Switching Regulator: Efficient Power Supply Circuit

🔍 Struggling to measure ripple and noise on your DC power rails? Power integrity is more critical than ever as modern designs push supply voltages down to 3.3 V, 1.8 V—or even as low as 1.1 V. With tighter tolerances and higher demands on stability, engineers face the challenge of accurately capturing small AC signals riding on large DC rails. We’ve put together 5 practical application tips to help you improve ripple and noise measurements and ensure cleaner, more reliable power distribution. 👉 Read the full blog here - 5 Application Tips for Measuring Ripple and Noise: https://hubs.li/Q03DhG6h0 💡 Which method do you find most useful when measuring power rail noise—oscilloscope selection, probe setup, or input path optimization? Share your thoughts in the comments! #PowerIntegrity #RippleAndNoise #Oscilloscope #Keysight #ElectronicsTesting #MeasurementSolutions #CControls

Constant Current Limiting Circuits In any power supply it is essential design practice to have a scheme for limiting the output current should a fault occur and excessive current be drawn. Without this, not only could the item being powered suffer additional damage, but the power supply could also fail. Introducing a current limiter is essential. Fortunately this is very easy to achieve. For linear regulators there are several circuits that can be used for constant current limiting for power supply protection, but one of the simplest circuits uses just three additional electronic components: two diodes and a resistor. This assumes that the series regulator transistor is already present. The circuit for the power supply current limiter uses a sense resistor placed in series with the emitter of the output pass transistor. Two diodes placed between the output of the circuit and the base of the pass transistor provide the current limiting action. When the circuit is operating within its normal operating range a small voltage exists across the series resistor. This voltage plus the base emitter voltage of the transistor is less than the two diode junction drops needed to turn on the two diodes to allow them to conduct current. However as the current increases so does the voltage across the resistor. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/gdY326h #powersupplies #currentlimiter #circuitdesign #linearregulator

Unexpected Resonances – EMI Filters vs. Converter Control Loops: Sometimes the hardest problems in power electronics aren’t inside the converter itself, but in how it interacts with its environment. A classic example: resonances between EMI filters and converter control loops. The issue: *EMI filters add extra poles and zeros into the system. If the converter’s control loop isn’t designed with this in mind, their interaction can create unexpected resonances. *The result? Oscillations, instability, failed compliance tests, or strange field failures that are hard to reproduce. How to predict and damp: *Model the input impedance of the converter and the output impedance of the EMI filter – instability often arises when the two are comparable. *Use Middlebrook’s criterion as a design guideline. *Add damping networks (RC snubbers, resistive damping in filter capacitors, or active damping). *Validate with frequency response analysis (FRA), not just time-domain testing. Lesson learned: An EMI filter is not just an add-on for compliance – it becomes part of the control system. Treating it as such early in design saves painful debugging later.

EMI filters are not passive “bolt-ons” for compliance, but active participants in the system’s dynamic behavior. Better treat EMI filters as part of the control system early on.

📌 A Deeper Dive into DC-DC Converters: Buck vs. Boost Topologies Beyond simple voltage conversion, buck and boost converters are sophisticated switched-mode power supplies whose performance hinges on the interplay of key components. Let's look at the core principles: ↘️ Buck Converter (Step-Down): In a buck topology, the switch (MOSFET) chops the input voltage. Switch ON: The inductor is connected to the input, and current ramps up, storing energy in its magnetic field (VL=Vin−Vout). Switch OFF: The input is disconnected. The inductor's collapsing field forward-biases a freewheeling diode, maintaining current flow to the load. The output voltage is regulated by the duty cycle (D): Vout=Vin×D. ↗️ Boost Converter (Step-Up): A boost topology reconfigures the energy transfer to increase voltage. Switch ON: The inductor is connected directly across the input, storing a significant amount of energy while the load is supplied by the output capacitor. Switch OFF: The switch opens, and the inductor's induced voltage adds in series with the input voltage (Vin+VL), forwarding biasing the diode and charging the capacitor to a higher potential. The relationship is defined by Vout=Vin/(1−D). Key Design Considerations: Duty Cycle (D): The primary control mechanism, adjusted by the feedback loop to regulate the output against load and line variations. Switching Frequency (fs): A critical trade-off. Higher fs allows for smaller inductors and capacitors (reducing ripple and physical size), but increases switching losses in the MOSFET, impacting overall efficiency. Transient Response: Sudden load changes can cause voltage droop or overshoot. The converter's ability to quickly adjust the duty cycle and restabilize depends on the control loop's bandwidth and the values of the output filter components (L and C). Understanding these principles is fundamental to designing robust and efficient power management systems. #PowerElectronics #SMPS #BuckConverter #BoostConverter #HardwareDesign #Engineering

7800 Series Voltage Regulators: 7805, 7812, 7824, etc For many years the 7800 or 78xx series linear voltage regulators, including the more popular versions of this series like the 7805, 7812, etc, were the most popular voltage regulator chips available and they were used in many electronic circuits, large and small. The 7800 series voltage regulators were very easy to use, they were cheap to buy, and they provided excellent performance. Although now they are a little dated, they can still be obtained very cheaply and provide excellent performance, and they often remain designated as "Active" components that are likely to remain available for many years to come. This makes them an ideal choice for many electronic devices and circuits, especially for the home constructor, etc. Not only was there the 7800 series of linear voltage regulators giving a positive output voltage, but there was also the complementary 7900 series regulators used for negative voltage lines. Basic 7800 series voltage regulator circuit The electronic circuit design using 7800 series voltage regulators is very easy. It is almost a matter of putting them in circuit: input, output and ground. Naturally there are a few additional electronic components that may be required to ensure the correct operation of the voltage regulator circuit. Points to note in the circuit: *     This capacitor is required to ensure the stability of the regulator. Normally if the smoothing capacitor for the rectifiers is close, then this can be omitted, but if there is any length of wire, then it must be included to ensure the circuit remains stable. **     This capacitor is in circuit to remove noise and transients. This is the basic circuit used for any 7800 series voltage regulator. It is very successful and requires no additional components beyond those shown for the basic operation.

Webinar: Optimize Power Distribution Unit Design Times And Costs With Modular Technology. Join us: https://lnkd.in/d7YciqyJ The Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is an indispensable piece of hardware that directs/distributes power from a main power bus to a number of branch circuits. In addition, the opportunity is often taken to add control features and circuit protection to the application; typically, in the form of fuses, relays and/or circuit breakers. Traditionally, the PDU was a physical box of plastic or metal, which contained the needed busbars, headers, fuse holders and control features and circuit protection. The process to create this box required multiple iterations to ensure that all these components would fit cost and space efficiently inside. Now, Littelfuse will introduce a twist. This webinar will provide details on a module approach to create a fuse-based PDU in an ad-hoc manner. In other words, a series of fuse blocks and busbars will allow any engineer to customize a new PDU using off-the-shelf components. In addition, since there is no need to design a physical box, the engineer can use internal resources to assemble the PDU, or work with a value-add partner to assemble and populate the PDU. Join this webinar, presented by TTI, Inc. and Littelfuse, where we will walk through the process to identify and select the components to create single, as well as dual, voltage PDUs. The types of fuses that can be used in these PDUs include ZCASE, MEGA/MIDI and many high-voltage devices (10EV, 20EV, 25EV1K, 30EV1K, etc.) to address bus voltages from 12VDC/24VDC to 1,000VDC.

⚡Why does a diode allow current in one direction but block it in the other? The answer lies in its I-V characteristics! 📉⚡ 🔁 Understanding the Current-Voltage (I-V) curve of a diode is crucial for designing rectifiers, regulators, and switching circuits. Let’s break it down! 📌 Key Regions of the I-V Curve ✅ Forward Bias Region (+V, +I) ⤷ Small current flows until threshold voltage (Vₜ) is reached ⤷ Silicon diode: ~0.7V | Germanium diode: ~0.3V | LEDs: ~1.8V - 3.5V ⤷ After Vₜ, current rises exponentially ✅ Reverse Bias Region (-V, ~0I) ⤷ Minimal leakage current flows (almost no conduction) ⤷ Acts as an open circuit ✅ Breakdown Region (-V, High -I) ⤷ If reverse voltage exceeds limit, breakdown occurs ⤷ Zener diodes are designed to operate in this region for voltage regulation 📊 Where Are These Curves Used? ⤷ Rectifier Circuits → Convert AC to DC ⤷ Voltage Regulators → Maintain steady voltage (Zener diodes) ⤷ LED Circuits → Light emission for indicators & displays ⤷ High-Speed Switching → Schottky diodes for fast response 💡 Choosing the right diode requires understanding its I-V curve! Engineers use this data to optimize circuit performance and efficiency. ➡ What’s your go-to diode for circuit design? Let’s discuss in the comments! 💬 ♻️ Repost to share with your network if you find this helpful. 🔗 Follow Ashish Shorma Dipta for posts like this. #ElectricalEngineering #Diodes #PowerElectronics #Semiconductors #CircuitDesign

Power Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Test 🎯 Purpose To verify that the actual winding ratio (HV:LV turns) matches the design/nameplate ratio. To ensure correct vector group and polarity. To confirm tap-changer correctness across all tap positions. This test is critical before energization — a wrong ratio or vector group can cause severe circulating currents or parallel operation failure. Test Connections Equipment: Turns Ratio Tester (TTR) (e.g., Megger TTR, DV Power TRT, Omicron CPC100 with TTR module). Wiring Setup: 1. Connect the H terminal of TTR kit to HV bushing terminals of the transformer. 2. Connect the X terminal of the kit to LV bushing terminals. 3. If a tertiary (Δ) winding is present, connect accordingly to verify vector group. 4. Ensure transformer is isolated and discharged before connection. Principle: TTR kit applies a low AC voltage (~80–100 V) to one winding (usually HV) and measures the induced voltage on LV. Ratio = (Applied Voltage / Induced Voltage). Procedure 1. Select the tap position (start from first tap). 2. Apply test voltage through TTR. 3. Record: Ratio (HV/LV) Phase angle error Deviation from nameplate 4. Repeat for middle tap and last tap (plus all in between for OLTC). 5. Compare readings with nameplate ratio and factory test report. Acceptable Readings (IEC / IEEE Standards) Ratio Error Tolerance: ±0.5% (IEC 60076 / IEEE C57). Phase Angle Error: should be < 40 minutes. Vector Group: must match nameplate (e.g., Dyn11, YNd1). If deviation exceeds limits → OLTC problem, wrong winding connection, or shorted turns. Results on Tap Positions 1️⃣ First Tap (Max Tap / Highest Voltage Tap) HV turns are maximum → ratio is highest. Induced LV voltage is lowest for a given applied HV. Ratio error should still be within ±0.5%. 2️⃣ Middle Tap (Nominal Tap) This is the reference point. Ratio must closely match nameplate ratio. Used for base comparison across taps. 3️⃣ Last Tap (Min Tap / Lowest Voltage Tap) HV turns are minimum → ratio is lowest. LV induced voltage is highest. Current in LV winding will be slightly higher at this tap when energized, but for TTR test (low voltage applied), only the ratio matters. ⚡ Important Field Notes Symmetry: All three phases must show nearly identical ratio values; large deviation in one phase suggests winding deformation or OLTC issue. OLTC Jumps: If the ratio suddenly shifts at a particular tap, the OLTC diverter switch is faulty. Vector Group Check: TTR kits can automatically detect vector group; mismatches are often due to wrong bushing labeling or internal misconnection. ✅ Summary Connect TTR kit → HV side (H terminals), LV side (X terminals). Measure ratio at 1st, middle, and last taps. International standard: ratio error ≤ ±0.5%. Expect: Highest ratio at first tap Nominal ratio at middle tap Lowest ratio at last tap Abnormal readings → suspect OLTC, winding, or vector group issues.

Trio Power: Versatile Power Supplies Can Be Mounted on the Side or Rear Panel of the Housing, as well as with Adapters The new Trio Power power supplies for panel mounting now feature Push-in connection technology, enabling quick and easy installation. In addition, the various mounting options enable flexible application possibilities: They can be mounted on the side as well as on the rear panel of the housing or with adapters. The power supplies are very versatile with an input voltage range of 85 to 264 V AC and output voltages of 24 V DC or 48 V DC. The dynamic boost enables a short-term power increase of up to 140 percent for 5 seconds. The devices with integrated o-ring diode can be switched both in series and in parallel, making it easy to increase power and the output voltage. The power supplies are also equipped with a 5 V/2 A auxiliary power supply. Learn more... #PhoenixContact #PhoenxiContactCanada #TrioPower #PowerSupplies #SidePanelMounting #RearPanelMounting #AdapterMounting #PushinConnection #AC #DC #Industrial #PowerSolutions #SystemIntegrators #PanelBuillders #Integrators #Distributors #ControlPanel #ControlCabinet #AuxiliaryPower #ProductNews #NewProducts https://lnkd.in/dkcXDKGw