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Why Histograms and Free Run Matter

Oscilloscopes are key tools for power integrity measurements. With decreasing DC voltages and tolerances, techniques for accurate power rail testing have to be refined constantly. This article presents a new, widely unknown approach which reduces test times significantly. It combines waveform histograms and free run trigger mode, which lets developers capture and analyze a much higher percentage of rail activity than the traditional method.

Troubleshooting EMI Issues Caused by Structural Resonances

Most EMI issues are caused by a resonance that is excited somewhere in the system. It may be a resonance of a cable acting as an antenna or a heatsink energized by the power electronics switches bolted to it, becoming a good radiator. In this article, we look at the indicators that signal the presence of structural resonances and provide techniques for fixing the EMI issues. Practical case studies are presented to demonstrate the techniques.

High Voltage ESD Protection for Automotive Ethernet Applications

Ethernet solutions have been popular in industrial and computing applications for several decades but were not widely adopted in the automotive area. Automotive ethernet enables fast and robust data communication, with high flexibility in bus topologies for multiple electronic control units (ECUs).

Technical Resources

Testing and Measurement

Product Profiles

Design

Troubleshooting EMI Issues Caused by Structural Resonances

Most EMI issues are caused by a resonance that is excited somewhere in the system. It may be a resonance of a cable acting as an antenna or a heatsink energized by the power electronics switches bolted to it, becoming a good radiator. In this article, we look at the indicators that signal the presence of structural resonances and provide techniques for fixing the EMI issues. Practical case studies are presented to demonstrate the techniques.

Energy Release Quantification for Li-Ion Battery Failures

The growing application of lithium-ion batteries brings with it an increased risk of unanticipated energy releases and thermal runaway. Quantifying battery energy release characteristics during product design can help mitigate those risks.

EMC Management in Charging Applications

Implementing a process of EMC compliance for a specific project is much more than simply ensuring that the design engineers follow a long list of “do’s and don’ts” in the form of EMC design rules. Following this process will reap benefits when EMC performance is evaluated at the end of the design process.

Common Mode Filter Design Guide

The selection of component values for common mode filters need not be a difficult and confusing process. The use of standard filter alignments can be utilized to achieve a relatively simple and straightforward design process, though such alignments may readily be modified to utilize pre-defined component values.

SCIF and Radio Frequency Secured Facility Design, Part 2

Secure facility designs often comingle ICS/ICD-705 and NSA 94-106 performance requirements creating project confusion with significant design and cost implications. This article focuses on bringing some clarity to the differences between ICS/ICD-705 design guidance and NSA 94-106 performance requirements. The related secure facility design and construction process is also reviewed.

Fundamentals

NASA Space Shuttle’s Return to Flight: The Untold Electromagnetic Backstory

The 2003 Columbia re-entry accident was caused by a piece of liberated external tank foam that struck and damaged the left leading edge during powered ascent. Computational and experimental electromagnetics were ultimately applied to foster the development of a new NASA Ascent Debris Radar (NDR) for the remaining 22 Shuttle missions. In the process, countless static and dynamic radar signature and EMI/EMC calculations and tests were completed to assure this safety-critical radar system was ready for the return to flight (RTF) missions.

Continuing Your Professional Education in 2022

Traditionally, the start of a new year is a time when we reflect on the progress we’ve made during the year passed and set our goals for the new year. We’ve queried training resources in our industry to provide you with an overview of free or affordable solutions to meet your training goals in 2022.

Capacitors: Theory and Application

This article presents the fundamentals and application of capacitors. What is a capacitor, and how do we select them? Techniques of selecting capacitors and things to consider when using capacitors are highlighted. Both practical examples and simulation are used to demonstrate the key points.

Ohm’s Law Also Applies to ESD‑Induced Heat Pulses

Heat flow analysis for semiconductor ESD situations can be approximated to one dimension, and then captured with a generalized Ohm’s Law using a complex impedance. Methods can include time-dependent electrothermal pulses and feedback due to self-heating, with solutions readily carried out on any desktop computer.

Standards and Compliance

High-Integrity Components in Electrical Equipment, Part II

While the selection of components in electrical equipment plays a crucial role, a sound understanding of the characteristics of safety-critical and high-integrity components can provide valuable information about the ways to advance and achieve safety goals.
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