Category Archive: Magnetics and Energy

Maximizing Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Power Efficiency

MPS Industries, Inc. was proud to participate in this year’s Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo. Undoubtedly the largest H/EV trade show in North America, the expo brought together over 8,000 automotive engineers and executives and more than 600 leading suppliers from across the industry and around the globe. The event provided a great opportunity for companies to display their latest electric and hybrid products, solutions, and technologies under one roof.

This year, MPS Industries took the opportunity to showcase our line of magnetic components designed specifically for the automotive industry. We presented our products to a wide audience and networked with hundreds of industry professionals who expressed interest in our innovative solutions. Based on this feedback, we wanted to discuss the importance of transformers and inductors in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Transformers and inductors are one of the most critical components in a vehicle’s power transmission system. These simple yet powerful devices are primarily responsible for a vehicle’s power performance and efficiency. Below, we discuss the role that transformers and inductors play in both electric and hybrid cars.

Hybrid Vehicles

Components in hybrid vehicles are regularly subjected to harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures and excessive vibration. Hybrid transformers and inductors must therefore be capable of operating in such environments while efficiently delivering power to the vehicle’s various systems. The most reliable of these electronic components have an operating temperature range between -55oC (-67oF) and +150oC (302oF).

In hybrid vehicles, component installation space is usually restricted; this is especially challenging since the surrounding equipment generates a large amount of heat. Transformers and inductors need to be located in areas with ideal cooling and ventilation access. Because of these limitations, transformers and inductors must meet specific size and weight requirements for use in hybrid vehicles. Once optimally sized and correctly installed, these magnetic components can achieve input to output energy efficiency ratios of up to 99%.

MPS Industries offers a variety of high current fixed inductors designed to withstand the extreme physical environment and power load demands of the typical hybrid vehicle. Their exceptional heat dissipation properties and minimal power loss at high frequencies ensure that they can operate at high temperatures with minimal effect on performance. Additionally, our inductors are designed to be compact, reducing the likelihood of issues arising due to spatial constraints.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles typically have greater power demands than hybrid or gasoline powered vehicles. Complex drivetrain management, traction motors, and other necessary features are high consumers of electrical energy; electrical load requirements are further compounded by the addition of convenience features such as auxiliary heating and cooling systems. As such, electric vehicles require transformers and inductors that can meet the needs of these increasing demands.

Magnetic components in electric vehicles must not only be able to withstand considerable amounts of heat and voltage, but they must also help in maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, similarly to hybrid vehicles, transformers and inductors in electric cars must also be able to handle excessive amounts of vibration.

MPS Industries’ Switching Transformers are an ideal solution for all types of electric vehicles. These transformers help manage temperatures for considerably improved fuel efficiency. We offer Phase Shift Full Bridge Transformers and Inductors that feature Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS), which allows for high-frequency and high-voltage operations without compromising system efficiency.

Transformers & Inductors from MPS Industries

MPS Industries, Inc. is a leading provider of electronic components for a broad spectrum of industries and applications. With manufacturing processes certified to TS16949 and strict adherence to PPAP and IMDS requirements, we specialize in the manufacture of transformers, inductors, and other electromagnetic components for the exacting specifications of the automotive industry.

Our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications are a testament to our commitment to producing high-quality magnetic components while aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

At MPS Industries, Inc., our engineers and technicians collaborate closely with automotive clients to design and manufacture custom high-performance solutions tailored to meet or exceed their mechanical and electrical specifications.

If you have questions about MPS’ transformer or inductor options for hybrid or electric vehicles, or if you would like to learn more about our work within the automotive industry, contact us today!

APEC 2018 is Just Around the Corner

This year from March 4-8, San Antonio, Texas is going to be a popular destination for more than just the San Antonio Spurs or the Alamo. These dates are set aside for the premier global event for everything related to power electronics, APEC 2018. Held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, this 44,995 sq. ft. center will have speakers, sessions, workshops, committee meetings, and seminars on all the practical and applied aspects related to the power electronics business. This conference is more than just a ‘what’s new’ type of expo; it has a little something for anyone who works in power electronics and its related industries. MPS will be at Booth 526.

Who’s Coming

Speakers, vendors, and attendees come from a wide range of backgrounds in the industry, such as equipment OEMs, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, engineers, marketing, and sales. There are professional plenary, technical, and RAP seminars. This year, there will be over 300 registered exhibitors, all showcasing solutions in power electronics for a number of categories, such as: assemblies, magnetics, power converters, semiconductors, software and services, and more. Exhibitor seminars provide a close and upfront look at their products and services, delivered in half-hour increments.

Networking Opportunities

As a leading manufacturer of magnetic components, MPS Industries, Inc. is excited for this year’s show. We offer power transformers, inductors, LAN/RJ45s, common mode chokes, broadband magnetics, custom designed magnetics, and a wide range of transformers. We’re looking forward to networking with other industry professionals and talking with experts from the industries we service, such as: automotive, renewable energy, industrial, military and aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, and telecommunications.

To learn more about MPS Industries and to keep up to date on all things related to power electronics, you can read our blog, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. To learn more about how we can help you with our wide range of products or with a custom design, we invite you to contact us today.

Manufacturing & Magnetics – An Important Industry Outlook

With 2017 officially closed, now is the time to look towards industry predictions in the new year.

Industry Outlook Predictions

Projections for 2018 show positive outlooks for three of the main industries MPS serves.

The renewable energy sector, both globally and within the U.S., will always be at the forefront of debate and conversation. Renewables (in particular, wind and solar) will continue to increase their share of the power mix.

Industry experts have predicted that the medical market will continue to grow in the upcoming year, given the fast pace nature of technological advancements and increasing role of tech in medical devices. Our design team ensures our magnetic components meet industry requirements, such as UL544 standards.

In the global consumer electronics industry, the forecast is for a healthy demand in 2018, particularly for Smart TVs, 3D TVs, smartphones, and tablets. Connected devices that use magnetic parts continue to provide potential opportunities, especially as new data sources come to fruition.

Meeting Demands in 2018

Our broad product offerings will carry on into 2018 as our MPS team continues to manufacture magnetic components, including transformers and inductors, for industrial applications across a wide range of industries.

Clients will still be able to work with our experienced team to design and engineer custom electrical components as per request.

Having a diverse product line enables our team to effectively serve multiple markets worldwide from our headquarters in Gardena, California. Our high-quality lineup solves client needs across industries such as automotive, industrial, renewable energy, medical, military and aerospace, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

Moving into the New Year

At MPS Industries, we embrace opportunities to fulfill customers’ visions and possess the skills to move quickly as industry demand increases across the sectors we serve. Our agility, both in strategy and operations, and excellent customer support, makes us a great choice for your magnetic components manufacturer this year.

Contact us today for your next project or any questions you might have. Also, follow us on TwitterLinkedIn, and our blog to receive the latest industry and in-house updates.

MPS’ “Best Of 2017” Mechanical Components Feature

As 2017 comes to a close, we’re highlighting some of our best products that we’ve shared with you over the past 12 months! These great features (& more!) will be available for your specifications come 2018 too… Don’t miss out!

If you’re looking for a high-power inductor with a quick turnaround time for design approval, you’ve found the right spot. Our HWI57A2 and H1300 series models can help you test your capabilities without the hassle of waiting for a full custom design. Avoid NRE’s, tooling, and long lead times with our ideal-for-your-requirements components. Their modular design allows you to connect each in series or in parallel for higher inductance and/or current.

Here are some of the advantages to keep in mind:

  • Units are semi-customizable
  • Lead connections can be optimized
  • Thermal potting available in 1,2, or 3 w/mk depending on requirements & targeted cost
  • Units arrive ready to bolt down, connect, and install
  • No need for an NRE
  • Shorter lead times than other fully customized inductors

Another high power inductor line that we shared this year: the HWIA2918S High Current HEW Flat Wire Inductor. Characteristics include:

  • Board level, surface mount components
  • High Current HEW™ Inductor in low-profile compact form
  • Inductance Range: 3.3 µH to 15 µH
  • Very low DCR
  • True 30 Amp handling capability on the wire
  • Dummy 3rd pin for mounting stability

As you’re designing keep in mind that our engineers are more than that. They are experts of the inductors, magnetics, battery, and energy fields, no matter what industry you’re purposing! We serve: automotive, industrial, medical, military, aerospace, telecom, and consumer electronics — and that’s only naming a few!

MPS is no stranger to quality and efficiency when it comes down to you high-power magnetics. Our continuous goal is to find ways to push the envelope when it comes to magnetic designs. The aim is to provide our customer with the most optimized solutions. When developing our high power standard product lines, we strive to improve both the efficiency and heat dissipation of our parts. MPS engineers understand that quality, compact size, and low DCR are crucial requirements for our customer base.

That’s why we’ve created series like the HWI34. Here’s a closer look at its profile:

  • Low profile, small footprint, compact form
  • Inductance Range 4.7 uH to 29uH
  • Exceptionally low DCR
  • Great heat dissipation
  • True 45-55 Amp wire handling capacity
  • Powered cores with distributed gap for soft saturation
  • For high-temperature environments – up to 125°C ambient (max temp 180C)
  • Higher current available
  • Different mounting available

We look forward to new product developments in the upcoming year.

Keep an eye out for our next entry on what is to come throughout 2018. We can’t wait to implement our own creations alongside those of our customers as well!

You can follow MPS updates on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.

Remember that we know the importance of providing maximum support for your supplies. MPS’ engineers work closely with you to not only design based on your electrical specifications, but your mechanical requirements as well, including hardware selection and mounting optimization for your specific system.

Interested in what you see? Contact us today!

We wish all of our loyal customers and followers a very happy/healthy holiday season and new year! We look forward to connecting in 2018!

Help the Manufacturing Industry Celebrate National Manufacturing Day!

As the first Friday in October, National Manufacturing Day 2017 will happen on October 6th. As a prominent electronics component manufacturer, MPS Industries is happy to spread the word about NMD. This year the event promises to be a day full of education and encouragement for all attendees.

What MFG DAY Means for the Industry

Produced by the National Association of Manufacturers, National Manufacturing Day is a way to halt common misconceptions about the industry. Facilities across the nation will open up their doors to connect with the next generation and present the truth of the industry as it is today. Along with providing this educational opportunity, the annual event also provides manufacturers with a platform to speak about positive industry attributes, as well as shared challenges, and to connect with the community.

These efforts help ensure a strong future for the United States manufacturing industry that is enjoying a comeback following the Great Recession of 2010. Inviting students, businesspeople, journalists, teachers, and politicians onto industry shop floors across the US can help influence public views about manufacturing.

Bridging the Skills Gap and More

National Manufacturing Day is important as it provides firsthand the opportunity to see the tech-savvy present-day manufacturing force. MFG DAY is a vehicle to combat current issues facing the manufacturing industry, such as the skills gap and the shortage of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects in comparison to boys.

MFG DAY also is in favor of reshoring or bringing manufacturing jobs back to the organization’s headquarters rather than outsourcing overseas. Our MPS team supports reshoring, STEM education, and efforts to bridge the skills gap.

Inspiring Future Generations

Inspiring younger generations to seek manufacturing careers is something we are passionate about here at MPS. Our clients span many industries including: industrial, military, telecom, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Learn about each field by attending National Manufacturing Day events in your community.

MPS Industries designs and manufactures top-quality magnetic components, including a range of inductors and transformers. Stay current on relevant industry developments by following our blog and by connecting on Twitter and LinkedIn. For electronic components from an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, MPS has your best interests at heart. Contact us for your next order.

Simplify Your Power Conversion Process this “National Simplify Your Life Week”

The first week of August is “National Simplify Your Life Week.” As industry leaders in magnetic component manufacturing, it is our team goal to provide our customers with nice, clean, and easy-to-mount packaging solutions. Customer feedback continually reassures us that our method works, keeping both your mechanical and electrical engineers in tip-top shape and spirits.

As other magnetic companies fail to keep up, we’re eager and ready to pick up the slack. We understand that our customers are looking to invest in higher frequencies and greater product performances. But what do we have that sets us apart?

The Benefits (& Simplicity) of Working with MPS

Simply put, we help you easily manage your power conversion application needs by simplifying your power conversion process.

Our customizable packages include:

  • Packaging optimization based on cooling method and mounting configuration
  • Heat sink integration (per request)
  • Can provide 3D STEP files upon request
  • Low-cost CNC machine cutting resources for enclosures/brackets for prototype purposes
  • Embedded temperature sensors (per request)
  • Low or no NRE
  • Domestic engineering support (in both CA and TX)
  • Domestic and off-shore manufacturing
  • Domestic and off-shore prototyping capabilities
  • Ability to package “drop-in” solutions for standard inductors, like the HWI4427series or the HWI4434 series (these can be put in series or paralleled)

Contact MPS

MPS Industries is on the leading-edge of design for high-efficiency magnetics, from micro-grid to utility, low kW to MW systems. We construct custom and semi-custom high-performance magnetics for automotive, aerospace, industrial, medical, defense, military, telecom and consumer electronics.  Call or e-mail us today for your industrial magnetic needs! Or request a sample/quote.

Keep in Touch!

If you missed our email blast on easily managing power conversion applications, sign up for our newsletter today! Contacting us (above) will bring you one step closer to staying in the know. By clicking on the image below you will be able to follow or subscribe to our company blog.

Or simply add and interact with us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest industry updates!

We look forward to speaking with you soon!

MPS Puts a Spotlight on Safety This June

MPS Industries, Inc. is happy to spread word of the annual National Safety Month this June. The initiative, run by the National Safety Council (NSC), is supported by thousands of businesses and organizations across the country. National Safety Month aims to promote workplace safety and reduce common risks of death and injury on the job, at home, and everywhere in between.

Our team is proud to be a part of this important event year-round. At MPS, we believe safety should be a critical concern in all processes, and we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve our safety initiatives. To ensure optimal safety and health of our clients, we take into account the specific safety risks inherent in each industry we serve — from automotive, industrial, and military to medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

As part of our ISO, we closely monitor final product pass-rate, making sure we continually improve our quality processes, products, and procedures. We provide safety only using parts that pass final inspection and testing before they are shipped. We also make sure to store any failed parts in an isolated designated area so that they are never used. Needless to say, bad parts are extremely hazardous in our field. This is another reason we support speaking out during National Safety Month. Here at MPS, our staff works hard to provide our customers with quality parts to avoid any potential safety issues in your system or installation.

Making Safety a Year-Round Priority

As a manufacturer of magnetic components such as transformers and inductors, we place particular emphasis on electrical safety and the unique dangers posed by electrical applications. According to an OSHA report, electricity is responsible for 12% of all young employee workplace deaths, with about five workplace electrocutions occurring each week.

Electrocutions are primarily caused by accidental contact with overhead power lines, live circuits in panels, poorly maintained cords, and even the occasional lightning strike. Minimal electricity is needed to cause harm, making stringent safety precautions critical. Also, the risk of fire increases when electrical systems are not properly maintained and monitored. While the hazards of electric shock can never be fully eliminated, they can be controlled with the proper protection and training.

The NSC recommends having a certified electrician regularly inspect all tools and machines to ensure compliance with electrical code requirements, as well as only permitting trained and authorized personnel to work on your electrical equipment.

At MPS we stress the safety of our employees when it comes to operating the electrical machinery and tools used in all of our manufacturing processes. For more electrical safety tips that we use, check out the NSC’s full list of recommendations or browse the resources on their homepage.

If you’re interested in learning about any of our products or services, or would like to discuss how MPS Industries can help you meet your magnetic needs, contact us today. And don’t forget to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest industry products and trends.

Stay safe!

Sales Drives Engineering, Engineering Drives Sales

It’s one thing to be a generic electronic component manufacturer, churning out the same identical transformers, inductors, and magnetic components on a day-to-day basis. There’s certainly a market for that – plenty of applications use off-the-shelf parts. But for custom components, you need a manufacturer who can combine a task-oriented sales force and a smart, driven engineering team that is up for solving any task you throw their way. This means coming to a manufacturer like MPS Industries.

Sales Driving Engineering

Sometimes, a component is purely customer-driven – a current or potential buyer has a specific need to be filled, and they need a great company to work with. Our sales staff will meet with the customer, discuss the needs and requirements of the component, and then work with the engineering team to develop a product that meets the need. The sales team can then help the customer tweak the product as needed, develop pricing, and work on prototypes and production quantities.

Engineering Driving Sales

Other times, our engineering team drives the sales of traditional and custom components through their innovative design. Maybe one of our team members hits on a component that fits an unfilled niche in the market, or has an epiphany over lunchtime on how to improve an existing component. Or, maybe one of those happy accidents occurs where a component seemingly wills itself into existence. In all of these cases, our team would produce a prototype, and place the product in our list of components on our website. If a customer then inquiries about a specific part on our website, the sales team can quote pricing and work with engineering on any customer requested modifications.

Working Together for the Customer

In the end, sales and engineering are working towards the same final goal – satisfying your needs as a customer, regardless of your requirements or industry. Here at MPS, we serve industries including (but not limited to):

  • Automotive
  • Renewable Energy
  • Industrial
  • Military and Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Telecommunications

If you are interested in working with us here at MPS Industries, contact us today to talk to our staff and set up a meeting to discuss your industry needs. Even if you don’t have an immediate need, we’d be happy to hear from you and start developing a relationship. You can keep in touch and see what we are doing through our LinkedIn page, our Twitter, or by checking back here at our blog on a regular basis.

MPS Contributes to Clean Year Round

With Earth Day quickly approaching, our MPS Industries team is taking the time to assess how our magnetic components contribute to the global movement for clean, renewable energy sources. The annual day for celebrating green initiatives lands on April 22.

Our Year’s Vision

MPS Industries recently shared our expansion plan for 2017: extending our product lines and providing excellent engineering support, including improved lead times. In our efforts to provide an even higher level of overall customer service, we are paying attention to industry trends, specifically the rising popularity of electric cars.

Advancing Clean Technology and Green Initiatives

We expect the EV (Electric & Hybrid Vehicle) industry to continue to expand and MPS Industries is responding to growing customer demand in the plug-in marketplace. This is why our engineers, with over 60 years of design experience, are working alongside leading EV technology developers to develop components that will have a large impact in the industry. Our mechanisms can be used in EV Charging stations, including wireless charging stations, just as easily.

By participating in trade shows, such as the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo last September, MPS aims to have more involvement in developing and contributing to the worldwide effort for energy sustainability. We will also be exhibiting at the 2017 EV TECH show as well.

Other clean, renewable energy and green initiatives that we have taken on include the implementation of fuel cell, PV and wind turbine systems. Moreover, MPS products are used in converting power for inverter applications, for example, off-grid inverters, grid-tied inverters, string and central solar inverters, solar optimizers, solar maximizers, solar micro-inverters, and they are also being used in smart metering applications.

Innovative Strategies

Within the magnetic components field, MPS proudly holds a name for manufacturing sophisticated, innovative parts that meet the needs of the general industry, EV magnetic technology, charging stations, wind turbine systems, inverters, the solar industry, smart applications, and more. Our engineers offer custom design on magnetic components, to meet clients’ individual project needs, whether it be electrical or mechanical variations or a completely new design.

MPS Industries provides a broad range of products, from transformers to common mode chokes, inductors, current sensors, and power supplies, to U.S.-based customers. Our magnetic components come in a range of sizes, and the power supplies include desktop, industrial, open frame, wall mount, and medical-grade varieties.

Keep up to date on how our MPS team is engaging in greener solutions, on Earth Day and throughout the rest of the year, by connecting via our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For your next magnetic component project, please contact us today.

2017 Expansion Plans to Benefit Our Customers

2016 was a pivotal year for magnetic components. The presence of hydroelectricity, wind electricity and solar power was felt in a significant way as countries around the world pushed for clean and renewable sources of energy. In conjunction with this trend, electric cars also contributed to the green drive making waves across the planet. At MPS Industries, we worked hard throughout 2016 to bring innovative products to our customers through top-notch engineering and support. As we look forward to 2017, MPS plans to continue our efforts for constant improvement of the overall customer experience.

Our 2017 plan to improve the customer experience is to offer a more expansive product offering, more engineering support, international support and presence, domestic production for improved lead times, and further relationship building. Our ultimate goal is to make our customers’ lives easier and be their complete solutions provider by taking care of all their magnetics problems and needs (thermal, electrical and mechanical).

Key solutions like domestic production expansion allow MPS to provide much faster service and turnaround to customers on samples, prototypes, and small runs for standard and “semi-custom” parts. We will proceed with U.S. manufacturing development and specialization of higher power in TX, and higher frequency, lower power magnetics in Gardena. We will be able to offer faster lead times to our customers by having two stateside manufacturing facilities in addition to our overseas manufacturing.

In 2017, we also plan to expand our global presence and product line. We are looking to expand our support in Europe, and hope to find a distributor or sales rep to assist MPS in this endeavor. Product expansion includes 3 Phase HEW chokes, a line of common mode chokes and general growth of our standard product line offering.

And, as always, the MPS team will be in attendance at important industry trade shows. This month

APEC will be taking place in Tampa, FL, followed by  Del Mar in May in La Jolla, CA. Next you will spot us at the EP TECH shows in Canada (this June in Vancouver, BC and November in Mississauga, ON). We will also be attending EV TECH in September in Novi, MI.

At MPS Industries, we have risen to our challenges with robust, custom made designs that serve buyers spanning clean energy, telecommunication, video, lighting, welding, computers and inductive heating.

Now that 2016 is at a close, MPS is ready for 2017 with enhanced capabilities and a greater commitment to quality that will benefit both our customers and company at large.

If you are interested in learning more about MPS or how magnetics are changing the landscape of the most dominant technologies and industries, please follow our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages for regular updates, new product launches and relevant breaking news.