Würth Elektronik Watts Up Podcast
112 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingEach 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Beat the Heat with Thermal Management
September 29, 2022 16:00 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MBThermal 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.
Power Modules Explained
September 22, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBIn 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.
Interpreting Datasheet Values and Specifications of Capacitors
September 15, 2022 16:00 - 39 minutes - 54 MBCapacitor 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.
Optimizing the Lifetime of Optocouplers
September 08, 2022 16:00 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBWhen 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...
How to Pass Conducted Emissions Using Line Filters
September 01, 2022 16:00 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBLearn 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.
Introduction to High Current Power Inductors
August 25, 2022 16:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MBThere 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.
Flexible Transformers for DC/DC Applications
August 04, 2022 16:00 - 6 minutes - 8.92 MBShort, 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 Elektr...
The Effects of Harsh Environmental Conditions on Film Capacitors
July 28, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBHumidity 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 compon...
Throwback- Basics of Power Transformers
July 21, 2022 16:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBWE 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 rep...
Throwback- Basics of Power Inductors
July 14, 2022 16:00 - 51 minutes - 70 MBWE are doing Throwback Thursday #TBT – For the next few weeks, we’re republishing our most popular podcasts of the last year. This podcast comes from a WEbinar presented by Würth Elektronik's George Slama, Senior Application and Content Engineer. This first session covers inductors and how to specify and select the correct one. Click here to replay the Webinar on Demand or visit www.we-online.com/webinars.
Throwback- USB Interface from an EMC Point of View- Part II
July 07, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBWE are doing Throwback Thursday #TBT – For the next few weeks, we’re republishing our most popular podcasts of the last year. In last week's broadcast, we began our discussion regarding the design of a USB but from a viewpoint of EMC considerations. We discussed the hardware and components, EMC circuitry, and the use of a USB filter. This week, we begin with the filter for DC supply. Figure 11: Figure 12: Figure 18: Figure 19: Figure 21: Figure 22: Figure 24: Figure 27:
Throwback- USB Interface from an EMC Point of View- Part I
June 30, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 28 MBWE are doing Throwback Thursday #TBT – For the next few weeks, we’re republishing our most popular podcasts of the last year. Next up, our very popular episode, "USB Interface from an EMC POV- Part I." Today's discussion centers around the Universal Serial Bus, commonly known as USB. We'll be discussing the interface from an EMC point of view, and talk about technologies, hardware and components, PCB layout, and more. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 7: Figur...
Throwback- Safe, Reliable Designs for Non-Isolated Offline Switchers with 400VDC Rated Power Inductors
June 23, 2022 16:00 - 22 minutes - 30.3 MBWE are doing Throwback Thursday #TBT – We’re republishing our most popular podcasts of the last year. First up, "Safe, Reliable Designs for Non-Isolated Offline Switchers with 400VDC Rated Power Inductors." Although the majority of AC offline converters and switching converters that run from hazardous voltage, include galvanic isolation for safety, there are many applications where non-isolated circuits can be used. Where mechanical isolation protects the user and service personnel from co...
Common Mode Choke Parameters Explained
June 16, 2022 16:00 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MBCommon mode chokes are widely used noise suppression components for a variety of applications. For a better understanding, we will explain how to properly read the main datasheet parameters and charts to find the right common mode choke for specific applications. We also demonstrate how to simulate common mode chokes using software, such as LT Spice. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
Pressure Altimeter Using an Absolute Pressure Sensor
June 09, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBMEMS based pressure sensors have gained popularity in recent years for their altimeter functionality. In today's podcast, we'll discuss the altimeter functionality of the absolute pressure sensors from Wurth Elektronik, and the built-in sensor features such as filters, offset calibration, temperature compensation, and more to help customers to implement the altimeter functionality with high accuracy. Download the complete Application Note, ANM003, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here....
Retrofitting for Industrial IoT using Wi-Fi
June 02, 2022 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBRetrofitting industrial equipment with sensors and IP connectivity is a cost-efficient way of gaining the benefits of IIoT, like data collection and real-time monitoring, without fully replacing functioning equipment. In this podcast, based off a recent webinar, we present a IoT retrofit connectivity solutions based on the Calypso WiFi module, with the help of a live demo. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
Current Sense is Common Sense
May 26, 2022 16:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBMeasuring current is important to maintain safety control over circuitry. Current sense transformers also give distinct advantages when measuring circuit current. In this interview with Dean Huumala, Senior Manager with the Product Management Group at Würth Elektronik, explains the advantages and uses of current sensors. Click here to view the Current Sense Transformer line from Würth Elektronik and select the right transformer with the REDEXPERT component selection tool available at www.we-...
Everything About THR Soldering
May 19, 2022 16:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBBecause of fast assembling and small sizes, designers are turning to surfance mount technology on their PCBs. Although there are still through-hole (THT) components that need to be soldered by Wave, Through-Hole Reflow (THR), allows designers to solder the Through-Hole Components together with the surfance mount parts in the Reflow Oven, thus canceling the whole Wave Soldering Process; saving time and money. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online...
Filtering EMI on an RS-485 Interface: Part II
May 12, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBIn our last episode, we talked about an adapter stick for the RS-485 Standard that was designed to include a complete filter circuit for selected applications. Today's podcast is part two of understanding the RS-485 Transmission Standard, and how to design the correct PCB, measurement of the S-parameters, and an evaluation. Download the complete Application Note, ANP008, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here. Figure 1:
Filtering EMI on an RS-485 Interface: Part I
May 05, 2022 16:00 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBBy filtering directly at the interface, interference emissions, electrostatic discharges and fast transients bursts are prevented from entering the system; thus negatively influencing the operating performance. To verify the EMC properties of electrical systems, special tests are carried out in accredited EMC test laboratories, and if these tests are not passed, the application has to be revised. In order to simplify this process, an adapter stick was designed which contains a complete filte...
Characterizing Methods for Flexible Absorber Sheets
April 28, 2022 16:00 - 15 minutes - 21 MBThe most common means of solving electromagnetic noise problems is to shield the system with conductive materials, however, a large number of electronic devices have many parts that operate at high frequencies that can cause complex EMI problems that cannot be removed with conductive shielding. In today's podcast, we discuss ways to avoid these issues by using Flexible Absorber Sheets to supress unwanted high-frequency electromagnetic components. Download the complete Application Note, ANP05...
An In-Depth Look at the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of ZIF/LIF/FFC
April 21, 2022 16:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBBesides the basic guidelines for applications, designers need to consider mechanical and electrical properties when selecting FPC connectors and FFC cable. This podcast comes from a recent webinar, in which Wurth Elektronik Application Engineer Frank Fraeber discusses the characteristics and differences of each connector and explains how to select a suitable component for different applications. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-on...
Sustainable Food Production with Horticulture LEDs
April 14, 2022 16:00 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBAt the Applied Power and Electronics Conference (APEC) in Houston, Texas in 2022, Wurth Elektronik showcased its Hortirack. The Hortirack is a horticulture grow chamber that allows users to grow plants and produce from seedlings; using an array of horticulture LEDs produced by Wurth Elektronik. Today's podcast gives insights into the world of horticulture LEDs and how they can support food production. We will also look at considerations needed from an electrical and biological view. Click he...
Energy Harvesting Development Steps
April 07, 2022 16:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBIn this podcast, we explore the world of energy harvesting and discuss ways to not only harvest energy, but also use it in electronic applications. This podcast, based on a popular webinar, delves into the bascis first, describing ambient energies available, then moves on to challenges in converting and storing energies. We will finish off by examining the new low power converter ICs that can be powered from multiple harvesters at the same time. Click here to watch the complete Webinar on de...
The Aging and Changing of MLCC Capacity
March 31, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBApplications depend on certain or fixed capacity values to achieve a desired performance. However, ambient temperature, structural changes or component tolerances play an important role. Today we will discuss an overview of the most important factors and how these can be reduced by using a different material or external influences. Download the complete Application Note, SN011, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here.
EMI: 101 Part II
March 24, 2022 16:00 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBOur last podcast introduced ferrites and the basics of EMC. Today we finish with a discussion on insertion losses and calculations and close with clamp-on ferrites. Click here to watch the complete WEbinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
EMI: 101 Part I
March 17, 2022 16:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBIn today's podcast, we discuss the basics, along with an overview of EMC, details on chip bead ferrites, and how to correctly read datasheets associated with ferrites. Click here to watch the complete WEbinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/webinars.
Determining the Ideal Power Inductor for Energy-Efficient Applications
March 10, 2022 17:00 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBEnergy-efficient devices are important components for saving resources and protecting the environment. The more efficient the electronics, the longer the battery service life for mobile devices, and in large-scale industrial and server installations with thousands of loads, the energy requirement is clearly reduced. The basis for energy-efficient devices is essentially influenced by the power supply unit. Download the complete Application Note, ANP031, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click ...
EMC Passive Components for Automotive Applications
March 03, 2022 17:00 - 52 minutes - 11.9 MBAnymore, passive components that are only AEC-Q200 tested are not enough for the use in automotive application. Many more tests are needed for qualification for a good design and high quality component because without electronics, our vehicles would not operate. In this podcast, we discuss a few little design tips using passive components that are adequate enough to pass AEC-Q22 qualifications and complete a reliable automotive design. Click here to watch the complete WEbinar on demand, or v...
Negative Input Resistance of Switching Regulators
February 24, 2022 17:00 - 10 minutes - 2.44 MBEven though a switching regulator may produce a constant output voltage at the end of the development phase, often, designers encounter unpleasant effects, such as unwanted oscillations, at the input. So why does the input of the switching regulator tend to oscillate under certain circumstances? In this podcast, we examine "negative" resistance and come to the understanding that the sign is based on a behavior which can be attributed to transients. Download the complete Application Note, ANP...
REDCUBE Terminals – Innovation at its Finest
February 17, 2022 17:00 - 21 minutes - 4.83 MBWhile Press-Fit is becoming more widely known in the industry, do the masses of designers really understand the benefits of using the technology? In this interview with Ben Arden, Business Development Manager for the Electromechanics Division at Würth Elektronik's, Ben explains the advantages and uses of REDCUBE Press-Fit components. Click here to view the entire REDCUBE line, or visit Würth Elektronik online at www.we-online.com/redcube. REDCUBE Press-Fits
Sensors in the Change of Time
February 10, 2022 17:00 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MBToday, an innovative sensor system contains so much more than just the single sensor cell. The ongoing miniaturization in microelectronics development makes it possible to design Application Specific Integrated Circuits, or ASICs, with remarkable performance and minimal size. In today's podcast, we will show that besides an analogue to digital converter, we can also integrate complex digital signal processing. Click here to watch the complete WEbinar on demand, or visit Würth Elektronik onli...
Whisker Growth and Mitigation
February 03, 2022 17:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBA whisker is a crystalline structure of material that appears on tin surfaces. This well-known phenomenon was discovered in the early 1950's, and new legislative actions to avoid lead in electronic components has lead to the return of this whisker problem. These whiskers may reduce the isolation resistance and additional problems arise when the whiskers break and short the printed circuit board or some fine pitch components. In this podcast, we'll discuss some facts about understanding whisk...
Small, Inconspicuous, and Underestimated. EMC Ferrites are More Than Birdseed on the PCB
January 27, 2022 17:00 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBEMC ferrites are widely used on many PCBs today. In this podcast, we'll discuss the influence of DC bias and explain the differences between the old measurement type and new extended measurement type. We also discuss the influence of temperature and compare the surface mount ferrite to the surface mount ferrite for high frequency applications, then finish with the pulse current detection of the WE-MPSB and the new pulse definition of wired surface mount products. Click here to watch the co...
Antenna Matching Network Optimization & the Effect of Coaxial Connectors
January 20, 2022 17:00 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBMultilayer chip antennas are a preference for engineers, who are restricted by cost, time and space requirements in wireless system designs for handheld devices. In this podcast, we will show how even non-RF engineers can easily incorporate the antenna into new designs without special RF design knownedge. We also focus on how to match chip antenna with the rest of the circuit and give special consideration to coaxial connector types and their effects on the impedance. Click here to watch the...
Influence of a Control Loop by an Output Filter
January 13, 2022 17:00 - 9 minutes - 13.7 MBOutput filters are often used for noise suppression, which may have an influence on the control loop. To prevent output power losses, it may be necessary to compensate the control loop. No matter what switching regulator topology is used, as a result of the parasitic series resistor ESR, and the parasitic inductance ESL, of the output capacitor, the output current causes an undesired residual ripple. Download the complete Application Note, ANP006, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here....
Loss-Free Filtered
January 06, 2022 17:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBSwitching controllers exhibit a residual ripple in their output voltage, which disturbs electronic devices, and may cause electromagnetic interference. Output filters are often used for interference suppression, which may exert an influence on the control loop. Compensation of the control loop may be required to prevent losses in output power. Download the complete Application Note, ANP009, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3:
Peak Current Proof Input Filter with Multilayer Power Suppression Beads
December 16, 2021 17:00 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBChip bead ferrites are the best components for reducing high frequency noise above 10 MHz, but being the first components and the last components in the chain exposes chip bead ferrites to heavy transient currents. In this podcast, we discuss how circuit designers can now select parts that filter noise with minimal impact to power efficiency and will handle large current pulses with excellent reliability. Download the complete Application Note, ANP041, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or clic...
Measurement of the Interference Voltage on DC/DC Switching Regulators
December 09, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBConducted interference occurs in the input circuit, whereby other electrical equipment can be disrupted, so the conducted interferences are first checked at the beginning of an EMC test of power supplies. In today's podcast, based off an Application Note, we discuss the procedure for examining differential mode interference in the input circuit of DC/DC switching regulators. Download the Application Note, ANP101, at www.we-online.com/appnotes or click here. Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3...
Voids in Bottom Termination Components
November 18, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBThe market for Bottom Termination Components (BTCs) is growing rapidly, but these components have brought new challenges in design and assembly processes. The large areas of the solder terminals bring many advantages with them, like dissipating heat of the component. However, if the assembly process is not properly adjusted, then this can cause voids under the component. In today's podcast, we'll discuss the work carried out to evaluate the challenges of voids on the WE-MAPI and other DFN pr...
Indoor Farming and Horticulture LEDs
November 11, 2021 17:00 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBAdvancements in lighting, heating, watering, and control systems have allowed the construction of vast, artificially lit, indoor greenhouses. One of the most significant future advancements in the viability of indoor greenhouses has been the advancement of LED technology. As advancements in their fabrication have progressed, LEDs have become the preferred solution for indoor cultivation. In this podcast, based on an Application Note, we discuss how these high-tech greenhouse installations ca...
How Do I Solve EMI Problems on PCB Level?
November 04, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 45.3 MBEMI is a common problem engineers face when designing a new application. How can a developer solve EMC problems on the circuit board or prevent them from occurring? What has to be considered and where does it make sense to use a filter? Which system impedances are there and what are the deciding factors for which filter topology should be used? In this podcast, based on a popular WEbinar, we answer these questions and give examples of how to correctly use a simplified filter calculation for ...
EMC & Efficiency Optimization of High Power DC/DC Converters
October 28, 2021 16:00 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBChoosing the appropriate components is vital for the efficiency of DC/DC switching regulators with relatively high input and output currents. A high-efficiency switching regulator is market-ready if it, and the end product, comply with all necessary EMC standards; meaning more filters must be included at the input and output to reduce interference. With high input and output currents, it is difficult to find a compromise between the efficiency, size, damping and cost of the filter, and the a...
UV LEDs for Disinfection
October 21, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBRecently, the need for disinfection technologies has skyrocketed. One of these technologies is disinfection using UV-C LEDs. Disinfection with UV-C LEDs can help reduce the spread of viruses such as the Corona virus as well as other germs. In this podcast episode, based on an application note and a WEbinar, the working mechanism behind disinfection with UV-C radiation is discussed, as well as examples to simulate how to achieve disinfection. To watch the complete WEbinar on demand, visit W...
Effective USB 3.1 Filtering and Protection
October 14, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 35 MBThis Application Note outlines the components needed to protect USB 3.1 devices and attenuate EMI that may cause the device to fail EMC testing. This will be demonstrated in USB Type-C dongle to characterize the effectiveness of the components. For information and components suitable for USB 2.0, please refer to the following Application Notes available at www.we-online.com/appnotes. ANP002 – The Protection of USB 2.0 Applications ANP024 – The USB Interface from EMC Point of View To do...
Hot Plugging of PoE Modular Jacks
October 07, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBModular jacks (MJ) connectors and cables are broadly used to bring Ethernet signal up to 10 Gb/s depending on the category of the product. It is also possible to deliver power through it with PoE. In this episode, we will study if recommendations for the WE-MJ connectors can be extended up to Type 4 and demonstrate the capabilities of modular jacks in case they are accidently used as a disconnector product in a PoE application. Download this Application Note, Hot Plugging of PoE Modular Ja...
Multilayer Chip Antenna Placement & Matching
September 30, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBThe trend to miniaturize wireless communication devices has led to decreased PCB sizes and increased component densities. Although this shift to miniaturized technology has aided many areas of electronic design, it constrains RF front-end design. Multilayer chip antennas are an interesting choice for engineers, who are restricted by cost and space requirements in wireless system design. Low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) multilayer chip antennas are formed from several layers of dielect...
Going Wireless with Magnetic Shielding
September 23, 2021 16:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MBMagnetic Field Interferences are increasing in electronic devices due to a number of factors including reduced separation distances of PCB’s, Integrated Circuits and many other sensitive components. Magnetically coupled communication technologies leads to more complex layout and proximity considerations. With Ferrite materials it is possible to manage and predict magnetic flux flow and thereby improve efficiency of power transfers, increase distances of near field communications and of cours...
What Do Rated Current Values Mean?
September 16, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBRated current values found on datasheets serve as a guide for the selection of power inductors. However, the temperature rise in power inductors can be influenced by many factors that are not always reported in datasheets by all manufacturers giving a false sense of what the rated current values actually represent. In this podcast, we discuss how the behavior of a single inductor in different conditions demonstrates how different performance parameters may be used to gauge the performance of...
EMC Filter for DC/DC Switching Controller Optimized
September 09, 2021 16:00 - 11 minutes - 15.9 MBModern power supplies need to reduce power loss in order to remain efficient. Switch mode power supplies and DC/DC switching controllers are state of the art and allow great efficiency, but if the design of the circuit and circuit board layout is less poor, then this can result in increased emission of radio interference voltage. In this podcast, we are discusses the systematic implementation of input filters for reducing symmetric interfering voltage in DC/DC switching controllers. Figure...