Power Electronics / Power Management


Integrated transformer module technology maximises EV drive time

27 October 2021 Power Electronics / Power Management

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced what it acclaims as the industry’s smallest and most accurate 1,5 W isolated DC/DC bias-supply module. The UCC14240-Q1 uses a proprietary integrated transformer technology which the company says can enable designers to cut their power solution size in half for use in high-voltage environments such as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid EVs, motor-drive systems and grid-tied inverters.

With the accelerating growth of the EV market, automotive design engineers are looking for ways to improve efficiency and reliability, while also reducing the weight of the heaviest part of the EV: the powertrain. To help meet the need for smaller, more reliable systems to extend driving range, engineers are moving to a distributed power architecture, a scheme where every isolated gate driver has a dedicated bias supply. This architecture improves how the system reacts to single-point failures. For example, if one bias supply fails, the other bias supplies remain operational, as do their paired gate drivers – helping to keep a vehicle safely on the road.

The UCC14240-Q1 offers size and efficiency advantages that enable greater power density and system efficiency, which can allow vehicles to drive farther between charges. The 3,55 mm height and small footprint of the chip enable designers to reduce the power solution volume by as much as 50%, packing more power in half the size. The height reduction also gives engineers the full flexibility to place the module on either side of the printed circuit board.

This dual-output power module offers 60% efficiency – twice that of traditional bias supplies – doubling the power density and helping increase vehicle driving range. By delivering more than 1,5 W at ambient temperatures of 105°C, the UCC14240-Q1 enables engineers to drive IGBTs, SiC and GaN switches at high frequencies.

By leveraging TI’s integrated transformer technology with a 3,5 pF primary-to-secondary capacitance, the UCC14240-Q1 can mitigate EMI caused by high-speed switching and comfortably achieve common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) performance of more than 150 V/ns.

The UCC14240-Q1’s integrated closed-loop control enables ±1,0% accuracy from -40°C to 150°C. The device’s tight tolerance enables the use of smaller power switches while also improving overcurrent protection. Fault monitoring, overcurrent protection, overpower protection and overtemperature protection are all fully integrated. The UCC14240-Q1 offers third-party-certified 3 kVrms isolation and delivers high vibration immunity due to its ultra-low weight and height.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Cutting-edge solutions for Africa’s clean energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
As Africa pushes towards reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, Sungrow is driving transformation with cutting-edge innovations that enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and expand access to clean power.

Read more...
Transformer protection is a critical safeguard for municipal power stability
Power Electronics / Power Management
Transformer protection is not just a technical requirement; it is a vital component in ensuring the resilience and operational integrity of South Africa’s municipal power infrastructure.

Read more...
Reliable power solution
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MLD-120W-xxVx is a robust DIN-rail mounted DC-DC converter with a 120 W output capacity specifically designed for industrial and automation applications.

Read more...
Easing the path for IPPs navigating local energy regulations
Power Electronics / Power Management
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face an onerous and challenging regulatory landscape characterised by uncertainty in securing grid connections and considerable development costs.

Read more...
Wide input voltage buck-boost converter
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The MAX77859 from Analog Devices is a high-efficiency, high-performance buck-boost converter targeted for systems requiring a wide input voltage range of between 2,5 and 22 V.

Read more...
High-density power module for AI at the edge applications
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
The MCPF1412 power module from Microchip has integrated I2C and PMBus interfaces for flexible configuration and monitoring.

Read more...
Development kit for TI’s SN6507
Power Electronics / Power Management
This comprehensive solution is designed to help engineers evaluate the performance of TI’s SN6507 transformer driver for isolated power supplies.

Read more...
High-voltage IGBT
Hi-Q Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
Diotec Semiconductor has launched the DIW030M060 IGBT, a 600 V, 30 A device with a built-in reverse diode.

Read more...
DC converter for Hi-Rel applications
Vepac Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The MFK2812S from Crane Aerospace & Electronics is a DC-DC converter with an input voltage range of 16 to 50 V and an output of 12 V at up to 2,08 A.

Read more...
Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems
Schneider Electric South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
In addition to grid stability, DERMS also play a role in energy trading with some countries leveraging DERMS for real-time energy trading.

Read more...