Volume 2 - Advanced Simulation in Power Electronics Design
Welcome to Avnet Silica’s second Powering the Shift newsletter.
Power is an exciting, pivotal, and fast-moving area of electronic engineering, presenting both opportunities and challenges for designers working and innovating in the space. Avnet Silica is here to help, providing insight into hot topics and information about the latest innovations from leading suppliers in our power-focused newsletter.
An ever-evolving portfolio of power devices and solutions is backed by our power specialists with unique know-how to get you from concept to production, efficiently and effectively.
In this edition of Powering the Shift, we delve into the future of power electronics design, exploring advanced simulation techniques and the promise of digital in power electronics. We look at Avnet Silica's presence at one of Europe's biggest power electronics events (PCIM) and explore how large-scale battery systems fit into the EU's strategy to reach ambitious renewable energy targets by 2030. Dive into this edition to discover these insights and more in the mix of curated content that we thought you’d find interesting and useful.
The Virtual Frontier: Advanced Simulation in Power Electronics Design
The transition from silicon to wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC in power electronics has exposed the limitations of conventional SPICE simulation models. This article explores the need for advanced simulation techniques that can accurately represent the complex behaviours of these materials. It discusses the integration of physically based models into SPICE simulations and the promise of digital in power electronics. It also considers how these advanced tools can lead to more reliable and efficient power electronics design in an era of increasing technological complexity.
Join Avnet Silica at one of Europe's Biggest Power Events
Avnet Silica will highlight its power expertise and demonstrate the latest technologies across three key areas – Wide Bandgap, Silicon, and Ecosystem Partners. With sophisticated power solutions from leading suppliers, Avnet Silica's expert team is on hand to assist engineers in optimising the efficiency, reliability and intelligence of both existing infrastructure, and in creating the next generation of power applications.
Visitors can expect to find the following demos at Stand 7-622:
Wide Bandgap Technology:
Silicon Technology:
Ecosystem Partners:
Additional solutions on display include products courtesy of Diodes Incorporated , Microchip Technology Inc. , Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. , PANJIT International Inc. , and ROHM Co., Ltd.
Got a ticket already? We look forward to seeing you there. If not, click below to request your free entry pass.
Application Focus: Powering the Future of Automotive
The advancements in power electronics are fuelling the automotive industry's transition to low-emission transportation, which is vital for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This shift is gaining momentum as the industry increasingly focuses on electrification. As the industry accelerates towards electrification, Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) are becoming increasingly prominent. SiC is favoured for high-voltage applications such as traction inverters in BEVs, handling up to 1200V. Meanwhile, GaN operates at lower voltages, up to 600V, and excels in high-frequency, power-dense applications like DC/DC converters, beneficial in both BEVs and ICE vehicles. These wide bandgap technologies are enhancing the reliability of electric vehicles and shaping the automotive industry toward an environmentally responsible and technologically sophisticated future.
With our world-leading industry supplier network, we bring you unparalleled insights into the latest product roadmaps and technology trends shaping the Automotive business.
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Article: Choosing Power Components for Maximum Lifetime Value
The materials used in power components play a pivotal role in determining their performance and longevity. Traditional silicon has long been the standard, but advancements in wide bandgap semiconductor materials — Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) — have redefined the possibilities for power component design. Our EMEA power experts explore the essential factors in selecting power components that maximise lifetime value. From material innovations like wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors to robust design and environmental resilience, these considerations are essential for reducing field failures and ensuring sustained performance in demanding environments.
Video: Powering the Shift in EV Charging
Avnet Silica’s lead power technology specialist, Thomas Hauer, joins Robin Mitchell of Electropages to explore the shift in EV charging technology. They discuss the rise of high-power DC chargers, the advent of megawatt chargers for heavy-duty vehicles, and the potential of lower-power, bidirectional chargers. Watch the discussion highlighting silicon carbide's role in enhancing charger efficiency and power density, and learn about Avnet Silica's pivotal support in advancing EV charging solutions.
In the Spotlight: Nexperia
Powering the future of battery-powered electronics with Nexperia
As a leading expert in the development and production of essential semiconductors, Nexperia’s innovative power semiconductor solutions are powering the future of electronics. The company’s innovative SiC and GaN technologies, alongside traditional silicon technologies, are integral to virtually every electronic design worldwide, spanning from automotive and industrial sectors to mobile and consumer applications.
Nexperia’s 650V enhancement mode (e-mode) GaN FETs and power ICs are optimised to deliver high power density and efficiency, making them suitable for various 65W USB PD 3.0 applications.
To explore how to minimise power losses in a more compact design, watch the Avnet Silica and Nexperia “USB Type-C 65W Power delivery” on-demand webinar.
Residential Heat Pumps
The increasing need for energy-efficient domestic heating and cooling has led to a surge in the adoption of residential heat pumps. These systems are an eco-friendly replacement for traditional gas boilers and air conditioning units, capable of providing both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. For modern buildings, especially those with a footprint smaller than 150m² aiming for net-zero carbon emissions, the heat output required is often less than 6kW. The efficiency of heat pumps, whether air-to-air or air-to-water, is further enhanced when integrated with PV systems.
The industry is moving towards more efficient PFC topologies, with the Vienna rectifier and totem pole topologies becoming increasingly popular. Nexperia supports heat pump designers in achieving these required efficiencies with its IGBTs and innovative wide bandgap technologies, such as GaN FETs and SiC diodes.
Most Recent Power Articles
The way to zero and stable
"By 2030, the EU wants to reach a target of 42.5% of renewable energies being used. There is no easy way to achieve this, but it's necessary to take on climate change and be more independent from energy imports. The EU regions are working hard on reaching this, and some trends are emerging across all regions. The biggest one is large-scale battery systems. Grid providers are installing battery storage systems at strategically important points to store energy when there is a surplus or release it when too little energy is available on the grid. This is all possible with the usage of modern SiC modules and state-of-the-art BMS components."
Thanks for reading volume two of Powering the Shift. We hope you found the content engaging and useful.
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