As energy efficiency becomes more important in modern electronics, resonant power conversion is becoming a prominent technique for minimizing energy loss in power electronics applications. The resonant inductor is an important component in resonant power conversion systems.
The importance of resonant inductors in these systems and their application in zero voltage switching (ZVS) technology, which is extensively employed in power controllers, will be discussed in this article.
What Is Zero Voltage Switching?
Power switches are turned on and off when the voltage across them is zero or close to zero using zero voltage switching. This reduces switching losses and improves efficiency, particularly in high-frequency applications. To reduce the energy losses associated with switching transients, ZVS is extensively utilized in many power conversion systems, including resonant converters.
Resonant Power Conversion
Resonant power conversion systems are designed to achieve high efficiency and minimal switching losses by utilizing the inherent oscillation of circuit parts such as inductors and capacitors. Working in intricate concert with other components, the resonant inductor plays a fundamental role within these circuits, creating an active tank that determines both system frequency and performance parameters.
Resonant Inductors in ZVS Applications
Resonant inductors are key elements in ZVS applications, as they act like a buffer that stores and releases energy based on an established pattern to generate the requisite resonance waveform for clean switching. Though not exclusive to zero voltage switched converters, their inclusion is essential for optimal performance.
By meticulously defining the inductance and quality factor of the inductor, it is possible to adjust the resonant frequency so that maximum performance can be achieved from your power converter. This optimization will guarantee a smooth transition between each switching cycle at its most beneficial point, reducing energy loss significantly.
This type of inductor is especially beneficial for applications operating at frequencies between 20KHz and 1MHz. To get the most efficient operation from a resonant inductor, it should be designed with Litz wire. This reduces copper losses and ensures that current flows evenly through all players of the wire during operation.
MPS Industries’ ZVS Resonant Inductors
MPS Industries is proud to be a leading provider of reliable and high-performing resonant inductors. Our inductors are the perfect addition to your power conversion system, thanks to their incredible saturation currents, minimal capacitance interference, and low core losses.
When constructing your unique design, MPS Industries’ ZVS resonant inductors come in a range of sizes and inductance values so you can select the most suitable component. Our engineers can help you choose an optimized solution or provide a fully customized design to meet your specific needs. Additionally, these components utilize Litz wire which suppresses skin and proximity effects that may reduce performance when dealing with high frequency applications.
Applications of Resonant Inductors and ZVS
Resonant inductors and ZVS technology are used in a wide range of applications where energy efficiency and high-frequency operation are critical. Among these applications are:
Power controllers
Telecommunications equipment
Electric vehicle chargers
Data centers
Renewable energy systems
Conclusion
Resonant inductors are essential components of resonant power conversion systems, allowing for great efficiency and low switching losses. The use of ZVS technology in conjunction with resonant inductors allows for even more energy loss reduction and increased performance in a variety of power electronics applications.
The ZVS resonant inductors from MPS Industries are an excellent example of a component intended to satisfy the demands of modern power conversion systems, delivering dependable and efficient solutions for a wide range of industries and applications.
Earth Day has emerged as a buzzword for the manufacturing industry.
The industry at large is becoming a proud participant in a global sustainability initiative. Local businesses sponsor community drives, and if/when capable, worldwide efforts to exhibit green commitments and spread the word.
The true essence of Earth Day is not in one-off measures or arbitrary celebrations. It is in making conservation and environmental consciousness a habit and the mainstay of everyday operations.
At MPS Industries, we build a culture around Code Green – a body of standards and practices that lets us manage our environmental responsibilities.
The History of Earth Day
Earth Day has become a massive movement with a lot of organic momentum. Every April 22nd activists and organizations in the US (and the world) dedicate time to drive home the truth about sustainability and our planet.
In recent years, there have been breakthroughs in fields like waste management and clean energy, showing the public how we can all make a difference in our environment.
Businesses in manufacturing accord it the same respect as Manufacturing Day. It is an opportunity to talk about the eco-friendly steps that the sector has taken and to cement a unique proposition for the future.
MPS Lives Earth Day, Every Day
MPS lives every day like Earth Day.
We have made eco-consciousness a non-negotiable part of our core values.
While we respect processes and the efficiency that manufacturing best practices offer, we are equally focused on the cost of our growth in regards to environmental impact.
Join us in making a conscious environmental effort by certifying for the ISO standard below.
ISO 14001 Environmental Code
At MPS, we have secured the ISO 14001 environmental code certification. We comply with stringent requirements like audits, communications, labeling, and life cycle analysis which allow us to measure the impact of our work on factors like climate change, then successfully minimize the impact.
We work with some of the most “green” sectors in the market right now including Electric & Hybrid vehicles. The shift imbues our business model – from procurement to shipping – with commitment to the well-being of the environment.
Will you go green this Earth Day? If the philosophy of reduce-reuse-recycle resonates with you, please follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for related updates.
You can also use our blog as a resource or contact us here.
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.
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 Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog to receive the latest industry and in-house updates.
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
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!
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.
