Uncategorized Archives - MPS Industries, Inc.

What Is Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)?

Last Updated August 29, 2025 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on What Is Active Power Factor Correction (PFC)?

Electrical devices and circuits aren’t 100% efficient—some electrical power input will always be lost, leading to lower output power. This ratio of “apparent” power (or input) to “real” power (output) is the power factor (PF).

The closer the power factor of a device or circuit is to 1:1, the more efficiently it performs. This criterion matters: the EU and other international organizations regulate the minimum PF and maximum level of harmonics a device can have before it can be sold in its respective markets. Electronics manufacturers also look at PF when procuring electronic devices to ensure they purchase the most efficient products.

What Is Active PFC?

Power factor correction (PFC) describes various methods that correct low power factors. For example, manufacturers can add reactive components that increase the total reactive power of a circuit. This corrects displacement and inefficiency to bring that ratio closer to 1:1.

In active PFC, a switching converter modulates the distorted wave and reshapes it into a sine wave. This creates harmonics in the new signal only at the switching frequency, which can be easily filtered out.

Benefits of the Active PFC Technique

Active PFC techniques can result in a power factor of 0.95 or better. They also use small and lightweight components that don’t significantly impact the weight and size of the product. Active PFC provides constant intermediate voltage to the DC/DC converter, which simplifies the complexity and requirements of the converter.

Active PFC is a versatile technique that is compatible with input voltages from 87 Vrms to 266 Vrms and frequencies from 47 Hz to 63 Hz without switching. This technique also provides greater control and flexibility, as it has two modes: continuous and comparative. The continuous mode is ideal for high-power applications, while the comparative mode is suitable for lower-power applications.

Pros and Cons of Active Power Factor Correction

To decide whether active power factor correction is right for your application, consider the pros and cons.

Pros:

Achieves power factor of at least 0.95
Good flexibility and control
Compact and lightweight
Works with a range of input voltages from 87 Vrms to 266 Vrms and frequencies from 47 Hz to 63 Hz

Cons:

Higher cost
High complexity
Requires components rated for higher voltages than passive PFC techniques
Requires more noise filtering due to higher frequencies

Types of PFs

There are two common types of power factor to account for: distortion PF and harmonics PF. Both combined represent the true power factor.

Distortion PF

The distortion power factor describes how much the total harmonic distortion in a nonlinear load decreases the total amount of power delivered to the load. In three-phase electrical systems, each of the three loads may fall out of phase or lag. To address this, manufacturers can use a capacitor to minimize the distortion.

Harmonics PF

The harmonic power factor is caused by the nonlinear switching of the supply voltage that comes from using rectifiers or semiconductors.

View MPS’s Power Factor Correction Products

Industries That Use Active PFC

Active PFC offers unique benefits to many industries, including:

Computers. Workstation and desktop computer manufacturers use active PFC to achieve energy efficiencies of at least 95% and meet critical Energy Star standards.
HVAC. In HVAC systems, variable-speed drives use active PFC to manage fans and compressors. Power factor correction is key to most rectifier designs to comply with regulations limiting the harmonic content of input currents.
Industrial. Active PFC is used in industrial power supplies for construction equipment, factory automation, power utilities and generation, and more.
Military. Custom power supplies for military planes, ships, and other platforms also rely on active PFC circuits. In these applications, the electronic system appears as a resistive load, minimizing the risk of interference.

Active PFC Inductors

Active PFC solutions, such as PFC inductors, make electronics more efficient. Current can lag behind voltage, lowering the device’s power factor. PFC inductors correct the phase angle between the current and the voltage, thereby enhancing power quality and boosting the power factor.

PFC Products From MPS Industries

For producing high-power, high-efficiency electronic assemblies, manufacturers need active power factor correction hardware to reduce energy loss and bolster power quality. MPS Industries specializes in power factor correction inductors that correct displacement and distortion. As an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified manufacturer, we provide high-quality magnetic components to leading organizations in the automotive, aerospace, military, medical, and other critical industries.

Request a quote to get started with your PFC inductor solution.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of LLC Transformers

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on The Advantages and Disadvantages of LLC Transformers

LLC is one of many switch mode topologies for power supply and battery charging. The LLC transformer is critical in determining an LLC resonant converter’s efficiency. Resonant tanks are circuits comprised of inductors (L) and capacitors (C) that oscillate at a fixed frequency known as the resonant frequency. LLC transformers have two inductors and one capacitor, a configuration that creates resonance at the switching frequency.

Here we’ll explain the pros and cons of LLC transformers, as well as their common applications.

What Is LLC Topology?

LLC is one of several switch mode topologies used in power supply and battery charging operations. The LLC transformer helps determine an LLC resonant converter’s efficiency. An LLC resonant power conversion topology reduces switching losses by enabling zero voltage switching (ZVS), which reduces needless power waste in switches. Power dissipation can be limited to as little as 2%, ensuring 98% total efficiency.

Advantages of LLC Transformers

These are some of the advantages of LLC transformers.

Cost Savings

LLC resonant converters are extensively used in industrial applications because they can integrate two resonant elements into one transformer. This helps designers save money on construction and supplies.

Regulation Compliance

Energy efficiency is critical for decreasing environmental impact while saving money. Even a 2% increase in total efficiency can significantly impact energy costs. With federal Energy Star criteria becoming increasingly stringent, LLC transformers are ideal solutions to achieve optimum efficiency.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

The market demands greater efficiency in server farms, LED lighting, gate automation, vending machines, battery chargers, and other areas. LLC resonant topology has an efficiency of 94-96% in the most basic circuit solutions, and it can improve further through synchronous rectification and other precautionary measures.

Compact & Effective

Compared to other topologies, LLC-LCC power supplies are smaller and have significantly lower electromagnetic interference (EMI) concerns, reducing EMI and harmonic pollution.

Aids EMI Design

It can control the output across a wide range of line and load fluctuations with very little difference in switching frequency, making basic EMI filters considerably easier to build.

Applications of LLC Transformers

LCC topology is the best choice for applications requiring a broad output voltage range, such as power supply for variable length LED strings (including deep dimming) or high-performance battery chargers.

Electronics industries rely on LLC transformers for their:

Electrical isolation
High energy density
High operation frequency
Low voltage stress
Magnetic integration
Wide output ranges

A precision LLC transformer is best for converters in a variety of energy-sensitive applications, such as:

Computers
High-end audio
Home appliances
Industrial LED lighting
LED/LCD televisions
Military

Drawbacks of LLC Transformers

These are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind when working with LLC topology.

Requires Sensitive Customization

The best design of a switch mode power supply (SMPS) transformer must inevitably address the limits associated with magnetic components; otherwise, it may result in a significant drop in efficiency.

Not Suitable for Operating Voltage Variations

Resonant topologies’ major shortcoming is in applications with substantial input or output operating voltage changes.

If the tank is appropriately designed, ZVS can be maintained even in the face of relatively high voltage changes. However, the benefits are reduced compared to alternative topologies due to the negative influence on cost and performance. The magnitude of this influence is often tolerable, but it does grow generally in proportion with voltage range expansion.

Contact MPS Industries for More on LLC Transformers

MPS Industries takes pride in offering high-quality LLC transformers and other magnetic components to clients in the automotive, aerospace, military, industrial, electronics, medical, and telecommunications industries. MPS is committed to meeting and surpassing client expectations as a leading manufacturer of standard and custom electronic components like transformers, common mode chokes, inductors, power supplies, and current sensors. Our strict quality management system and ISO certifications demonstrate our dedication to quality.

For additional information, contact us today, or request a quote for your next project.

Choke vs. Inductor: What’s the Difference?

Last Updated March 25, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on Choke vs. Inductor: What’s the Difference?

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At MPS Industries, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality magnetic parts for automotive, medical, power distribution, and more. We’re ISO 9001:2015 certified, and we prioritize quality engineering practices to create products our clients can trust in critical applications, including inductors and chokes.

Both chokes and inductors can deliver and modify electrical current. However, inductors are generally used to sense, filter, or transform electrical current. They store that energy as a magnetic field around their inbuilt insulated coil. Chokes, on the other hand, are a specific type of inductor that restricts the flow of high-frequency AC and only allows DC through to downstream parts within an electrical system. Learn more about the differences between the two and how to determine the best fit for your needs.

What Is a Choke?

Chokes, a subtype of an inductor, are designed to restrict or control the flow of electrical current passing through its coil and core, which consists of a magnetic core wrapped in a wire insulated coil or a donut-shaped ferrite bead strung on a wire. Primarily, they prevent the flow of alternating current (AC). This component ensures only direct current (DC) passes through and reaches subsequent components. Because of this core functionality, chokes are typically used for protection. If they precede insulative components, they can increase the insulation’s longevity by blocking high-frequency alternating currents and sharp fluctuations in current levels. Chokes only allow a flow of more controllable (and thereby less damaging) current to pass through. They can also act as a check on certain systems.

Chokes can be designed for optimal performance in different types of environments, such as high-speed applications, circuits with next to no grounding components, electrical circuitry that may face disruption from noise, signal mixing, and other complications. They’re also commonly used in power supplies and direct current power lines.

What Is an Inductor?

Inductors represent a wide array of different electrical components that can change, filter, store, and otherwise interact with electrical current. While chokes can restrict current and protect downstream components from overload, inductors are also valued for their storage capabilities. They also have a magnetic coil, which, properly energized by electrical current, generates and holds a magnetic field. These components can be large, often the largest component in a circuit, and can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of a specific electrical system.

Common use cases for inductors include:

Filters: Inductors can restrict the flow of current and allow only certain ranges of electricity through to downstream components.
Energy storage: Inductors store energy by generating and holding a magnetic field.
Transformers: Inductors can be combined to create a transformer which transfers energy from one to subsequent multiple or singular circuits. They can change the voltage as the electricity is transferred from circuit to circuit, but the frequency won’t change.
Motors: Inductors convert electrical and magnetic energy into physical motive force.
Sensors: Inductors detect changes in electrical current through its impact on the inductor’s magnetic field.

Chokes vs. Inductors: The Main Differences

Because chokes and inductors share many core attributes and applications, it can be difficult to know which one best serves a specific application. The key differences between chokes and inductors are:

Magnetic Field: Inductors can generate and hold magnetic fields as a form of temporary energy storage, often to switch power supplies and energizing circuits. Chokes do not.
Purpose: Chokes remove AC and only allow DC to filter through. Inductors can also provide this functionality, along with signal filtering; however, the inductor is then considered a choke when used for that purpose.

Before choosing the component for your design or system, determine its primary function and then select the best inductor or choke for those circumstances.

Chokes and Inductors From MPS Industries

When choosing high-quality electrical components, it is critical to know which components best serve your application. MPS Industries is a leading provider of inductors, chokes, and other electrical components that manufacturers can trust in their products and installations. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of inductors and chokes, as well as our manufacturing capabilities.

How Do Common Mode Chokes Work?

Last Updated March 27, 2026 | By Jonathan Wang | Comments Off on How Do Common Mode Chokes Work?

A common mode choke is an electromagnetic component that blocks high frequencies by passing direct currents (DC) and alternating currents (AC) through an electrical circuit. The choke gets its name because it blocks or “chokes” high-frequency signals while low-frequency signals pass through.

This blog will cover the various aspects of common mode chokes and address frequently asked questions about their functionality.

What Is A Common Mode Choke?

Common mode chokes suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiofrequency current (RFI) from a power supply. EMI and RFI interference pose serious problems for electronic equipment, especially with a power-line communication system. Because common mode chokes protect equipment from frequency interference, they’ve become essential in the industrial, electrical, data-processing, manufacturing, and telecommunication sectors.

However, common mode chokes aren’t limited to just commercial applications. Many everyday consumer products have a common mode choke, including:

LCD panels
Power cables
USB drives
Computers and laptops
Monitors

Controller area networks (CAN) and local area networks (LAN) also rely on chokes so they can function properly. A CAN is a robust system that connects multiple users through a microcontroller, without using a host computer. A LAN is a computer network that connects devices within a local area, typically an office building, school campus, or house. For both network types to operate efficiently, technicians must keep electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge at a minimum—which is why the common mode choke is so essential.

How Do Common Mode Chokes Work?

Click to Expand

A common mode choke has two wires wrapped around a ferrite or magnetic core. It functions by using two fundamental processes: steering the noise current in the same direction across both wires, while simultaneously generating a magnetic field with two or more windings. Combined, these two mechanics add flux and prevent frequency noise by blocking the common mode current.

Within electrical circuits, electromagnetic interference can take the form of either differential mode noise or common mode noise. Differential mode noise occurs in closed-loop circuits where the current flows in the line and input sides run in opposite directions. In contrast, common mode noise occurs in circuits where the current flows in the line and input sides enter and exit in the same direction and return through a common ground. In both cases, the noise happens when the transmissions do not generate magnetic fields that are equal and/or sufficiently cancel or add together.

In an ideal common mode choke, the differential mode current produces equal but opposite magnetic fields as it flows through the choke’s windings. In doing so, the fields effectively cancel each other out, resulting in no differential mode noise and no loss of differential mode signal quality. Similarly, the common mode current creates equal and in-phase magnetic fields. These add up together and enable the choke to impede and attenuate the current flow as needed.

Common mode chokes have become more advanced and efficient in recent years. For example, new chokes contain crystalline cores, which are 8-10 times more effective than ferromagnetic and ferrite cores. These cores are also more compact and have a higher frequency range, reaching up to 300 Hz. Overall, EMI noise suppression increases when technicians use chokes with crystalline cores compared to traditional models.

What Are the Advantages of Using Common Mode Chokes?

There are numerous advantages to using a common mode choke in an electrical circuit, including:

Increased efficiency
High inductance
Low-EMI radiation
Blocked or suppressed high-frequency signals

Compared to a differential choke, a common mode choke can operate at much higher currents and has a higher inductance value, thus keeping EMI radiation at a minimum. Common mode chokes also have an extensive frequency range and are sometimes the only inductor that can solve connections with a lot of noise. Although they are generally more expensive than other inductors, common mode chokes make up for the price difference with their functionality and reliability.

Learn More About Common Mode Chokes at MPS Industries

Common mode chokes are a necessity for any operating network or system. At MPS Industries, we manufacture common mode chokes as well as many other electromagnetic components for a broad range of industries and applications. If you want the best for your operating system, reach out to us today to learn more about electronic chokes or another product.

The Role of Forward Converters

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By Jonathan Wang | Comments Off on The Role of Forward Converters

Forward converters—also referred to as forward-converter transformers or transformers for forward-mode topology—are used in DC-DC conversion applications to provide voltage transformation and circuit isolation. They increase or decrease the voltage levels of DC input, depending on the duty cycle and number of windings. Compared to alternative topologies, they offer greater design simplicity, multiple isolated output potential, and ease of use.

The following article provides an overview of forward converters, outlining the types available, how they compare to flyback transformers, and typical end applications.

Types of Forward Converters

There are three main types of forward converters available:

Active Clamp Forward Converters

Active clamp forward converters have compound gates that move quickly to reduce switching losses during power conversion cycles. When voltage passes through the primary transformer coil, energy immediately transfers from the primary component to the secondary component, prompting current to pass from the output unit to the connected load.

Both forward converters and flyback converters can integrate clamp mechanisms in their designs—forward converters employ active clamps, while flyback converters utilize resistor-capacitor-diode (RCD) clamps. Despite similarities in the terminology, these clamps function and perform differently. For example, active clamps reclaim a large majority of leakage energy and recover almost all magnetizing energy. They also experience smaller energy losses during zero voltage switching and no voltage spike when turned off.

Fig.1: Typical Active Clamp Forward Converter Circuit Diagram

Fig.2: Current Flow w/ Q1 Closed, Q2 Open

Fig.3: Current Flow w/ Q2 Closed, Q1 Open

Single Switch Forward Converters

Employing the design principles used in buck topology, single switch forward converters focus on providing galvanic isolation in applications involving power levels of less than 200 watts. In these converters, closing the active switch connects the supply to the primary, which prompts the rectifier to conduct the current and pass it through the output inductor to the connected load. Until the switch reopens, the current rises linearly. Once the switch is opened, any energy stored in the inductor transfers directly to the load through the secondary diode.

Fig.4: Typical Single Switch Forward Converter Circuit Diagram

Fig.5: Current Flow w/ Switch Closed

Fig.6: Current Flow w/ Switch Open

Two Switch Forward Converters

As the name suggests, two switch forward converters feature two switches that open and close together when prompted. Closing both switches allows energy to transfer from the primary into the secondary. Within the secondary, a tertiary diode conducts energy into the output inductor and the load. Once the switches are opened, energy flowing the tertiary and quaternary diodes flows back into the source. Compared to the single switch topology, the two-switch topology does not require the use of a snubber circuit or demagnetizing winding.

Fig.7: Typical 2-Switch Forward Converter Circuit Diagram

Fig.8: Current Flow w/ BOTH Switches Closed

Fig.9: Current Flow w/ BOTH Switches Open

Differences Between Forward Converters and Flyback Transformers

While forward converters and flyback transformers may look similar, there are several key differences between them. For example:

Forward converters use transformers to transfer energy, while flyback transformers store energy.
Forward converters feature a more complex circuit topology as compared to that of flyback transformers.
Forward converters are suitable for applications that require greater energy efficiency and higher power outputs (100 to 200 watts), while flyback transformers are suitable for power outputs up to 120 watts.

Typical Applications of Forward Converters

Fig. 10: Typical Flyback Converter Circuit Diagram

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Forward converters find use in the power supplies of a wide range of equipment and systems, including those for the following industries:

For the military: Military manufacturers use forward converters in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stun guns, dipole antennas, and more.
For aerospace: Aircraft have forward converters in their lighting systems, entertainment devices, searchlights, and cameras.
For renewable energy (i.e., solar power): Forward converters help prepare solar energy for storage and distribution by standardizing the output voltages. These components are in inverters and grid monitors in solar panel systems and built into electrical drive systems, storage inverters, and battery chargers.
For computers: Forward converters can be found in a variety of powered computer equipment, including laser printers, laptops, and IP routers. Home entertainment systems with set-top boxes that receive digital television broadcasts also use them.

Forward Converter Solutions From MPS Industries

Forward converters allow industry professionals to transform DC input to higher or lower voltage levels to suit the output demands of the end application. Compared to flyback transformers, they are more efficient and accommodate higher power outputs. Available in several different designs, they can meet a variety of power requirements and restrictions.

At MPS Industries, one of our core specialties is the production of forward transfers and output inductors for forward converters. By working closely with customers, our expert team designs and delivers quality magnetic solutions tailored to their exact needs.

We’re proud to serve the following industries:

For additional information about our forward converters or our other products and services, contact us today.

Top Automation Processes Used in the Automotive Industry Today

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By tmswebsiteadmin | Comments Off on Top Automation Processes Used in the Automotive Industry Today

Many industries have adopted automated technologies, such as AI or machine learning. While much of this technology is still in its early stages, it is already doing impressive work—automation in the automotive industry, for example, has led to a steep increase in productivity, even in complex tasks. Here, we’ll discuss four high-tech automation processes utilized by the automotive industry today.

Machine Vision

Machine Vision (MV), also known as “computer vision,” helps automakers to create safer, more robust vehicles that justify higher price points. In fact, the automotive industry was one of the first to adopt this high-end technology.

MV works by using numerous imaging processes to photograph the surfaces of the vehicle that needs to be inspected. These images are processed by analysis software, which typically utilizes the principle of Finite Element Analysis (a computerized technique used to simulate how a product would fare in a real-world scenario of vibrations, forces, extreme temperatures, fluid flow, and other conditions).

In addition to conventional imaging, other images that MV can capture include:

X-ray imaging
3D imaging
Infrared imaging
Hyperspectral imaging
Line scan imaging

This technology saves costs for automakers while allowing them to increase their price points and stay competitive.

Collaborative Robots

Also known as “cobots,” these robots may initially sound like machines that work with humans, but this is generally not the case. In fact, cobots frequently work independently. Per ISO 10218, there are four main types of cobots:

Safety Monitored Stop
Hand Guiding
Speed and Separation Monitoring
Power and Force Limiting

Designed around their necessary end function, cobots increase speed and productivity by taking on certain tasks normally done by human technicians. Many cobots are designed to multitask alongside technicians, automatically shutting down when the tasks are completed. Cobots can also pause when technicians enter their workspace, meaning that humans can easily take over any aspects of the task as the need arises.

Artificial Intelligence for Driverless Cars

At its core, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a system that can achieve goals by reacting to its environment. This is particularly beneficial for driverless cars. In this scenario, AI uses smart sensors—including radar and sonar—to create and store an internal map of its surroundings. This allows it to interact with its environment, plotting out the best trajectory and communicating with the vehicle’s actuators.

AI for driverless cars utilizes a number of technologies, including:

Predictive modeling
Coded driving protocols
Obstacle avoidance algorithms
Smart object discrimination

Use of these technologies enables the AI to differentiate between various objects on the road, navigate around obstacles, predict behavior, and follow traffic laws at all times.

Cognitive Computing in IoT Connected Cars

While AI functions independently in driverless cars, Cognitive Computing (CC) makes use of both AI and signal processing. CC utilizes a variety of technologies, such as:

Dialog and narrative generation
Human-computer interaction
Human language processing
Reasoning
Machine learning

Benefits of Cognitive Computing

Driverless cars utilizing AI need to drive alongside vehicles without AI, and are unable to communicate with other cars on the road. The main benefit of CC in IoT connected cars is it can use the Internet to connect to other CC vehicles on the road, making traffic significantly safer and more predictable.

Although this technology is still new, it could prove to be much more advanced than current driverless car systems. Certain automotive companies, including IBM and BMW, are already working on inventing autonomous cars using CC in IoT vehicles. If all cars eventually adopt this technology—allowing them to communicate with each other and recognize human driving patterns—car accidents may be able to be entirely eliminated.

How Magnetic Components Factor In

Magnetic components power much of the technological advances we have outlined above. There are four types of magnetics to be aware of:

Low frequency: These magnetics range from 50 to 500 Hz. Devices using these magnets include 115V AC equipment such as HVACs and electricity meters.
High frequency: Ranging from 16kHz to MHz, these magnetics are often used to charge cell phones.
Non-isolated: This type of magnetic component decreases electric noise.
Isolated: Isolated magnetics prevent electric shocks.

Aiding Industry Growth

The automotive industry is expected to grow drastically in the upcoming years. Research into materials helps the auto industry grow and continue to find brand-new solutions and uses for various vehicle components, including transformers. Magnetic components also aid in the development of electric cars, as their motor control systems make use of magnetics that draw energy from batteries. As battery quality continues to develop, magnetic parts will also continue to improve.

Automotive Magnetic Components at MPS Industries

The ongoing development of automation in the automotive industry is leading to increases in productivity and, eventually, decreases in accidents and fatalities. At MPS Industries, we offer magnetic components designed specifically to assist the automotive industry in its growth, including:

MPS transformers and inductors are included in the design of the following product applications:

DC/AC Inverters
Fuel Pumps
Backup Sensors
DC-DC Boost Converter
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Power Converter Modules
Particulate Matter Sensors
Trailer Brake Power Modules

MPS engineers custom-build these magnetics using our automotive clients’ unique electrical specifications. Contact us to learn more about how we can help meet your goals.

Understanding Power Transformers

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on Understanding Power Transformers

Transformers convert an AC system’s electrical power at one current or voltage into electrical power at a different current or voltage without using rotating parts. power transformers provide this critical function as components of electrical and electronic circuits. Besides the common application of stepping voltages up
or down, these magnetic components can also be used to provide isolation for impedance mismatch and other applications.

How Power Transformers Work

Understanding how power transformers work is key to understanding what transformers do. Transformers use magnetic coupling to transfer electrical power between AC circuits—they do not create their own electrical power. The transformer’s core offers a controlled path for the magnetic flux the transformer generates due to the current flowing across the coils.

A basic transformer’s primary components include the input and output connections, the coils, and the core.

Input and Output Connections

A transformer’s input side is known as the primary side as the primary electrical power which needs to be changed is connected on this side. The output side is commonly referred to as the power transformer’s secondary side. On this side, electrical power is transferred to the load. This incoming transferred electric power may be either decreased or increased depending on the load’s requirement.

Winding

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The Latest in Phase Shift Full Bridge Topology

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on The Latest in Phase Shift Full Bridge Topology

If you are looking to build a higher efficiency converter for applications such as AC-to-DC power supplies, battery chargers, or renewable energy, we recommend Phase Shift Full Bridge (PSFB) topology as a solution to explore. Here we provide an overview of the topology – how full bridge converter hardware is arranged, including its nodes and connecting lines – that goes into a PSFB converter.

Full Bridge Converter Topology

Over the years, full bridge switch topology has been designed and developed for high power regulators, specifically those between 100 and 1,000 watts.

New technologies and materials have led to significant improvements to these converters and regulators. The most noticeable change is the size of the converters, which are now five to ten times smaller than previous models. The efficiency of the switches has also improved, from 70% to over 95%.

Figure 1. Full Bridge with Center Tap

Figure 2. Full Bridge without Center Tap

Phase Shifted Full Bridge (PSFB)

Many power applications such as AC-to-DC power supplies, battery chargers, and renewable energy applications require high efficiency and high power density.

Phase shift full bridge converters are used in high DC bus voltages and low output voltage with high power applications. To lower switch losses, decrease costs, and improve efficiency, an additional resonant inductor is sometimes added into the PSFB circuit. Doing so also provides zero voltage switching (ZVS).

Customers looking to build a higher efficiency converter will often turn to PSFB topology.

For such applications, MPS can customize both a high-efficiency PSFB transformer and a resonant inductor with low losses for high current and high frequency.

Included features:

Designs of up to 20 KW or more
Customizable mounting options
Thermal potting for cold plate mounting

Dual Active Bridge (DAB)

Bidirectional dual active bridges are developed for use primarily in battery storage, grid-tied inverters, and interface solar systems. Similar to PSFB transformers, the output for dual active bridges is four switches that are used to generate the bidirectional functionality.

Contact MPS Today

All MPS Industries products are designed in-house and can be customized to meet your unique specifications. Our engineering team will provide you with magnetic components that best fit your application or industry, all while staying within the necessary budget. Our product line includes a number of different power transformers and inductors. Check out our line of planar transformers – including phase shift full bridge transformers – here or contact us today to find out more about our products, services, and capabilities.

11/2018 & Maximize Your Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Power!

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on 11/2018 & Maximize Your Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Power!

11/2018 Maximize Your Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Power!

With Tesla’s developments rolling out and the growing road presence of electric and hybrid vehicles, the question of whether they will be able to generate and handle a high power load will determine their success.

Enter our transformers and high-current inductors: compact magnetic components that can be custom-fit to a wide range of dimensions and provide a serious performance boost to electric and hybrid vehicle power transmission systems.

Our Power Transformers

Upgrades to hybrid and electric vehicle safety systems, on- and off-board battery charging, cabin lighting, and other components call for efficient power management. Designed to hold up against these increased power demands, MPS Industries’ power transformers feature:

A low profile, surface mount design
Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) for high-frequency and high-voltage operations
High Q Value and Low Leakage Inductance
Great temperature stability, ensuring a small variation in inductance
AEC-Q200 qualifications for automotive applications

Our High Current Fixed Inductors

Typical extreme heat and voltage conditions generated by modern power transmission systems can drain electrical energy, and fast. Our high current fixed inductors seamlessly integrate within hybrid and vehicle systems and provide:

Superior thermal management and heat dissipation
Significantly reduced size and weight compared with conventional toroid designs
A flat wire coil for minimizing losses at a high frequency
High current induction in a compact size
High energy storage capabilities

To learn more about the hybrid and electric vehicle applications of our power transformers and high current fixed inductors, check out our latest blog post here

04/2018 Announcing the Launch of MPS CCFL Transformers

Last Updated January 6, 2026 | By MPS Industries | Comments Off on 04/2018 Announcing the Launch of MPS CCFL Transformers

04/2018 Announcing the Launch of MPS CCFL Transformers
Announcing the Launch of MPS CCFL Transformers
In need of CCFL (Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) Transformers for your products?

Recently, we’ve been receiving an influx of calls regarding our CCFL Transformers. While other power management technology companies have discontinued their lines, there is still strong market demand for these transformers.

As some companies migrate over to strictly LED technology, the engineers at MPS are aware that others have not, creating the urgency for CCFL Transformers for your current product lines needs.

MPS offers our full line of CCFL Transformers optimized for your needs.

Today, industries still currently in need of fluorescent lighting capabilities include automotive, industrial, medical, military, aerospace, telecom, and consumer electronics.

Our variety of series — P9119 (2.5W), P9120 (2.5W), P9121 (14W), P9122 (6W), P9124 (4W) series, and custom design series can be used for applications such as:

LCD backlight applications
TFT matrixes
Aquarium lighting
Medical instrumentation
Test equipment
& more

Features of our CCFL Transformer Designs and Capabilities

Can deliver output power from 2.5 to 14 Watts
Can be designed through-hole or surface mount
Ferrite material
Storage Temp -40 to 85C
Operating Ambient 0 to 70C
Low profile

MPS also offers custom-made options for your specific transformer design needs. For more on our transformer product lines, you can request information below or call one of our knowledgeable representatives currently on standby.