Each week, we're seeing what's up in the world of electronic and electromechanical components and PCB design. We'll be checking in with leading industry experts, and Würth Elektronik technology specialists and product managers, who are going to shine a light on interesting topics such as energy harvest, wireless power transfer, EMI issues and more. Tune in to get technical design tips and applications during your commute, at your desk, or wherever you might be with the Wurth Elektronik's Watts Up Podcast.
We are back to focusing on EMI, but now we're taking a look at the crucial topic of modern EMI shielding technology and techniques. As we've discussed in previous episodes, EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) can significantly impact the performance and reliability of sensitive electronic devices, so it is essential that we understand how to prevent these interferences. Complete your design with EMI shielding materials from Würth Elektronik at WE online. To watch the full video, visit www.we-online.com/podcast.
9/26/24 • 66:47
This podcast is designed for newcomers to the world of electronics and for educators aiming to help their students understand the fundamental concepts of key components. We'll simplify the essentials of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors—explaining what they are, how they function, and their various applications. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a professional transitioning into the electronics field, or a teacher seeking to provide your students with a basic understanding of these components, this podcast will help you build a solid foundation in electronics. Learn more about the featured components: Resistors Capacitors Inductors Diodes Transistors
9/13/24 • 25:28
The podcast explores how to choose the right filter topology based on different system impedances, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution for EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). It also covers basic physics principles to keep in mind to prevent unwanted interferences. For a full video and to view product materials, visit our website at www.we-online.com/podcast.
8/29/24 • 37:18
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is unwanted noise in electrical circuits caused by electromagnetic fields from natural and human-made sources (power lines, radio transmitters, appliances). This podcast explores EMI filters, which are essential for reducing noise in electronic devices, ensuring they meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. Key considerations for selecting EMI filters include frequency range, interference levels, filter type, environmental conditions, mounting options, and system compatibility. To read the full Würth Elektronik article, click here or visit Element 14/ An AVNET Community.
8/15/24 • 12:34
In this podcast, we explore market trends driving electronic components to their limits, focusing on thermal aging in molded inductors. As miniaturization and higher current densities increase operating temperatures, thermal aging risks grow. We'll discuss its causes, detection methods, impacts on applications, and products designed to address these challenges. For a full video and to view product materials, visit our website at www.we-online.com/podcast.
6/6/24 • 38:16
Digital isolators are crucial for secure, interference-free signal transmission between various voltage levels without direct electrical connection. In this podcast, we'll explore digital isolators in detail, focusing on their role in ensuring safety, interference-free data transmission, and common mode interference mitigation. We'll discuss their internal structure and how they maintain isolation, as well as the industry standards they must meet for reliability and compatibility. Finally, we'll examine the wide range of applications where digital isolators excel, showcasing their versatility and suitability for various scenarios. For a full video and to view product materials, visit our website at www.we-online.com/podcast.
5/23/24 • 27:03
Anymore, passive components which are solely tested with AEC-Q200 standards are still insufficient for automotive use. Additional tests are crucial for ensuring high-quality components in vehicle electronics. This podcast explores design tips using components meeting AEC-Q22 qualifications for reliable automotive designs. Watch the full webinar on demand here or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
3/28/24 • 52:08
In this podcast episode, we talk about why Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are preferred over linear power supplies in power supply design, and discuss the challenges of selecting the correct SMPS topology to meet cost, efficiency, and design requirements effectively. To compare types of SMPS topologies, including Non-isolated and Isolated topologies, click here or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com.
3/14/24 • 12:55
The recent GaN technology can operate at very high frequencies and deliver major efficiency gains. In this episode, STMicroelectronics and Würth Elektronik experts will cover the basics of flyback converters and introduce you to the most recent GaN-based auxiliary converter designs and their main benefits. To watch the complete video on demand, visit our Würth Elektronik YouTube page or click here.
2/2/24 • 79:38
Beyond its traditional uses in lighting, signaling, and horticulture, light shows promising potential in advanced sensing applications. In this podcast, we aim to shed light on the operational principles of optical sensors. We'll begin by establishing a basic understanding of relevant optical material properties in various applications. Additionally, we'll explore the impact of external factors, such as incident sunlight, on these optical sensors. To watch the complete video on demand, visit our Würth Elektronik YouTube page or click here.
1/19/24 • 45:47
In this podcast, we'll show you how to effortlessly decrease the temperature on your PCB. We'll begin by guiding you through the art of designing traces based on two key IPC standards, then test the process with examples and tests. To watch the video, visit www.we-online.com/podcast.
12/14/23 • 30:32
The technological overhaul taking place in hospitals and medical centers is undoubtedly improving medical procedures. Doctors and health professionals benefit from operating with the highest possible video image quality for the most accurate representation of patients’ conditions. With the advent of medical-grade visualization systems, procedural workflows improve, and high-quality, zero latency uncompressed video images are transmitted over long-distances for better collaboration, education and monitoring. This podcast is based on a paper published in All About Circuits. Today, we will introduce high-bandwidth uncompressed video connectivity for medical diagnostic equipment based on Valens' chipset VS3000 HDBaseT reference design solution, developed in collaboration with Würth Elektronik passive components. Download the article at All About Circuits: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/industry-white-papers/challenges-and-advantages-of-high-bandwidth-uncompressed-video-connectivity-for-medical-diagnostic-equipment/ Visit Valens online: https://www.valens.com/stello-family
9/28/23 • 13:07
In this audio only episode, we're diving into the world of temperature sensors and taking a look at the different technology approaches of those sensors. We'll be focusing on Wurth Eletkronik's WSEN-TIDS temperature sensor a digital interface, and talk about the advantages of these sensor types in Industry 4.0 and IIoT Applications. Replay the video and other podcasts at https://www.youtube.com/wuerthelektronik/podcasts
8/31/23 • 31:00
Wurth Elektronik is diving into the world of radio modules and exploring their diverse applications across industries. Whether it's remote control systems, wireless sensors, or even smart home devices, these modules play a pivotal role in bringing our innovative ideas to life. We'll be discussing short-range devices, also known as SRDs, as well as industrial, scientific, and medical or ISM radio links. Learn more about our line of wireless connectivity at https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/wco .
8/17/23 • 33:51
In today's segment, we are discussing cracks on molded power inductors. We're also showing the visual asymmetry around the core which may occur during the manufacturing process of WE-LHMI inductors series. REFERENCED IMAGES Figure 1: Download the Application Note Here.
4/20/23 • 09:10
Machine data can be collected from almost every device, but how can you make the process easy and comfortable if the device has no display or it's hard to reach? The answer is Bluetooth™. In this podcast, we'll discuss software solutions for fast evaluation and how they can be easily adopted to various applications. To watch the complete WEbinar on demand, visit our Würth Elektronik YouTube page or click here.
1/6/23 • 38:28
The world of technology is ever changing. Wide bandgap power semiconductor devices like Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs are enjoying growing popularity in many modern power electronic applications like E-mobility and renewable energy. Their extremely fast switching speed capability helps to increase efficiency and reduce the overall size and cost of the system. However, fast switching together with high operating voltages and increasing switching frequencies presents important challenges to the gate driver system. Rugged galvanic isolation, compliance with safety standards, control signal noise immunity and EMI performance- Those are just some of the most important aspects that designers need to consider. An optimal design of the isolated auxiliary supply providing the voltage and current levels to drive the SiC or GaN device is critical to help the full gate driver system meet the many requirements set by state-of-the-art applications. And today we're going to explore this design. Download the Application Note here. https://www.we-online.com/components/media/o190156v410%20ANP082b%20EN.pdf
12/22/22 • 12:26
As technology progresses, EMC continues to grow in importance and there is now a demand to know the characteristics of EMC components being used beyond their current, typical application range. In this podcast, we'll explain the different properties between multilayer ferrite beads in high frequency and standard multilayer ferrite beads, as well as a new methodology developed for the measurement of DC bias at high frequencies. Download the complete Application Note, ANP045, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here. Figure 1:
10/20/22 • 31:35
New technology is being pushed to operate at increased bandwidths over wider frequency ranges. It's important for design engineers to have a reliable all-purpose radio frequency (RF) amplifier on hand. The standard process when changing the operating frequency range of an existing RF amplifier usually requires a new design, but in today's podcast, we will explain why that may not be necessary. Download the complete Application Note, ANP101, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3:
10/13/22 • 36:47
In this podcast, we will discuss several iterations of a transformer, all that achieve the same fundamental requirements. We will also illustrate failure modes that are often overlooked by online design tools, and then demonstrate solutions that could reduce cost and improve performance. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
10/6/22 • 31:48
Thermal management is a challenge due to the miniatiruzation of designs, components, and an increase in power density. In this podcast, we will discuss Thermal Interface Materials and how a good thermal management of your designs will ensure longer component and device lifetime. Click here or visit www.we-online.com/catalog/tm to view Wurth Elektronik's line of Thermal Interface Materials.
9/29/22 • 08:40
In this episode, we are talking about the function of power modules. Our purpose is to provide an overview of the MagI3C Power Modules from Wurth Elektronik and compare different power modules against other discrete solutions. We will also discuss power module features and benefits as well as explore applications for power modules. To view slides from the podcast, visit Digi-Key online or click here.
9/22/22 • 11:15
Capacitor datasheets are often misunderstood and it is very possible that you are not getting the expected performance in your application. In this podcast, we will explain what information can be found in data sheets and what may be missing, but desperately needed, to understand the behavior of capacitors in circuits and applications. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
9/15/22 • 39:19
When designing a circuit, one of the main considerations you need to take is the expected lifetime; not only based on the product itself, but also all the individual components included. For optocouplers, the performance degrades over time depending on the operating conditions. In this podcast, we'll give an introduction into how Wurth Elektronik tests the lifetime of its optocouplers and how you can calculate the expected lifetime of your application. We'll also give special tips and tricks into how to operate the optocouplers for increased lifetime. Click here to download the complete App Note, ANO006, or visit www.we-online.com/appnotes. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3/4:
9/8/22 • 14:21
Learn the theory on selecting and implementing the right power line filter to reduce conducted emissions. Based on the strategy to separate differential mode and common mode components, we'll explain how to select a filter to pass the tests and demonstrate the effectivements of modal separation by a theoretical approach and live demonstration. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
9/1/22 • 52:04
There are many different applications in the market that are initiating high demand for products with higher current capability and the best performance in terms of losses and thermal behavior. In response, Wurth Elektronik has created an ever-expanding portfolio to fill the needs of customers. Today, we will discuss the importance of inductors, as well as some key features of inductors in specific designs. Download the slides here.
8/25/22 • 09:22
In this podcast, we'll take a look at the transformers impact on conducted and radiated EMI in an application and what designers should avoid during the design process in order to minimize EMI. We will explain in detail what practical construction techniques we can employ in order to mitigate these potential emissions. We will also discuss good EMC design practices, and finally cover additional EMI reduction measures. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
8/11/22 • 53:35
Short, sweet, and to the point. Learn how the WE-FLEX and WE-FLEX HV series of flexible transformers could work for your isolated DC/DC converters. In this brief podcast, we'll discuss the benefits of each transformer, explain the differences between the two series, and explain how to understand the important parameters in order to select the right transformer in the right configuration. Click here to check out the entire line of WE-FLEX and WE-FLEX HV flexible transformers from Wurth Elektronik.
8/4/22 • 06:30
Humidity and temperature have always been critical for many components, and one of the most important are capacitors. Depending on the application, a wide variety of environmental conditions can occur. The location of use also determines the resulting humidity and temperature. An application in subtropical countries has a different demand on the components than the application in countries with more moderate climatic conditions. In the field of discrete mains filter, there are special components, and these components are designed for harsher environmental conditions. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
7/28/22 • 28:27
WE are doing Throwback Thursday #TBT – For the next few weeks, we’re republishing our most popular podcasts of the last year. Last week, we replayed our Webinar, "Basics of Power Inductors," with our presenter, George Slama, Senior Application and Content Engineer with Wurth Elektronik. Today, we continue our series on power, with the sequel webinar "Basics of Power Transformers," and discuss the differences between transformers and inductors and key functions they provide. Click here to replay the Webinar On Demand, or visit www.we-online.com/webinar.
7/21/22 • 52:26