EX72SF from VTI Instruments.

The article presents information on solid-state switching system in automated test. It describes electromechanical relays for testing products ranging from automotive engines to thermocouples. The features of solid-state switches and electromechanical relays are compared. The functions of metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) in an analog field-effect transistor switches are discussed. It notes that the switching time for solid-state relays is dependent on the time required to power the light emitting diode.

The author discusses the standards for power-over-Ethernet (POE) integrated circuits. According to the author, POE allows a basic Category 5 or 6 cable to carry both data and power, enabling simple and inexpensive installations of equipment such as voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, cameras and wireless-access points. The two main components of a POE network are power-sourcing equipment (PSE), such as the network switch or central router, and powered devices (PD), such as VoIP phone or a wireless-access point, which connect to the network that supplies both power and data, the author said.

The article discusses the types of switching systems and instruments used in automated testing. It is stated that the growing popularity of Ethernet-based LXI instruments has allowed manufacturers to separate form from function to a large degree. A comparison between VXI and PXI switching modules is presented. According to the article, a typical VXI modules are 6U high and offer a much larger PCB area than the usual PXI 3U modules. It is noted that competition between the two standards are influenced by the test systems used within a company.

The article describes a new switching-converter topology. Several advantages are associated with a flyback transformer such as provides isolation from high direct current (dc) voltage, enables a safety ground reference, and provides a regulated lower output voltage. The total load current must be supplied by the output capacitor during voltage-crossover periods. An increase in the output capacitance can reduce the ripple voltage on the dc output of the boost converter. A different switching-control scheme can be accomplished by appropriately varying the duty factor of the switching converter. A continuous current in the flyback transformer is also needed in the control scheme. It is important to determine the value of the primary inductance to give acceptable switching-current ripple.

This article offers a guide to selecting switching module for electrical requirements. The design of the switching system should be based on the required specifications, and this may mean the use of more than one type of switch in the system. There are several misconceptions about the specifications of a switching system. One of which is that switches are ideal and simple devices that route signals between various test equipment. A comparison between the matrix and multiplexer type of switching topology is presented.

The article deals with the integration of digital features into power circuits. Among the digital features are host communications, output-voltage/current programming, and fault diagnostics and management. Analog components and features include metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) drivers and current and temperate sensing. Two key factors that should be considered in choosing between analog and digital control are size and cost. Full digital control of the power train duty cycle at a high switching frequency is impractical and fails to meet the required size and cost constraints.

The article discusses the development of a Ka-band PIN diode single pole double throw (SPDT) switch monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) by Endwave. This is an example of how semiconductor design experience can be leveraged as part of the design of higher-level systems. The custom chip design was undertaken to support the development effort for a cost-effective, high-power, extremely compact, Ka-band multichannel radar transceiver module. The chip provides well over 4W of power-handling capability and exhibits nanosecond switching speed.

The article evaluates various computer network management products, including a data center manager from Visual Network Design, a USB power meter from Boonton Electronics, and a server console switch from Hewlett Packard.

The article discusses the processes involved in optical fiber signal switching. The author mentions that technology used in large communications network switching applications has filtered down to both network and component analysis. The author adds that as the optical communications component sector grows, consumers will need for multisite testing devices enabled by advanced optical switching.

The article discusses how the test-system industry upgrades to virtual instruments. According to the author, individual power supplies were built into each device under test (DUT) site to support the shortened rise times and the higher transistor counts in chips that require more power. He introduces the PowerHinge, an approach which provides a bus that a designer can hang direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converters on, use the voltage as-is, as well as hang programmable switchers on .

The article provides information on the use of root mean square (rms)/direct current (dc) converters in measuring waveforms. RMS/dc converters require accurate rms-amplitude measurement of silicon-controlled rectifier's (SCR's) chopped alternating current waveforms. SCR's sine-wave switching complicates the measurement due to odd waveshapes that it introduces with high-frequency harmonic content.

The article provides an overview on modern design options for electric power subsystem. Power subsystems can be linear, switching, charge pump and alternating current/direct current. Digitally managed and digitally controlled power often needs a software effort right before product release. Switching supplies must handle stability, noise and thermal issues. Charge pumps involve noise injection. Some of the problems that electronic designers may encounter are presented.

The article discusses ways on how to reduce ground bounce in direct current/direct current-converter applications. Ground bounce is the amount that a ground return rises or falls relative to the OV reference of a system. Moreover, ground bounce can be many volts in a dc/dc-switching converter due to changing magnetic flux. Generally, pc-board-ground-plane resistance is a less important source of ground bounce than magnetic-flux change. Buck converters comprise semiconductor switches. INSET: PC-BOARD-LAYOUT CONFIGURATIONS AFFECT GROUND BOUNCE.

The article provides information on a Genlock System. Genlocking allows for easy switching from one single to another without disrupting the synchronization circuits that are in the viewer's receiver. The major components of the system include the equalizer, SDI deserializer, sync separator, timing control and frame buffer. The SDI inputs on video broadcast equipment typically support long cable lengths for high definition signals and for standard definition signals. In order to support long cables, there needs to be a cable equalizer.

The article offers information on storage racks for audiovisual equipment. Industrialist George Westinghouse is the first one to choose the 19-inch shelving width back in the 1980s to hold the early electronics switching gear used in his railroad empire. Missouri-based Home Inc. was the first company to manufacture cabinets specifically for the audio market back in the early 1950s. Three major international standards for 19-inch equipment racks are cited. The important codes that enclosures and consoles should be certified to meet are stated.

Provides information on several audio-visual equipment. MT104-111 component video switcher from Altinex; Nugget2U high-definition video player from Doremi Labs; ProCon VESA digital media player; Designer Cinema front-projection screen from Da-Lite.

This section presents several new electronic devices. An addition to the LC Series of Deltron Inc., the 48 volt model compact 1U-high switcher provides 1,000 watts of output power over a 180 to 264 volt-alternating current (ac) input range and 800 watt output power from a 90 to 265 volt-ac input range. The Model 9120 single-output-digital direct current power supply from B&K Precision Corp. offers clean, stable, and reliable power. Features include a zero to 30 volts, zero to three ampere programmable output, a 10 millivolts, one milliampere display resolution, an RS-232 interface, small-computer-peripheral-interface compatibility, and remote sensing. Devices in the ultraminiature open-frame modular switching OFM40/60 power-supply series from Astrodyne feature single, dual, and triple outputs from 3.3 to 48 volt direct current.

The article focuses on the ethernet switch which costs less than $750. The publishers of the periodical "Network Computing," put out a call for inexpensive, managed Ethernet switches with enterprise features-specifically, a 24-port 10/100 switch with at least one Gigabit Ethernet uplink port that retails for less than $750. Administrative tools were an important consideration in terms of quality and type, especially with respect to VLAN (virtual LAN) and port configuration. They weren't expecting the world with these switches. But an administrator with only a basic understanding of network concepts should be able to set up and maintain these products using only publicly available sources, such as the user manual and vendor Web site. The ProCurve 2626 won Editor's Choice award, delivering the best overall value with a sweet lifetime warranty, reasonable pricing, flexible uplink options and an excellent management interface. The test were carried by setting the base IP over a serial connection to the console port, connected a test workstation, and ran the Web interfaces through the ringer over Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari browsers. INSET: LOW-END SWITCHES.

This article covers information about Class D switching amplifiers. Class D amplifiers bring benefits to audio applications in circuit efficiency, size, and cost improvements. However, meeting the needs of consumer electronics--such as audio-video receivers that demand more than 100 watts of output power with less than 0.05 percent distortion and more than 100-decibel dynamic range--can be challenging using Class D amplification. These amplifiers also have to sound good, a requirement that is far more subjective than simply measuring and meeting target specifications for distortion noise and dynamic range. Analysis of a well-designed Class D amplifier yields a number of practical design guidelines that can help meet all of these goals. The key to a Class D amplifier's efficiency improvements over Class AB amplifiers is the use of a switching output stage rather than a conventional linear one. In a traditional analog-audio environment, a typical system requires a modulator to convert incoming signals to a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) bit stream and an output-driver stage and filter to convert the PWM back to analog power levels that suit the load. Contemporary digital-audio environments, such as CD and DVD, directly provide serial data, which can be processed in the digital domain before interfacing with the output-driver stage. This requirement leads to a new class of amplifier integrated circuits--digital modulators--which feature controls, such as volume and equalization, and key processing circuits.