Download my current issue here: March 2024

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PageArticle
16USB PD 3.1-Compatible, Secondary-Side Converter Chipset
18GaN FETs Deliver Benchmark Power Density and Efficiency for DC/DC Conversion
20Pulsed Inductance Measurement on Low-inductance, High-current SMD Inductors
26Transition to SiC MOSFETs while maintaining the established NX Package Outline
32Enhance the Energy Efficiency of White Goods with an Intelligent Power Module Family
36Driving Ahead – the High Power Choice Between VSI and LCI Technologies
42Opto-Emulators Explained: Why You Should Upgrade Your Optocoupler Technology
44Transformer-Based Voltage Regulators with Flexible TLVR Structure for Fast Dynamic Response


Editorial
 The Year 2024 from a Power Perspective

When I was making myself a cup of tea the other day, I noticed that a thin layer of limescale had once again formed in the kettle. I know that such a layer of limescale increases the energy required to boil water. And the permanent efficiency scanner in the engineer’s brain made me remember that all power plants that convert fossil energy (gas, oil, coal), but also nuclear power plants, pass water through heat exchangers - and in these heat exchangers the limescale layer is a big problem. I once heard that the first millimeter of limestone decreases the power generation efficiency by 1.5 % - with a logarithmic gradient between layer thickness and efficiency. Considering all the Gigawatts of Energy “produced” in the world this means giant “losses”.
Scientists of the ETH Zurich University have now developed a surface coating that prevents limescale from settling. Doing so they were inspired by the skin of sharks which ensures that neither dirt nor parasites can cling to the skin. This animal’s skin surface has microstructures, and that’s why machinery we know from semiconductor manufacturing is about to play a major role in manufacturing this anti-cling coating because the jelly-like coating developed by the Swiss scientists will be micro-structured and soft as well. The ETH Zurich expects the technology to be ready for production in around 3 to 5 years. This coating might also solve problems of water-cooled heat sinks in power electronics.
When you read these lines at your desk, APEC, one of the most important events in our industry will have just closed its' doors. Especially in Europe we are really looking forward to attending the next big power event, PCIM, which takes place from 11th to 13th June 2024, in Nuremberg. We’ll be there as well. Come and visit us at our booth!
In mid-November, the entire electronic components community will meet in Munich for electronica. And during the entire year, we at Bodo's Power Systems, will inform you each month of the most important power news, products and applications in the power electronic sector – from engineers for engineers! You all know it:
Bodo’s magazine is delivered by postal service to all places in the world. It is the only magazine that spreads technical information on power electronics globally. We have EETech as a partner serving our clients in North America. If you speak the language, or just want to have a look, don’t miss our Chinese version at bodospowerchina.com. An archive of our magazine with every single issue is available for free at our websitewebsite bodospower.com.

My Green Power Tip for the Month:
Decalcify your kettle and coffee machine in good time, but at the latest when a 1 mm thick layer of limescale has formed. Ordinary household vinegar is usually sufficient for this, however, always read and obey the manual.

Kind regards,
Alfred