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• 1st PPA in France for STMicroelectronics, aiming at 100% renewable sourcing by 2027
• Power comes from 2 recent wind and solar farms of 75 MW operated by TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, have signed a physical Power Purchase Agreement to supply renewable electricity to STMicroelectronics sites in France. This 15-year contract, started in January 2025, represents an overall volume of 1.5 TWh.

TotalEnergies will provide STMicroelectronics with the renewable power (including the guarantee of origin) produced by two recent wind and solar farms of 75 MW operated by TotalEnergies. This power comes with structuration services to transform intermittent production in a constant volume (“baseload”) of green electricity. It’s the first time in France that such a 15-year contract is provided. The positive impact of the wind and solar projects on the environment and on the communities was a key success factor in the signing of the deal. 

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with STMicroelectronics, which demonstrates our ability to provide long-term and innovative clean firm power solutions tailored to our customers’ needs,” said Sophie Chevalier, Senior Vice President Flexible Power & Integration at TotalEnergies. “TotalEnergies aims to be a preferred partner to support tech industry players towards their decarbonization efforts, and this agreement showcases our commitment and capabilities.” 

“This first PPA in France marks yet another important step towards ST’s goal of becoming carbon neutral in its operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and partially scope 3) by 2027, including the sourcing of 100% renewable energy by 2027,” said Geoff West, EVP and Chief Procurement Officer at STMicroelectronics. “PPAs will play a major role in our transition, and we have already signed several to support ST’s operations in Italy and Malaysia. Starting in 2025, this PPA with TotalEnergies will provide a significant level of renewable energy for ST’s operations in France, which includes R&D, design, sales and marketing and large-volume chip manufacturing.”

TotalEnergies and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. By mid-2024, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity reached 24 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

The post Renewable Power: TotalEnergies Will Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France over 15 Years appeared first on ELE Times.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment provider and materials science company Forge Nano Inc of Thornton, CO, USA has completed its new 2000ft2 semiconductor cleanroom, which enables it to manufacture multiple commercial TEPHRA ALD cluster tools to accommodate growing demand from the semiconductor market...

In honor of workbench Wednesday --- here is my home lab submitted by /u/Horror_Baseball_5987 [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Traditional_Jury [link] [comments]

Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany says that its new CoolSiC Automotive MOSFET 1200V has been selected by Germany-based international automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA for its next-generation 800V DC–DC charging solution...

Quantum Science Ltd of Daresbury, Warrington, UK — which is developing and commercializing INFIQ infrared quantum dot (QD) nanomaterials and technologies for infrared imaging and sensing markets — is expanding into a new manufacturing facility as it prepares for upcoming growth in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging and sensing markets...

This design idea (DI) takes an unusual path to a power-handling DAC by merging an upside-down LM337 regulator with a simple (just one generic chip) PWM circuit to make a 20-V, 1-A current source. It’s suitable for magnet driving, battery charging, and other applications that might benefit from an agile and inexpensive computer-controlled current source. It profits from the accurate internal voltage reference, overload, and thermal protection features of that time proven and famous Bob Pease masterpiece! 

Wow the engineering world with your unique design: Design Ideas Submission Guide

Full throttle (PWM duty factor = 1) current output accuracy is entirely determined by R4’s precision and the ±2% (guaranteed, typically lots better) accuracy of the LM337 internal reference. It’s thus independent of the (sometimes dodgy) precision of logic supplies as basic PWM DACs often are not.

Figure 1 shows the circuit.

Figure 1 LM337 mates with a generic hex inverter to make an inexpensive 1-A PWM current source. (* = 1% metal film)
Iout = 1.07(DF – 0.07), Iout > 0

ACMOS inverters U1b through U1e accept a 10 kHz PWM signal to generate a -50 mV to +1.32 V “ADJ” control signal for the U2 current regulator proportional to the PWM duty factor (DF). Of course, other PWM frequencies and resolutions can be accommodated with the suitable scaling of C1 and C2. See the “K” factor arithmetic below.

DF = 0 drives ADJ > 1.25 V and causes U2 to output the 337’s minimum current (about 5 mA) as shown in Figure 1’s caption.

Iout = 1.07(DF – 0.07)

The 7% zero offset was put in to insure that DF = 0 will solidly shut off U2 despite any possible mismatch between its internal reference and the +5 V rail. It’s always struck me as strange that a negative regulator like the 337 sometimes needs a positive control signal, but in this case it does.

U1a generates an inverse of the PWM signal, providing active ripple cancellation as described in “Cancel PWM DAC ripple with analog subtraction.” Since ripple filter C1 and C2 capacitors are shown sized for 8 bits and a 10-kHz PWM frequency, for this scheme to work properly with different frequency and resolution, the capacitances will need to be multiplied by a factor K:

K = 2(N – 8) (10kHz/Fpwm)
N = bits of PWM resolution
Fpwm = PWM frequency

If more current capability is wanted, the LM337 is rated at 1.5 A. That can be had by simply substituting a heavier-duty power adapter and making R4 = 0.87 ohms. Getting even higher than that limit, however, would require paralleling multiple 337s, each with its own R4 to ensure equal load sharing.

Finally, a word about heat. U2 should be adequately heatsunk as dictated by heat dissipation equal to output current multiplied by the (24 V – Vout) differential.  Up to double-digit wattage is possible, so don’t skimp in the heatsink area. The 337s go into automatic thermal shutdown at junction temperatures above 150oC so U2 will never cook itself. But make sure it will pass the wet-forefinger-sizzle “spit test” anyway so it won’t shut off sometime when you least expect (or want) it to!

Stephen Woodward’s relationship with EDN’s DI column goes back quite a long way. Over 100 submissions have been accepted since his first contribution back in 1974.

 Related Content

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• Cancel PWM DAC ripple with analog subtraction
• Cancel PWM DAC ripple with analog subtraction—revisited
• Cancel PWM DAC ripple with analog subtraction but no inverter
• Fast-settling synchronous-PWM-DAC filter has almost no ripple

The post 1-A, 20-V, PWM-controlled current source appeared first on EDN.

Finally bought a house with space for a big workbench. Modeled this up in fusion 360 and built it this past weekend. A big step up from my old set up. submitted by /u/Mclevius-Donaldson [link] [comments]

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed industries by connecting billions of devices worldwide. From smart homes and industrial automation to healthcare and smart cities, IoT applications rely on robust wireless technologies for seamless communication. As IoT continues to expand, selecting the right wireless technology is crucial for optimizing performance, range, power consumption, and security. This article explores the latest and most effective IoT wireless technologies in 2025, helping businesses and developers make informed decisions.

1. Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs)

LPWAN technologies are ideal for long-range, low-power IoT applications. These networks support devices that need to send small amounts of data over vast distances while consuming minimal power. Key LPWAN technologies include:

LoRa (Long Range)

LoRa operates in unlicensed spectrum bands and is widely used in smart cities, agriculture, and industrial applications. The latest advancements in LoRaWAN (LoRa Wide Area Network) include:

• Higher data rates through improved modulation schemes.
• Enhanced security with end-to-end encryption and authentication.
• Better network scalability supporting millions of connected devices.

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT is a cellular-based LPWAN technology designed for applications requiring reliable, low-power, and cost-effective connectivity. Recent upgrades include:

• Improved indoor coverage, making it ideal for smart meters and asset tracking.
• Lower power consumption, enabling battery life of up to 10 years.
• Wider adoption in 5G networks for massive IoT deployments.

Sigfox

Sigfox is another LPWAN technology focused on low-cost, low-energy IoT communications. The latest enhancements include:

• Ultra-low power operation, extending device lifespan.
• Improved downlink capabilities, enabling bidirectional communication.
• Global network expansion, increasing its availability in new regions.

2. 5G for IoT

5G technology is revolutionizing IoT by offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity. It is particularly beneficial for applications requiring real-time data processing, such as autonomous vehicles, smart factories, and remote healthcare.

Key Benefits of 5G for IoT:

• Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) for mission-critical applications.
• Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) for large-scale IoT networks.
• Network slicing, allowing dedicated virtual networks for specific IoT applications.

As 5G infrastructure expands, its integration with AI and edge computing will further enhance IoT capabilities.

3. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi continues to be a dominant wireless technology for IoT in homes, businesses, and industrial environments. The introduction of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) brings significant improvements:

Wi-Fi 6 Features:

• Higher speeds and capacity, supporting multiple IoT devices simultaneously.
• Lower latency, improving performance in real-time applications.
• Better power efficiency, extending battery life for IoT sensors.

Wi-Fi 7 Advancements:

• Multi-link operation (MLO), enhancing reliability and reducing congestion.
• 320 MHz channel width, offering faster data rates.
• Optimized IoT connectivity, ensuring seamless device communication in dense environments.

4. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth remains a leading short-range IoT communication technology. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 update brings:

• Improved energy efficiency, extending battery life for wearables and sensors.
• Enhanced security features, protecting IoT devices from cyber threats.
• Better connection stability, reducing interference in crowded environments.

BLE is widely used in healthcare, smart home devices, and asset tracking due to its low power consumption and compatibility with smartphones.

5. Zigbee and Z-Wave Zigbee

Zigbee is a low-power mesh networking protocol commonly used in smart home and industrial IoT applications. Recent improvements include:

• Faster data transmission, increasing responsiveness in IoT ecosystems.
• Interoperability with Matter, a unified IoT standard for smart devices.
• Enhanced security, protecting connected devices from hacking.

Z-Wave

Z-Wave operates in the sub-1GHz frequency band, reducing interference with Wi-Fi networks. The latest advancements include:

• Longer range, improving connectivity for smart home automation.
• Stronger security protocols, preventing unauthorized access.
• Expanded device support, integrating with more IoT platforms.

6. Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

UWB is gaining traction for high-precision location tracking in IoT applications. Key advantages include:

• Centimeter-level accuracy, making it ideal for asset tracking and secure access control.
• High data transmission rates, improving real-time communication.
• Low power consumption, ensuring extended device life.

Choosing the Right Wireless Technology for IoT

Selecting the best IoT wireless technology depends on several factors:

• Range: LPWAN for long-range, Bluetooth/Zigbee for short-range.
• Power Consumption: LPWAN and BLE for energy efficiency.
• Data Rate: 5G and Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed applications.
• Security: Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced protection.

Conclusion

As IoT adoption accelerates, the demand for reliable and efficient wireless connectivity continues to grow. From LPWAN and 5G to Wi-Fi 7 and UWB, the latest IoT wireless technologies offer tailored solutions for various applications. Businesses and developers must stay updated with these advancements to optimize their IoT deployments, ensuring seamless connectivity, enhanced security, and improved performance.

By leveraging the right wireless technology, organizations can unlock the full potential of IoT, driving innovation across industries and creating smarter, more connected ecosystems.

The post The Latest IoT Wireless Technologies: Enabling the Future of Connectivity appeared first on ELE Times.

Другий візит Надзвичайного і Повноважного Посла Японії в Україні Масаші Накаґоме kpi ср, 01/29/2025 - 13:36

A new host bus adapter (HBA) secures all data moving between servers and storage by facilitating quantum-resistant network encryption and real-time ransomware detection in data centers. Broadcom’s Emulex Secure Fibre Channel HBA encrypts all data across all applications while complying with the NIST 800-193 framework, which encompasses secure boot, digitally signed drivers, T10-DIF, and more.

Figure 1 Emulex Secure Fibre Channel HBA provides in-flight encryption with quantum-resistant algorithms. Source: Broadcom

Encryption of mission-critical data is no longer a nice-to-have feature; it’s now a must-have amid the continued rise of ransomware attacks in 2024, costing $5.37 million on average per attack, according to Ponemon Institute’s “Cost of a Data Breach” report. The advent of generative AI and quantum computers further magnifies this risk if data is not encrypted at all points in the data center, including the network.

It’s important to note that data centers have the option of deploying application encryption or network encryption to protect their data. However, network encryption enables real-time ransomware detection while application-based encryption hides ransomware attacks.

Network encryption also offers several important advantages compared to application-based encryption. One is that it preserves storage array services such as dedupe and compression, which are destroyed when using application-based encryption.

Not surprisingly, therefore, IT users are seeking ways to protect themselves against crippling and expensive ransomware attacks; they also want to comply with new government regulations mandating all data be encrypted. That includes the United States’ Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) 2.0, the European Union’s Network and Information Security (NIS) 2, and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

These mandates call for enterprises to modernize their IT infrastructures with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and zero-trust architecture. Broadcom’s Emulex Secure HBA, which secures data between host servers and storage arrays, provides a solution that, once installed, encrypts all data across all applications.

Figure 2 HBA’s session-based encryption is explained with three fundamental tasks. Source: Broadcom

Emulex Secure HBA facilitates in-flight storage area network (SAN) data encryption while complementing existing security technologies. Next, it supports zero-trust platform with Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM) cryptographic authentication of endpoints as well as silicon root-of-trust authentication.

It runs on existing Fibre Channel infrastructure, and Emulex 32G and 64G Secure HBAs are available in 1, 2, and 4 port configurations. These network encryption solutions offloaded to data center hardware are shipping now.

Related Content

• Securing the Internet of Things in a Quantum World
• New Rambus IP Product Advances Data Center Security
• Cisco, Radiflow Team on Intrusion Detection in Data Centers
• The Quantum Leap in Cybersecurity: A New Era of Challenges
• Why 2025 Will Be Pivotal in Our Defense Against Quantum Threat

The post Host bus adapter boasts quantum-resistant network encryption appeared first on EDN.

India’s Indichip Semiconductors Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Andhra Pradesh state to construct ‘India’s first private semiconductor manufacturing facility’...

In modern warfare, the ability to detect and neutralize enemy artillery, rockets, and missiles is critical. Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) have become indispensable tools for militaries worldwide, providing real-time detection, tracking, and counter-battery fire capabilities. These advanced systems use cutting-edge radar technology to pinpoint the origin of enemy fire, enabling rapid and precise retaliation. Here, we explore the top 10 weapon locating radars in the world, highlighting their features, capabilities, and significance in contemporary defense strategies.

1. AN/TPQ-53 (USA)
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the AN/TPQ-53 is one of the most advanced WLRs in the U.S. Army’s arsenal. It uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to detect and track rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM) with exceptional accuracy. The system is highly mobile, making it ideal for rapid deployment in dynamic combat environments. Its ability to simultaneously track multiple threats has made it a cornerstone of U.S. military operations.

2. ARTHUR (Sweden/Norway)
The ARTHUR (Artillery Hunting Radar) is a collaborative effort between Sweden and Norway, designed by Saab. This medium-range radar excels in detecting and locating enemy artillery and rocket launchers. ARTHUR is known for its reliability and adaptability, with versions deployed by several NATO countries. Its advanced signal processing capabilities allow it to operate effectively in cluttered environments.

3. COBRA (Germany/France/UK)
The COBRA (Counter Battery Radar) is a state-of-the-art system developed by a consortium of European defense giants, including Thales and Airbus. It is designed to detect and locate enemy artillery positions at long ranges (up to 100 km). COBRA’s phased-array radar and high processing power enable it to handle multiple threats simultaneously, making it a key asset for NATO forces.

4. BEL Weapon Locating Radar (India)
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the BEL Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) to meet the Indian Army’s requirements. This indigenously built radar is capable of detecting and tracking artillery shells, mortars, and rockets with high precision. Its mobility and ability to operate in harsh environments make it a valuable asset for India’s defense forces.

5. ZOOPARK-1M (Russia)
The ZOOPARK-1M is a Russian-made WLR designed to detect and locate enemy artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers. It is highly mobile and can be deployed quickly in battlefield conditions. The system’s advanced algorithms and signal processing capabilities allow it to operate effectively in electronic warfare environments, making it a key component of Russia’s military strategy.

6. ELM-2084 (Israel)
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the ELM-2084 is a multi-mission radar system that excels in weapon locating and air defense. Its advanced AESA technology enables it to detect and track a wide range of threats, including rockets, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ELM-2084 is a key component of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, providing critical early warning and targeting data.

7. SLC-2 (China)
China’s SLC-2 radar is a versatile weapon locating system designed to detect and track artillery, rockets, and missiles. It is known for its long-range detection capabilities and ability to operate in challenging environments. The SLC-2 has been exported to several countries, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

8. SQUIRE (Netherlands)
The SQUIRE (Surveillance and Weapon Locating Radar) is a lightweight, mobile radar system developed by Thales Netherlands. It is designed to detect and locate mortars, artillery, and rockets with high accuracy. SQUIRE’s compact design and rapid deployment capabilities make it ideal for use in peacekeeping missions and asymmetric warfare.

9. AMB (France)
The AMB (Artillery Mortar Locating Radar) is a French-made system designed to detect and track enemy artillery and mortars. It is known for its high accuracy and ability to operate in dense electronic warfare environments. The AMB is widely used by the French Army and has been exported to several allied nations.

10. HALO (UK)
The HALO (Hostile Artillery LOcating) radar, developed by Thales UK, is a lightweight and mobile system designed for rapid deployment. It is capable of detecting and tracking mortars, artillery, and rockets with high precision. HALO’s advanced signal processing and compact design make it a valuable asset for modern militaries.

Conclusion

As conflicts become increasingly complex, WLRs will continue to play a vital role in ensuring battlefield dominance and protecting troops from enemy fire. With ongoing advancements in radar technology, the future of WLRs promises even greater precision, mobility, and adaptability. These systems are not just tools but strategic assets that solidify their place as indispensable components in the arsenal of modern militaries. The top 10 weapon locating radars in the world highlight the global effort to stay ahead in defense technology, ensuring safety and superiority in an ever-evolving battlefield landscape.

The post Top 10 Weapon Locating Radars in the World: Cutting-Edge Technology for Modern Warfare appeared first on ELE Times.

According to a study by Global Market Insights Inc, the compound semiconductor market was $44.5bn in 2023 and is estimated to rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% to $111.6bn by the end of 2032. This is driven by the distinct advantages of compound semiconductors, which provide superior performance in high-frequency, high-power and energy-efficient applications. These materials excel in telecoms, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and aerospace, where their ability to handle extreme conditions, higher power and heat resistance surpasses traditional silicon semiconductors...

submitted by /u/TheRealZFinch [link] [comments]

Celestial AI of Santa Clara, CA, USA, creator of the Photonic Fabric optical interconnect technology platform for AI computing systems, has appointed Lip-Bu Tan to its board of directors...

Luminus Devices Inc of Sunnyvale, CA, USA – which designs and makes LEDs and solid-state technology (SST) light sources for illumination markets – has expanded its laser portfolio with new multi-mode red and blue lasers for laser projection, lighting, illumination, biometric monitoring, and materials processing applications...

done with a 4$ iron, unleaded solder and no flux submitted by /u/Doughnut_Opposite [link] [comments]

Current-mode control LLC considerations

Inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) serial resonant circuits, as shown in Figure 1, can achieve both zero voltage switching on the primary side and zero current switching on the secondary side in order to improve efficiency and enable a higher switching frequency. In general, an LLC converter uses direct frequency control, which has only one voltage loop and stabilizes its output voltage by adjusting the switching frequency. An LLC with direct frequency control cannot achieve high bandwidth because there is a double pole in the LLC small-signal transfer function that can vary under different load conditions [1] [2]. When including all of the corner conditions, the compensator design for a direct frequency control LLC becomes tricky and complicated.

Current-mode control can eliminate the double pole with an inner control loop, achieving high bandwidth under all operating conditions with a simple compensator. Hybrid hysteretic control is a method of LLC current-mode control that combines charge control and ramp compensation [3]. This method maintains the good transient performance of charge control, but avoids the related stability issues under no- or light-load conditions by adding slope compensation. The UCC256404 LLC resonant controller from Texas Instruments proves this method’s success.

Figure 1 LLC serial resonant circuits that achieve both zero voltage switching on the primary side and zero current switching on the secondary side. Source: Texas Instruments

Principles of LLC current-mode control

Similar to pulse-width modulation (PWM) converters such as buck and boost, peak current-mode control controls the inductor current in each switching cycle and simplifies the inner control loop into a first-order system. Reference [2] proposes LLC charge control with the resonant capacitor voltage.

In an LLC converter, the resonant tank operates like a swing. The high- and low-side switches are pushing and pulling the voltage on the resonant capacitor: when the high-side switch turns on, the voltage on the resonant capacitor will swing up after the resonant current turns positive; conversely, when the low-side switch turns on, the voltage on the resonant capacitor will swing down after the resonant current turns negative.

Energy flows into the resonant converter when the high-side switch turns on. If you remove the input decoupling capacitor, the power delivered into the resonant tank equals the integration of the product of the input voltage and the input current. If you neglect the dead time, Equation 1 expresses the energy in each switching cycle.

In Equation 1, the input voltage is constant, and the input current equals the absolute of the resonant current. So, you can modify Equation 1 into Equation 2.

Looking at the resonant capacitor, the integration of the resonant current is proportional to the voltage variation on the resonant capacitor (Equation 3).

Equation 4 deduces the energy delivered into the resonant tank.

From Equation 4, it is obvious that the energy delivered in one switching cycle is proportional to the voltage variation on the resonant capacitor when the high-side switch turns on. This is very similar to peak current control in a buck or boost converter, in which the energy is proportional to the peak current of the inductor.

LLC current-mode control controls the energy delivered in each switching cycle by controlling the voltage variation on the resonant capacitor, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 The LLC current-mode control principle that manages the energy delivered in each switching cycle by controlling the voltage variation on the resonant capacitor. Source: Texas Instruments

LLC current-mode control with MCUs

Figure 3 shows the logic of a current-mode LLC implemented with the TMS320F280039C C2000 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) from Texas Instruments, which includes a hardware-based delta voltage of resonant capacitor (ΔVCR) comparison, pulse generation and maximum period limitation [4].

In LLC current-mode control, signal Vc comes from the voltage loop compensator, and signal VCR is the voltage sense of the resonant capacitor. A C2000 comparator subsystem module has an internal ramp generator that can automatically provide downsloped compensation to Vc. You just need to set the initial value of the ramp generator; the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) will provide the downsloped VCR limitation (Vc_ramp) based on the slope setting. The comparator subsystem module compares the analog signal of VCR with the sloped limitation, and generates a trigger event (COMPARE_EVT) to trigger enhanced PWM (ePWM) through the ePWM X-bar.

The action qualifier submodule in ePWM receives the compare event from the comparator subsystem and pulls low the high side of PWM (PWMH) in each switching cycle. The configurable logic block then duplicates the same pulse width to the low side of PWM (PWML) after PWMH turns low. After PWML turns low, the configurable logic block generates a synchronous pulse to reset all of the related modules and resets PWMH to high. The process repeats with a new switching cycle.

Besides the compare actions, the time base submodule limits the maximum pulse width of PWMH and PWML, which determines the minimum switching frequency of the LLC converter. If the compare event hasn’t appeared until the timer counts to the maximum setting, the time base submodule will reset the AQ submodule and pull down PWMH, replacing the compare event action from the comparator subsystem module.

This hardware logic forms the inner VCR variation control, which controls the energy delivered to the resonant tank in each switching cycle. You can then design the outer voltage loop compensator, using the traditional interrupt service routine to calculate and refresh the setting of the VCR variation amplitude to Vc.

For a more detailed description of the hybrid hysteretic control logic, see Reference [1].

Figure 3 LLC current-mode control logic with a C2000 MCU where the signal Vc comes from the voltage loop compensator, and the signal VCR is the voltage sense of the resonant capacitor. Source: Texas Instruments

Experimental results

I tested the current-mode control method described here on a 1-kW half-bridge LLC platform with the TMS320F280039C MCU. Figure 4 shows the Bode plot of the voltage loop under a 400 V input and 42 A load, proving that the LLC can achieve 6 kHz of bandwidth with a 50-degree phase margin.

Figure 4 The Bode plot of a current-mode control LLC with a 400 V input and 42 A load. Source: Texas Instruments

Figure 5 compares the load transient between direct frequency control and hybrid hysteretic control with a 400-V input and a load transient from 10 A to 80 A with a 2.5 A/µs slew rate. As you can see, the hybrid hysteretic control current-mode control method can achieve better a load transient response than a traditional direct frequency control LLC.

For more experimental test data and waveforms, see Reference [5].

Figure 5 Load transient with direct frequency control (a) and hybrid hysteretic control (b), from 10 A to 80 A with a 2.5 A/µs slew rate under a 400 VDC input. Green is the primary current; light blue is the output voltage, with DC coupled; purple is the output voltage, with AC coupled; and dark blue is the output current. Source: Texas Instruments

Digital current-mode controlled LLC

The digital current-mode controlled LLC can achieve higher control bandwidth than direct frequency control and hold very low voltage variation during load transition. In N+1 redundancy and parallel applications, this control method can keep the bus voltage within the regulation range during hot swapping or protecting. So, this control method has been widely adopted in data center power and AI server power with this fast response feature and digital programable ability.

Desheng Guo is a system engineer at Texas Instruments, where he is responsible for developing power solutions as part of the power delivery industrial segment. He has created multiple reference designs and is familiar with AC-DC power supply, digital control, and GaN products. He received a master’s degree from the Harbin Institute of Technology in power electronics in 2007, and previously worked for Huawei Technology and Delta Electronics before joining TI.

Related Content

• Power Tips #84: Think outside the LLC series resonant converter box
• Power Tips #117: Measure your LLC resonant tank before testing at full operating conditions
• Power Tips #122: Overview of a planar transformer used in a 1-kW high-density LLC power module
• Power Tips #97: Shape an LLC-SRC gain curve to meet battery charger needs
• Power Tips #92: High-frequency resonant converter design considerations, Part 2

References

1. Hu, Zhiyuan, Yan-Fei Liu, and Paresh C. Sen. “Bang-Bang Charge Control for LLC Resonant Converters.” Published in IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics 30, no. 2, (February 2015): pp. 1093-1108. doi: 10.1109/TPEL.2014.2313130.
2. McDonald, Brent, and Yalong Li. “A novel LLC resonant controller with best-in-class transient performance and low standby power consumption.” Published in 2018 IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC), San Antonio, Texas, March 4-8, 2018, pp. 489-493. doi: 10.1109/APEC.2018.8341056.
3. “UCC25640x LLC Resonant Controller with Ultra-Low Audible Noise and Standby Power.” Texas Instruments data sheet, literature No. SLUSD90E, February 2021.
4. Li, Aki, Desheng Guo, Peter Luong, and Chen Jiang. “Digital Control Implementation for Hybrid Hysteretic Control LLC Converter.” Texas Instruments application note, literature No. SPRADJ1A, August 2024.
5. Texas Instruments. n.d. “1-kW, 12-V HHC LLC reference design using C2000 real-time microcontroller.” Texas Instruments reference design No. PMP41081. Accessed Jan. 16, 2025.

 

The post Power Tips #137: Implementing LLC current-mode control on the secondary side with a digital controller appeared first on EDN.

In a pre-close trading update for full-year 2024, epiwafer and substrate maker IQE plc of Cardiff, Wales, UK says that it now expects revenue of £118m, exceeding 18 November’s guidance of about £115m. This is up from 2023’s £115.3m...