Abstract: We don't expect manufacturers to produce clothes that in one size that fits everyone. In thesame way, one ESD component can't solve all issues—each application has different ESD requirements.Knowing that "one size fits all" cannot apply to power design, the power designer, or the engineering"super hero," must consider all the potential disruptions to a steady flow of power and thenvarious waysto mitigate them. This tutorial describes voltage- and current-limiting devices and risetime reducers tomanage the power. It also points to free and low-cost software tools to help design lowpass filters, checkcapacitor self-resonance, and simulate circuits.
Abstract: Stuxnet, a sophisticated virus that damaged Iran's nuclear capability, should be an eye openerfor the world. We can choose to learn something very narrow (how to combat the Stuxnet virus) or wecan choose to focus on the larger goal of thwarting the next type of creative cyber attack. Unfortunately,critical industrial infrastructure is not currently designed with security as a key goal, leaving open multipleavenues for an educated and funded attacker to create massive problems. This tutorial outlines somebasic concepts that engineers and product definers should consider to make sure their new projects stayahead of future threats.
Abstract: This document details the Lakewood (MAXREFDES7#) subsystem reference design, a 3.3V input, ±12V (±15V) output, isolated power supply. The Lakewood reference design includes a 3W primary-side transformer H-bridge driver for isolated supplies, and two wide input range and adjustable output low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs). Test results and hardware files are included.
Abstract: This document details the Riverside (MAXREFDES8#) subsystem reference design, a 3.3V input, 12V (15V) output, isolated power supply. The Riverside reference design includes a 3W primary-side transformer H-bridge driver for isolated supplies, and one wide input range and adjustable output low-dropout linear regulator (LDO). Test results and hardware files are included.
Abstract: This document details the Oceanside (MAXREFDES9#) subsystem reference design, a 3.3V to 15V input,±15V (±12V) output, isolated power supply. The Oceanside design includes a high-efficiency step-up controller, a36V H-bridge transformer driver for isolated supplies, a wide input range, and adjustable output low-dropout linearregulator (LDO). Test results and hardware files are included.
Abstract: Some power architectures require the power supply sequencer (or system manager) to controldownstream power MOSFETs to allow power to flow into branch circuits. This application note explains howsystem power sequencing and level shifting can be accomplished using a low-voltage system manager
Abstract: Investment in smart meters and smart grid end equipment continues to grow worldwide as countriestry to make their electric delivery systems more efficient. However, as critical as the electric deliveryinfrastructure is, it is normally not secured and thus subject to attack. This article describes the concept oflife-cycle security—the idea that embedded equipment in the smart grid must have security designed into theentire life of the product, even back to the contract manufacturer. We also talk about how life-cycle securityapplies to embedded equipment in the smart grid. Potential threats are discussed, as are potential solutionsto mitigate the risks posed by those threats.
Abstract: Nonideal cable dispersive effects can affect system performance. This application note discusses the twomain loss effects related to cables (skin-effect and dielectric losses), and presents a simple method of modeling thecable for use in standard SPICE simulators.
Abstract: There are many things to consider when designing a power supply for a field-programmablegate array (FPGA). These include (but are not limited to) the high number of voltage rails, and thediffering requirements for both sequencing/tracking and the voltage ripple limits. This application noteexplains these and other power-supply considerations that an engineer must think through whendesigning a power supply for an FPGA.
Abstract: A resistive feedback network is often used to set the output voltage of a power supply. A mechanical potentiometer (pot)conveniently solves the problem of adjusting a power supply. For easier automatic calibration, a mechanical pot can be replaced witha digital pot. This application note presents a calibration solution that uses a digital pot, because digipots are smaller, do not movewith age or vibration, and can be recalibrated remotely. This proposed solution reduces the susceptibility of the system to thetolerance of the digital pot's end-to-end resistance, making the solution optimal fordesigners. This application note also explainssome of the equations required to calculate the resistor chain values and to use a digital pot in this way. A spreadsheet withstandard reisistor values is available for easy calculations.
