The ABCs of ADCs

 By Martin Mason, Maxim Integrated Products

Real-world applications require real-world connections. Generally, that means an analog signal is being digitized somewhere in the system so a microprocessor, ASIC, or FPGA can gather data and make some decision. If you’re new to data converter concepts or if it’s been a long time since your last analog class, this crash course on specifying analog-to-digital converters may tip the performance scales in your design’s favor.

Buck Converter Powers 5-V Circuits From 12-V Solar-Cell Array

 By Paul Florian, Engineer

This circuit is a 12-V dc to 5-V dc (±5%) switched-mode power supply (SMPS). It uses a 12-V input from an array of four 3-V dc, 40-mA solar cells connected in series. At the array’s maximum output of 12 V dc, its maximum output power is 12 × 40 mA = 480 mW.

Power-Management IC Serves Li-ion/Polymer Battery-Powered Portables

Linear Technology's LTC3553 micropower, multifunction power-management IC (PMIC) targets portable Li-ion/polymer battery-based applications. It integrates a USB-compatible linear PowerPath manager, a standalone battery charger, a high-efficiency synchronous buck regulator, a low-dropout linear regulator, and a pushbutton controller in an ultrathin (0.55-mm) 3- by 3-mm QFN package.

DIN-Rail Power Supplies Accept Three-Phase AC Inputs

Suitable for factory automation, industrial control systems and test and measurement equipment, a series of ac-dc DIN rail-mount power supplies from TDK-Lambda provides outputs rated from 120 to 480 W. These supplies operate from a three-phase ac-line input from 340 to 575 V.

Single-Chip Power-Management Units Halve Board Space

All of the sequencing and default options needed to power today’s processors are implemented by the Texas Instruments TPS6507x family of single-chip power management ICs for portable electronics. The TPS65070 and TPS65073 devices result in a 50% smaller dc-dc implementation versus a discrete design by integrating several key components.

100-W Convection-Cooled Power Supply Takes Little Space

High efficiency and high power density are hallmarks of the PM100 series open-frame ac-dc power supplies from Protek Power North America. Designed and safety-approved for either commercial or medical applications, the compact devices provide 100 W at convection cooling, suiting them for designs where space is at a premium and there is little or no airflow.