DuPont Electronics & Industrial, Steinerfilm and Polaris Battery Labs have combined their capabilities to build batteries that have 26% higher energy density and use 80% less copper and aluminum than comparable batteries made with traditional materials. The improved energy density will increase the range of electric vehicles, make electric aviation more feasible and improve portable electronics.  More significantly, as electric vehicles grow more prevalent, this technology can reduce the dependence on scarce metals such as copper and aluminum that are needed for the other parts of the electric vehicles. With copper consumption in electric vehicles predicted to increase to 4 million tons annually by 2040, this could save millions of tons of copper. The current collectors were made from thermally stable, high strength DuPont™ Kapton® polyimide film, metallized by Steinerfilm to have 500 nm of metal on each side.  At 5 microns total thickness, they are the lightest, thinnest current collectors for lithium-ion batteries available, and use only 17% of the aluminum and copper used in normal batteries. Polaris Battery Labs combined these in a traditional format with an LCO cathode, graphite anode and electrolyte to produce a battery with over 26% higher energy density than the batteries made side-by-side with traditional […]

SkyWater Technology and Applied Novel Devices announced a major industry breakthrough with new transistor technology that offers significant benefits for fast switching power conversion applications. The power MOSFETs offer 2x lower output charge, near-zero reverse-recovery and ultra-low Qoss enabled by AND’s proprietary channel engineering technology. In addition, these power MOSFETs offer superior specific on-resistance (< 5 mOhm-mm2 @ 30V BVDSS) at gate drive as low as 2.5V as well as low leakage currents and near-ideal sub-threshold slope made possible by AND’s device architecture. These characteristics can substantially reduce parasitic losses incurred in power management systems. This will improve power management and conversion efficiency in numerous applications including data centers, automotive, electric motor drives, microinverters for renewable energy systems and many others in industrial and consumer markets. In applications such as DC-DC power conversion, AND’s technology offers unique advantages enabled by its novel device architecture. Near-zero reverse recovery and low output capacitances eliminate the need for integrated or standalone Schottky clamp diodes. These efficiency enhancing characteristics make the technology attractive for higher frequency voltage conversion applications not typically supported by conventional Si MOSFETs. The high frequencies enabled by these power MOSFETs, in turn, drive reduction of passive component sizes to achieve […]

텍사스 인스트루먼트(TI) 가 미세 진동 기능으로 카메라 시스템의 먼지, 얼음 및 물 등 오염물질을 빠르게 감지하고 제거할 수 있는 업계 최초의 초음파 렌즈 세정 (ULC, ultrasonic lens cleaning) 맞춤형 반도체를 출시했다. 일반적으로 카메라 렌즈의 오염물질을 제거하려면 수동식 세정이 필요하다. 수동식 세정은 시스템 다운타임을 유발하며, 오작동을 일으킬 수도 있는 다양한 기계 부품이 필요하다. TI의 새로운 ULC 칩셋인 ULC1001 DSP와 DRV2901 압전 변환기 드라이버(Piezo transducer driver)는 진동을 정밀하게 제어해 카메라의 오염물질을 자체적으로 신속하게 제거하여 시스템 정확도를 높이고 유지 관리 요구사항을 줄여주는 독점적인 기술을 선보인다. 또, ULC 기술을 다양한 크기의 카메라와 애플리케이션에 활용할 수 있는 공간 효율적이고 합리적인 가격의 해결책을 제공한다. 아비 야샤르(Avi Yashar) TI 제품 마케팅 엔지니어는 “ULC는 자가 세정식 카메라와 센서를 보편화하는 데 도움을 줄 것”이라며, “기존의 수동세정 방법은 오염물을 검출하고 세정을 실행하기 위해 비싸고, 비실용적이고, 복잡한 기계와 값비싼 전자 장치를 요구하며, 상당한 처리 과정을 필요로 한다. 하지만 ULC는 자가 세정 카메라와 센서의 보편화를 실현할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다“고 말했다. 또, “최근 자동차, 교통 카메라, 스마트 도시 및 제조 분야에 이르기까지 다양한 분야에서 카메라가 활용되면서 자가 세정식 카메라를 활용하기 위한 간단하고 비용 효율적인 방법에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있다.”고 말했다. ULC1001 컨트롤러에는 이미지 처리 없이 자동 감지, 청소, 온도 및 오류 감지를 위한 자체적인 알고리즘이 포함되어 있어 ULC 기술을 다양한 카메라 렌즈 설계에 적용하기에 매우 적합하다. 또, 해당 칩셋은 콤팩트한 폼팩터를 지니고 있어 카메라나 센서가 오염될 수 있는 다양한 애플리케이션의 머신 비전과 감지 성능을 개선하는 데 도움을 줄 수 있다. 에드워드 산체스(Edward Sanchez) 테크인사이츠(TechInsights) 글로벌 자동차 부문 수석 애널리스트는 “첨단 운전자 지원 시스템(ADAS)이 점점 더 정교해지고, 운전자들이 더욱 광범위한 방면에서 의존함에 따라 센서 제품군이 항상 완벽하게 작동하는 것이 그 어느 때보다 중요해질 것“이라며 “카메라 렌즈의 먼지나 이물질은 차량 후방 카메라의 시야를 방해하는 단순한 오염물질로 볼 수도 있지만, 정확하고 정밀한 이미징 및 센서 데이터에 의존하는 차량에서는 치명적인 기능 및 안전성의 문제가 될 수 있다. TI의 ULC 칩셋은 ADAS와 자율 주행 차량 시장에서 큰 화두가 될 문제를 실질적이며 비용 효율적으로 해결할 수 있다.”고 말했다. 통합 솔루션으로 시스템 크기 및 복잡성 감소 TI의 ULC 칩셋은 렌즈 세정 시스템에 복잡한 기계 부품 또는 사람의 개입을 필요로 하지 않는다. 자체적인 알고리즘을 갖춘 ULC1001 초음파 세정 DSP에는 펄스 폭 모듈레이터, 전류 및 전압 감지 증폭기 및 아날로그–디지털 컨버터가 통합되어 있다. TI의 칩셋은 DRV2901 압전 변환기 드라이버와 함께 컴패니언 증폭기로 사용된다. 이 칩셋은 25mm x 15mm 미만의 인쇄회로기판(PCB) 크기로 ULC를 구현하여 개별 구현보다 더 많은 기능을 제공하는 동시에 BOM(Bill of Material)을 절감할 수 있다. 패키지, 공급 및 가격 ULC1001 DSP는 대량 양산 중이며, TI.com 및 공인 유통판매 업체에서 공급을 시작했다. 4.5mm x 5mm, 32핀 HotRod ™ 쿼드 플랫 무연(QFN) 패키지로 제공되며, 1,000개 수량 당 43달러에 구매할 수 있다. DRV2901 압전 변환기 드라이버는 1,000개 수량 당 5.35달러에 구매할 수 있고, 전체 릴은 TI.com 및 다른 유통 채널을 통해 제공한다.  ULC1001-DRV290XEVM 평가 모듈은 TI.com 에서 249달러에 구매할 수 있으며, TI.com 에서는 원화를 포함한 다양한 결제 및 출하 옵션을 제공하고 있다.

AirFuel™ Alliance, the authority on next-generation wireless power technology and standards, announced the release of a global interoperable standard for RF wireless power transfer. The AirFuel™ RF was showcased at CES 2023 by member companies Energous and Atmosic. AirFuel RF uses Radio Frequency waves to transfer energy wirelessly from a few centimeters up to a few meters, enabling charging and powering of multiple devices simultaneously within a three dimensional range, and delivering true freedom of movement. A contactless power transfer technology, AirFuel RF creates zones of energy that can be harvested to power active devices or to charge batteries. The AirFuel RF standard opens wireless power technology to new markets and applications. Multiple devices across an array of applications can be powered simultaneously several feet from the power source without the need for precise placement, eliminating the need for wires or the hassle and e-waste associated with batteries. RF technology can be integrated into very small electronic devices, such as electronic shelf labels, wearables and IoT sensors, making it an attractive wireless power option for large scale, low power deployments where cable and battery elimination, placement flexibility, and maintenance avoidance are key considerations, such as large fleets of devices. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, President and Chairman of AirFuel Alliance, […]

Ideal Power launched its first commercial product, the SymCool™ Power Module. This multi-die B-TRAN™ module, rated at 1200V 100A and incorporating double-sided cooling, is designed to meet the very low conduction loss needs of the solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) market. Modules can be paralleled to achieve a wide range of high power SSCB ratings for utility, industrial and military applications. The SymCool™ Power Module was designed specifically to enable SSCBs to deliver very low conduction losses. B-TRAN™-enabled SSCBs are expected to be smaller and more efficient than SSCBs using traditional semiconductor switches while operating orders of magnitude faster than conventional electromechanical breakers. The SymCool™ Power Module is well-suited for the large, growing circuit breaker market, with the market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6% to approximately $26 billion by 2027. With clear advantages over electromechanical, IGBT and MOSFET-based breakers, the B-TRAN™ enabled SSCBs are ideal for a range of utility, military and industrial power control applications. Energy Savings Circuit breakers continuously conduct current, so it is critical to keep conduction losses to a minimum. The SymCool™ Power Module exhibits dramatically lower conduction losses compared to IGBTs, thereby allowing for energy savings that are necessary as […]

퀄컴의 스마트폰을 위한 위성 기반 양방향 메시지 송수신 솔루션인 스냅드래곤 새틀라이트(Snapdragon® Satellite)는 스냅드래곤 5G 모뎀-RF 시스템 플랫폼으로 구동되는솔루션이다. 전 세계 모바일 메시지 서비스를 활용해 글로벌 연결성을 제공해주는 이 솔루션은 이리듐 위성의 지원으로 제조사, 통신사 및 기타 서비스 제공업체가 글로벌 커버리지를 가능하게 한다. 이 스마트폰용 칩셋은기후 변화에 대응 능력이 뛰어난 이리듐사의 L-band 주파수 대역을 활용해 업링크 및 다운링크 통신을 지원한다. 스냅드래곤 새틀라이트는 스마트폰 뿐만 아니라 휴대용 노트북, 태블릿 및 IoT 등 다른 기기로 확대 적용될 것으로 기대된다. 스냅드래곤  새틀라이트 관련 생태계의 성장과 함께 OEM과  앱 개발사가 위성 연결성에 기반을 둔 고유한 서비스 제공을 통해 차별화된 경험을 제공할 수 있을 것으로 보인다. 스냅드래곤 새틀라이트는 향후 비지상파 네트워크(NTN) 위성 시스템이 이용 가능하여질 때에 5G NTN을 지원할 예정이다. 스냅드래곤 새틀라이트 기반 긴급 메시징은 오는 2023년 중반부터 일부 지역에서 출시되는 차세대 스마트폰에 탑재될 예정이다.

지구 상공 약 1,200마일, 지구 저궤도(LEO: Low-Earth Orbit) 지역의 상업화는 우주 탐사와 위성 통신을 변화시키고 있다. 위성이 성공적으로 작동하고 목적지에 도달하기 위해서는 가혹한 우주 환경을 견딜 수 있는 부품을 선택하는 것이 필수적이다. 이에 따라 마이크로칩테크놀로지가 지금까지의 포트폴리오를 기반으로 COTS(Commercial-Off-the-Shelf) 내방사선 전력 소자군을 구축해 MIC69303RT, 3A LDO(Low-dropout) 전압 레귤레이터를 출시했다.  이 고전류 저전압의 MIC69303RT는 지구 저궤도(LEO) 및 기타 우주 애플리케이션을 위한 새로운 전력 관리 솔루션으로 우주 임무 수행에 필요한 요건들을 충족하면서 플라스틱과 밀폐 세라믹 버전 모두에서 프로토타입 샘플링을 가능케 한다. MIC69303RT는 검증된 COTS 장치를 기반으로 제작돼 예비 평가 및 초기 개발 수행을 더욱 쉽게 한다. 1.65~5.5V의 단일 저전압 공급 장치에서 작동하며 고전류에서는 최저 0.5V 정도의 출력 전압을 공급할 수 있으며 극한 조건에서는 500mV의 고정밀 및 초저드롭아웃 전압을 제공한다.  MIC69303RT는 RTPF500TLS를 포함한 PolarFire® FPGA와 SAM71Q21RT와 같이 마이크로칩의 내방사선 우주산업 인증을 받은 마이크로컨트롤러(MCU)를 위한 컴패니언 전력 솔루션이다. 마이크로칩의 항공우주방위사업부 부사장 밥 뱀폴라(Bob Vampola)는 “MIC69303RT는 밀폐형 세라믹 패키지와 래치업(latch up) 내성 및 총 이온화선량(TID) 50Krad(킬로래드)의 견고성을 갖추고 있는 마이크로칩 최초의 내방사선 전력 관리 디바이스다”라며 “우주 비행 분야에서 60년 이상 쌓아온 마이크로칩의 종합적인 포트폴리오를 통해 앞으로 고객사는 제품 설계 시 함께 작동할 수 있는 제품을 선택해 설계 프로세스 속도를 더욱 높일 수 있게 됐다”고 말했다. 마이크로칩의 아날로그, 파워 및 인터페이스 부문 마케팅 디렉터인 키스 파줄(Keith Pazul)은 “이 COTS기반 내방사선 전력 관리 솔루션은 우주 애플리케이션 설계에 새로운 가능성을 열었다”며 “우주산업 인증을 받은 마이크로칩의 MCU와 FPGA의 전원 공급에 드디어 우주산업 인증을 받은 마이크로칩의 COTS 기반 MIC69303RT를 선택할 수 […]

Proterra, a specialist innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, began to produce the Proterra Powered EV battery at its new Powered 1 battery manufacturing plant located in Greer, South Carolina. By achieving this end-to-end production milestone at Powered 1, Proterra is expected to begin deliveries to customers of Proterra Powered™ battery systems from the new battery factory in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, Powered 1 has started production of drivetrains and other ancillary systems incorporated into electric medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and equipment, such as high-voltage junction boxes. Powered 1 is Proterra’s first purpose-built, high-volume battery production plant in the Eastern United States with multiple gigawatt hours of annual production capacity planned at the facility. Proterra has already created more than 100 new jobs at the 327,000-square-foot battery plant, with roles including engineering, production, quality, and other positions within the company’s Proterra Powered & Energy business unit. By opening the company’s first battery factory in South Carolina Proterra is bringing state-of-the-art battery production closer to its Proterra Powered customers on the East Coast, Europe, and its own Proterra Transit electric bus manufacturing operations in Greenville, South Carolina.