abSTRact: The DS1875 features a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller that can be used to control aDC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter can then be used to generate the high bias voltages necessaryfor avalanche photodiodes (APDs). This application note describes the operation of a boost converterthat uses the DS1875. Discussion covers the selection of the inductor and switching frequency, and theselection of components that improve the efficiency of the converter. Test data are presented.
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: The "vampire" drain on electricity by household gadgets is only one indicator of the lack of policies to conserve energy and protect people and businesses from a major energy disaster. Most
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.
abSTRact: Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are used in a wide variety of applications and end markets, including digital signalprocessing, medical imaging, and high-performance computing. This application note outlines the issues related to powering FPGAs.It also discusses Maxim's solutions for powering Altera® FPGAs.
abSTRact: With its small size and large load (10W) capability, the MAX13256 H-bridge transformer driver is an attractive solution forcharging supercapacitors (supercaps). However, a large capacitance on the output of the circuit can force the driver into fault modeat startup, due to the high initial charge current. This application note presents a solution that allows users to charge a largecapacitance without going into fault.
abSTRact: This article discusses the requirements and design considerations for automotive applications, including those for enginecontrol, infotainment, and body electronics. It also discusses several Maxim devices that are ideal for automotive applications.
abSTRact: This article explores criteria necessary for reliable communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicleservice equipment (EVSE). Data will demonstrate that a G3-PLC system has already met the criteria established by the automotiveand utility industries. Multiple international tests prove that a G3-PLC implementation is the optimal low-frequency solution.
abSTRact: Uses the MAX641 switching controller and an external discrete charge pump to step up the input voltage. This circuitcan service low loads and is efficient when the output is two, three, four times the input voltage. Adding the MAX627 MOSdriver can further increase the output current capability.
abSTRact: Rail splitting is creating an artificial virtual ground as a reference voltage. It is used to set the signalto match the op amp's "sweet spot." An op amp has the most linear- and distortion-free qualities at that sweetspot. Typically, the sweet spot occurs near the center between the single power rail and ground. In the case ofa number of signals, the virtual ground can control channel DC errors when multiplexing or switching thesignals.
