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    This article shows how to use the buck converter for inverting or non-inverting voltage rails, and use it as an inverting buck-boost converter.     Catalog I. Brief Introduction II. Buck Converter III. Three DC/DC Converter Topologies 3.1 Isolated Buck Topology 3.2 Inverting Buck-boost (step-up and step-down)   Topology4 3.3 Isolated   Buck-boost Topology: +/- output5 FAQ   I. Brief Introduction   As we all known,power supply circuits come in the form of voltage step-up or step-down DC/DC converter. Nowadays,more and more applications require multiple voltage rails to drive ICs.The rails may be inverting,or non-inverting,with or without isolation.   While designers typically use multiple buck converters with single filter inductors, they add cost, footprint, and height. A simpler alternative is to use a single buck converter with coupled inductors or transformers configured in isolated converter topologies. Designers can use the buck converter for inverting or non-inverting voltage rails, and they can configure it for use as an inverting buck-boost converter.   Coupled inductors or transformers can also be used with a buck-boost converter to generate multiple inverting or non-inverting outputs with voltage step-up/down function. However, do you know what is isolated non-isolate DC/DC converter topologies? How they can be implemented using a single synchronous buck converter?   II. Buck Converter   A step-down transformer is a transformer that converts the higher voltage of the input end to the ideal voltage with relatively low output to achieve the purpose of reducing the pressure. A step-down transformer is a very important piece of equipment in the power transmission and transformation system.   Its normal operation is related to not only its own safety, but also the reliable power supply of users, and directly affects the stability of the power system. The protection configuration of the step-down transformer should satisfy in any case, the transformer can not be burned, the accident is enlarged, and the stability of the power system is affected. The principle of its work, the principle of relay protection, operation conditions, operation and requirements, and the abnormal operation and processing methods are introduced in detail. III. Three DC/DC Converter Topologies   The beauty of generating various converter topologies based on a single buck converter is that an optocoupler and its related circuitry are not required. This provides the benefit of a smaller footprint, lower component count, reduced complexity, and cost savings. Besides generating multiple outputs, the buck converter is configurable to operate as an inverting buck-boost converter, essentially providing a voltage step-up function. In addition, designers can create an isolated buck-boost converter using a similar concept.   3.1 Isolated Buck Topology A. +/- Step-down output: circuit operation1 An inverting and non-inverting step-down output can be generated with an isolated buck topology. Fig1 shows how it delivers a +/- output rail to any application that requires a positive and a negative supply. Fig1 Synchronous buck regulator uses isolated buck topology to generate ± Vout rail1   With reference to Fig1, the primary and secondary outputs are given by the following equations, assuming the leakage inductance of the coupled inductor or transformer and the DC resistance of the windings is negligible: where VIN is the input voltage, VO1 and VO2 are the primary and secondary outputs, respectively, D is the duty cycle, N is the turns ratio of the transformer, and Vdiode is the forward voltage drop across the diode.   During the cycle when the high side switch is on (current flow indicated by the green arrow in Fig1), the primary current ramps up and stores the energy in the magnetizing inductance of the transformer and the primary output capacitor. The diode on the secondary side is reverse biased and the load current on the secondary side is supplied by the output capacitor.   During the cycle when the low side switch is on (current flow indicated by the red arrow in Fig1), the primary current ramps down and releases the stored energy in the magnetizing inductance of the transformer, and the load current on the primary side is supplied by the output capacitor.   The diode on the secondary side is forward biased and the current flows from the transformer to supply current to the load, and charges up the secondary output capacitor. At steady state, the voltage at the secondary output is proportionally inverted compared to the voltage at the primary output, assuming the diode voltage drop, transformer winding resistance, and leakage inductances are negligible. Fig2 shows the operating waveforms for this architecture.   Fig2 Operating waveforms for a +/- step-down design1   B. +/+ step-down output2 Employing the same concept of generating secondary outputs using a coupled inductor or transformer, the secondary side can be configured differently to generate positive or negative secondary voltages. To generate a positive secondary output, the polarities of the transformer/coupled inductor as well as the secondary side diode are reversed. Fig3 shows an isolated buck topology to generate a dual +VOUT rail. Fig3 Isolated buck topology to generate a dual + VOUT rail2 C. +/+/- step-down output3 Fig4 shows an isolated buck topology to generate three outputs (dual +VOUT and single –VOUT rail). For a multiple output configuration, the total current of the various outputs reflected to the primary side must accounted for to make sure the IC is able to handle the resultant current. Fig4 Isolated buck topology to generate three outputs, dual +VOUT and single –VOUT rail3 The equations for the above circuit are as given below: Where VO1 is the primary output and VO2 and VO3 are the positive and negative secondary outputs, respectively, D is the duty cycle, N1 and N2 are the turns ratio of the transformer for VO2 and VO3, respectively. Vdiode is the forward voltage drop across the diode. IOUT1, IOUT2, and IOUT3 are the output current drawn from VO1, VO2, and VO3, respectively, IDS_pk is the peak current through the top switch and Δi is the triangular portion of the primary inductor ripple current.   3.2 Inverting Buck-boost (step-up and step-down) Topology4 An inverting buck-boost converter can be derived from the synchronous buck converter by connecting its GND terminal as the negative output of the buck-boost converter and the VOUT terminal of the buck converter as the GND of the buck-boost converter. Fig5 shows the circuit diagram of configuring the ISL85415 buck switcher as an inverting buck-boost converter. FigConfiguring a buck converter into an inverting buck-boost converter4 The equation for output voltage and output current are as follows: where VIN is the input voltage, VO1 is the output voltage, D is the duty cycle, IOUT is the output current, and IL is the inductor current.   During the cycle when the high side switch is on (current flow indicated by the green arrow in Fig5), the inductor current ramps up and stores energy in the inductor, and the output capacitor provides current to the load.    During the cycle when the low side switch is on (current flow indicated by the red arrow in Fig5), the inductor current ramps down and provides current to the load as well as charges the output capacitor. Operating waveforms for the inverting buck-boost design are shown in Fig6.     Fig6 Operating waveforms for an inverting buck-boost design4   3.3 Isolated Buck-boost Topology: +/- output5 A ± step-up/down output voltage can be realized using the isolated buck-boost topology. The filter inductor can be replaced with a transformer (or coupled inductor) to obtain a positive secondary output. Fig7 shows an isolated buck-boost topology to generate a ± step-up/down VOUT rail. Fig8 shows the operating waveforms for the isolated buck-boost design.   Fig7 Isolated buck-boost topology to generate a ± VOUT rail5 The voltage and current equations for the above circuit are given below: where VIN is the input voltage, VO2 is the secondary output voltage, Vdiode is the forward voltage drop across the diode, D is the duty cycle, N is the turns ratio of the transformer, IDS_pk is the peak current through the top switch, Δi is the triangular portion of the primary inductor ripple current, and IOUT1 and IOUT2 are the output current drawn from VO1 and VO2, respectively. Fig8 Operating waveforms for an Isolated buck-boost Topology: +/- output5 FAQ   1. What does a buck converter do? The buck converter is a very simple type of DC-DC converter that produces an output voltage that is less than its input. The buck converter is so named because the inductor always “bucks” or acts against the input voltage. The output voltage of an ideal buck converter is equal to the product of the switching duty cycle and the supply voltage. Like many power supply topologies, the buck converter operates on the principal of storing energy in an inductor. The voltage drop across an inductor is proportional to changes in electric current flowing through the device. 2. What is principle of Buck-boost converter? A Buck-Boost converter transforms a positive DC voltage at the input to a negative DC voltage at the output. The circuit operation depends on the conduction state of the MOSFET: On-state: The current through the inductor increases and the diode is in blocking state. 3. Are buck converters safe? A buck converter is probably no less reliable than most other topologies. It usually comes down to the reliability of the solder joints. The thing to remember about buck regulators is; if the series switch transistor fails SC - it dumps the full unregulated voltage into the load. 4. Are buck converters efficient? Buck converters can be highly efficient (often higher than 90%), making them useful for tasks such as converting a computer's main (bulk) supply voltage (often 12 V) down to lower voltages needed by USB, DRAM and the CPU (5V, 3.3V or 1.8V, see PSU). 5. How do buck converters work? The buck Converter circuit consists of the switching transistor, together with the flywheel circuit (Dl, L1 and C1). While the transistor is on, current is flowing through the load via the inductor L1. The action of any inductor opposes changes in current flow and also acts as a store of energy. 6. Do buck converters waste power? In a buck or boost converter, some energy is transferred directly from the source to the load as well, but the same principle applies. You can also look at a buck converter as an L-C filter on a square wave from the source. Again, all components are lossless, so there's no waste. 7. Does a buck converter limit current? The buck converter must operate at a very small duty cycle to keep the inductor current below the peak current limit threshold. ... Valley Current Limiting: Provides an additional level of protection. You can implement valley current limiting by sensing the inductor current when the low-side switch is on. 8. How do you adjust the current in a buck converter? You don't "adjust" output current. Loads draw whatever amount of current they need, provided the power supply can deliver it. If your total load exceeds the buck converter's rating of 3A, then you will be overloading it. If your total load is less than 3A, then you need not adjust anything. 9. How do you control a buck converter? A Buck converter consists of a transistor and diode that applies the supply voltage on an inductor capacitor, LC, circuit. The output voltage is the voltage across the capacitor. The input voltage u on the LC circuit is controlled by pulse width modulation, PWM. 10. What is the difference between buck and boost converter? In PV applications, generally, a Buck converter is used to charge the battery (since the output from a Buck converter is supposed to be less than its input), while a Boost converter is used to "match the load voltage" from the (supposedly) low voltage PV input.  

SummarySeveral days ago, I was facing a challenge in my lab is--what is the perfect way to power breadboard projects?Situation and SolutionActually,I used breadboards to prototype almost all of my designs and I have always had less than ideal setups.Between my bench power supply, which has banana plugs, and the many wall transformer power supplies I have around the house with 2.1 mm plugs, I just do not have any options that are breadboard friendly.Here,just see the following photos,you will know that I end up with solutions in the past,well,it's not the easiest or prettiest of ways to connect to the breadboard.It does not take more than a casual glance at the pictures above to recognize that while functional, these are not ideal solutions. In both cases, the connections are too easy to accidentally dislodge and there is a risk of a short with the second one.  There had to be a better way.Before a design could be had, it needed some requirements.  As I pondered the requirements, I came up with the following technical specifications for this little device. I wanted to be able to optionally use my bench power supply or wall transformer and that each would have a secure connection to the breadboard.  I also wanted the ability to switch it on or off and have the option to power either both rails or just one with the external supply.As I worked through the design, it became a simple but effective solution.( I am excited)At first,I created a project in Eagle CAD around the connectors I needede,and designed the board shape to match up to the standard 830 point breadboards that I use in my lab. There were a handful of other features I wanted to include such as an optional filter cap, an on/off switch, and a power status LED.   As I got designing, I decided to refine a few of the features.  Many of my projects have more than one input voltage.  To facilitate this, I added a jumper block to connect or disconnect the second power rail for projects that need a dual voltage. Electronic partsHere just let me list the material we need in this project firstly: Deltron 571-0100 : Test Sockets SINGLE PCB SOCK BLKDeltron 571-0500 : Test Sockets SINGLE PCB SOCK REDKobiconn 163-7620E-E : DC Power Connectors PCB 2.1MMFCI / Amphenol 67997-472HLF : Headers & Wire Housings 72P HDRHarwin M7581-08 : Headers & Wire Housings JUMPER SOCKET OPEN TOP REDKOA Speer MF1/2DC1501F : Metal Film Resistors – Through Hole 1.5K 1% 100PPM Kingbright WP710A10SGD : Standard LEDs – Through Hole Grn 40mcd 568nm 40 deg DiffusedPanasonic ECA-1HM100I : Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors – Leaded 10UF 50V ELECT M RADIAL If you would like to build one following me , these parts you can find from: https://www.kynix.com Schematic and ComponentsWith the basic design framework laid out, I started researching the components needed.  I personally tend to use the online Mouser catalog to help me sort through the vast quantities of components available.  I stuck with all through-hole components to make this project easier to assemble at home.  With all the parts identified, I returned to my project in Eagle CAD and found each of the components in my component libraries.  I connected them electrically as shown in the schematic below, and double-checked the design (an often under rated step in the design process). Board LayoutWith the schematic complete, it was time to move on to the board layout. Breadboards use a standard 0.1 inch pin spacing, but when I measured the spacing between the power busses, I noticed that they were slightly different.  After some trial and error, I realized that the actual spacing between the power bus pins was 1.85 inches O.C.  With the header pins placed at this location, the board outline was adjusted to create a proper fit.  After arranging the components, I added a ground pour to the top layer to simplify routing.  The Eagle autorouter made quick work of the rest of trace routing and the resulting board design looks like this:Board Assembly and TestingI ordered a batch of these boards from my favorite purple PCB vendor (OSHPark) online and assembled them.  I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.  The fit is perfect and they snap into the power bus tightly and stay put.  This little device has gone through extensive testing as I have been using these on all of my breadboard projects ever since I got the first one assembled.  They really work wonderfully!     Article edited by: kynix 

  This article will be divided into three parts--individual transformer , parallel transformer and redundancy requirements for bulk power transformers.     Catalog   I. Individual Transformer II. Parallel Transformer III. Redundancy Requirements for Bulk Power Transformers FAQ   I. Individual Transformer   Just see the following picture, it includes the protection for banks where fuses are used on the primary. Overall differential protection may be applied by using CTs in the transformer primary bushings for larger or important banks. The common connection is shown with delta on the source (primary) side and wye-grounded on the secondary side. Other possible connections: delta–delta, wye–wye, or primary-wye– secondary-delta. Figure 1 – Transformer protection without primary-side circuit breaker   About the analysis of power circuit, you can see the article: Analysis of Switching Power Supply Principle   Note: Secondary circuits should have 51 and 51N relays. Therefore, transformer secondary breaker and relays may be omitted unless another source connects to the secondary bus. 51N relay can be omitted with 51G available.   For transformer banks with primary breakers, the protection is summarized in Figure 2.   Relay 51G provides backup protection for secondary bus and feeder faults and must be time-coordinated, with other ground relays protecting the various feeder circuits on the secondary bus. Similarly, phase relays 51 must be coordinated with the phase relays on the feeders. The common connection is shown with delta on the source (primary) side and wye-grounded on the secondary side. Other possible connections: delta–delta, wye–wye, primary-wye– secondary-delta, three-winding, or autotransformer.   Figure 2 – Transformer protection with primary-side circuit breaker   "52S may be omitted in some applications requiring 151G to coordinate with and trip the secondary circuit devices if used." II. Parallel Transformer   The protection for transformer banks where the secondaries are connected together by a bus tie breaker is summarized in the following picture(a,b,c).   The arrangement shown is typical for large- or critical-load substations, especially for industrial plants. The loads are supplied from separate buses that are connected together by a bus tiebreaker (52T) that may be operated either normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO).   Figure 3a – Single line diagram of transformer and secondary bus protection for a typical double-source supply with secondary tie and breaker   If you operated NO, the protection of the first picture and second is applicable. If operated with 52T NC, the protection of the first picture and second is applicable with the secondary side modified. Figure 3b – Secondary protection with high-side fuses With the bus tiebreaker closed, there is a possibility for the interchange of power between the two sources. Here, current flows from one source through its transformer, the secondary buses, and back through the other transformer to the second source. Generally, this is neither desirable nor permitted.   "To prevent this operation, directional time–overcurrent relays (67, 67N) are applied to each transformer."   Figure 3c – Secondary protection with high-side breaker The single-line connections are shown in Figure 3b and Figure 3c, with complete three-line connections in the following figure.   Note: They operate only for fault current that flows into the transformer and trip the secondary breaker (52–1 or 52–2). This is also important in removing a secondary fault source for faults in the transformer bank. The phase relays (67) can be set on a low of the minimum tap.   Load current certainly flows through the relay, but normally not in the operating direction. The low tap continuous rating must not be exceeded by increasing the maximum load current. The 67-time setting must coordinate with the protection on the transformer primary. When used, the ground relay can be set on minimum setting and time, because coordination is not necessary.   Figure 4 – Three-line connections for reverse-phase and partial differential backup protection The inverse-time–overcurrent relays (51, 51N) provide bus protection and backup protection for the feeder circuits. These relays trip both 52–1 (or 52–2) and 52T. This is a partial differential connection and these units must be time-coordinated with the protection on the several feeders that are connected to the bus.   "Only two-phase relays are required, but the third relay (shown optionally in Figure 4) provides additional redundancy. When a ground differential is used, as illustrated in Figure 3c, 67N and 51N are omitted."   Ground-fault backup is provided by 51G, 151G, and 251G inverse-time overcurrent relays (Figure 3abc). Relay 251G provides bus ground-fault protection and backup for the feeder circuit ground relays. It must be time- coordinated with these. It trips the bus tie 52T, as the fault could be either on the bus or on the associated feeders.   If the fault continues to exist with the bus tie open, relay 151G trips breaker 52–1 (or 52–2). Thus, 151G must coordinate with 251G. If the fault persists, it is between the secondary breaker, in the transformer winding, or in the grounding impedance.   Relay 51G set to coordinate with 151G is the last resort. It trips the high-side or primary breaker to remove the transformer from the service.   III. Redundancy Requirements for Bulk Power Transformers   When transformers are connected to bulk power systems, redundancy requirements for related protection need to be addressed. To provide the required redundancy, two separate differential schemes may be applied.   "Redundancy for transformer faults may also be obtained by a differential scheme and sudden pressure."   In such an application, the sudden pressure protection needs to be supplied with additional protection for faults on the transformer bushings and leads, as sudden pressure devices will not respond to faults in these areas. Redundant schemes for disconnecting the transformer from the system when a high-side breaker is not applied can be obtained by using various combinations of the methods. Take an example, two separate transfer trip systems may be applied although they are expensive. A cheaper alternative is to combine a transfer trip scheme and a faulty switch. It may be possible to delay closing the fault switch for a few cycles to allow time for the transfer trip scheme, provided it is operational, to de-energize the failed transformer before the closing of the fault switch. This would spare the power system from being subject to a solid fault when the fault switch closes, whenever the transfer trip scheme works properly.   When a high-side breaker is applied and it fails to operate, breaker failure protection is required to enable isolation of a faulted transformer. The breaker failure scheme may require the application of a fault switch, transfer trip scheme, or a second interrupting device if other local breakers are not available to isolate the transformer.   FAQ     1. What is the use of transformer? Transformers are employed for widely varying purposes; e.g., to reduce the voltage of conventional power circuits to operate low-voltage devices, such as doorbells and toy electric trains, and to raise the voltage from electric generators so that electric power can be transmitted over long distances.   2. What are the 3 types of transformers? There are three primary types of voltage transformers (VT): electromagnetic, capacitor, and optical.   3. What is the basic principle of transformer? A transformer consists of two electrically isolated coils and operates on Faraday's principal of “mutual induction”, in which an EMF is induced in the transformers secondary coil by the magnetic flux generated by the voltages and currents flowing in the primary coil winding.   4. Does a transformer convert AC to DC? A transformer is built to transfer the energy from one circuit into another circuit by way of magnetic coupling. ... An alternating current creates a magnetic flux in the core on its way through the first winding, inducing the voltage in the others. It can convert high and low voltages, it cannot convert AC to DC.   5. What are the main parts of transformer? There are three basic parts of a transformer: a. an iron core which serves as a magnetic conductor, b. a primary winding or coil of wire and. c. a secondary winding or coil of wire.   6. What are the classification of transformer? Depending upon the type of construction used, the transformers are classified into two categories viz.: (i) Core type, and (ii) Shell type. Depending upon the type of service, in the field of power system, they are classified as: (i) Power transformers, and (ii) Distribution transformers.   7. Can a transformer work on DC? As mentioned before, transformers do not allow DC input to flow through. This is known as DC isolation. This is because a change in current cannot be generated by DC; meaning that there is no changing magnetic field to induce a voltage across the secondary component.   8. How do you convert a transformer? This conversion is made by winding two separate conductors around a common iron core. Applying an alternating voltage to the primary conductor produces current which sets up a magnetic field around itself. This is known as mutual inductance.   9. What are two components of no load current in transformer? The no-load current of a transformer consists of two components: The Magnetization Current iM is the current required to produce the flux in the transformer core. The Core-loss Current ih+e is the current required to make up for hysteresis and eddy current losses.   10. Which type of transformer core is most efficient? SHELL CORE. The most popular and efficient transformer core is the SHELL CORE, as illustrated in figure (4). As shown, each layer of the core consists of E- and I-shaped sections of metal. These sections are butted together to form the laminations.   11. What is the power factor of transformer? The power factor of a distribution transformer is between (0.75 to 0.80) when secondary is connected to u.p.f loads.   12. Why do we need Transformers? Transformers help improve safety and efficiency of power systems by raising and lowering voltage levels as and when needed. They are used in a wide range of residential and industrial applications, primarily and perhaps most importantly in the distribution and regulation of power across long distances.   13. What is the difference between a step up transformer and a step down transformer? A transformer that increases the voltage from primary to secondary (more secondary winding turns than primary winding turns) is called a step-up transformer. Conversely, a transformer designed to do just the opposite is called a step-down transformer.   14. Are transformers dangerous? There is no established evidence that the exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects.   15. Why transformer rating is in kVA not in kW? Copper losses (I²R) depends on current which passing through transformer winding while Iron losses or core losses or Insulation losses depends on Voltage. ... That's why the transformer rating may be expressed in VA or kVA, not in W or kW.    

SummaryHappy new year! The year of 2017 has become a past tense,whatever you experienced in the last year,let's celebrate the 2018's coming together ! Today I would like to show you a power projects about the high power voltage current  bridge driver using IR2153&IGBT. Project PhotoThis is a high power voltage current half bridge driver. About IGBT and IR2153IGBT based alf bridge board has been designed for multiple applications,like induction heater driver,tesla coil driver,DC-DC converters,SMPS etc. High current and high voltage IGBTs are used to serve high power requirements. IGBT NGTB40N120FL2WG from ON semi and IR2153 from Infineon semiconductor are important parts of the circuit, IR2153 is a gate driver IC including inbuilt oscillator, 40A/1200V IGBT can handle large current.  Gate driver circuit works with 15V DC and load supply 60V DC to 400V DC.  The IR2153D(S) are an improved version of the Popular IR2155 and IR2151 gate driver ICs, and incorporate a high voltage half-bridge gate driver with a front end oscillator similar to the industry standard CMO 555 timer. The IR2153 provides more functionality and is easier to use than previous ICs. A shutdown feature has been designed into the CT pin, so that both gate driver outputs can be disabled using a low voltage control signal. In addition, the gate driver output pulse widths are the same once the rising under voltage lockout threshold on VCC has been reached, resulting in a more stable profile of frequency vs time at startup. Noise immunity has been improved significantly, both by lowering the peak di/dt of the gate drivers, and by increasing the under voltage lockout hysteresis to 1V. Finally, special attention has been played to maximizing the latch immunity of the device, and providing comprehensive ESD protection on all pins.Oscillation frequency adjustable by onboard Trimmer potentiometer, frequency spans approx. 12 KHz to 100 KHz, duty cycle 50%. Note: Please take appropriate precautions as this power supply uses lethal voltages! Features Load Supply 60V to 400V DCGate Driver Supply 15V DCFrequency Span 12 KHz to 100 KHz, Other frequency range possible, alter R5, PR1, C8Duty Cycle Approx. 50%PR1: Trimmer Potentiometer to set the frequencyCN3: Logic Supply 15V DCCN1: Supply DC InputCN2 : L1 Load SchematicTesla Coil ExampleParts List  Connections Note 1: The circuit is provided with few extra components which may be used as per application requirement other components can be omitted as stated in BOM 2: Frequency span is determined by CT Capacitor (C8) and Trimmer Pot value, refer to datasheet for appropriate value for required frequency span. C8 1Kpf, R5=7k5 and PR1=50K provide frequency span 12 kHz to 100 kHz. 3:  Other Mosfet or IGBT can be used as per your current and voltage requirement. 4: This board also can be used as half bridge driver using IR2101/IR2104 and Mosfet, Header CN3 Pin1 HIN, Pin2 LIN, Omit following components R5, PR1, C8 to use IR2101/IR2105 5: IGBTs require large size heat sink. 

SummaryAccording to recent market research by Grand View Research,the global power electronics market will be valued at $39.2bn by 2025.To ensure electrical products and infrastructure are capable of supporting this 40% growth, REO UK is calling on laboratories and testing facilities to invest in stable DC power supplies for electrical testing. Electrical testing is a critical part of the design and development of power electronics and electrical components. Electricla Testing WorkElectrical testing involves running accurately monitored voltages through a component or product to ensure it is capable of withstanding and performing under specified currents. This ensures smooth performance and correct specification details once the tested equipment is on the market.  REO UK has worked extensively with test facilities and laboratories in the past and has identified a recurring problem of poor power quality affecting test accuracy. The company has previously launched ranges of electrical power supplies to provide stepless voltage adjustment to overcome this issue.  Steve Hughes,Managing Director of REO UK said: " Testing requires absolute accuracy to ensure  that products are reliable,safe and able to perform,if the market for power electronics is to reach its projected 40% growth in the coming decade, testing must be accurately controlled and reliable to ensure a consistently high standard of products."  Test Facilities disadvantage"Unfortunately,we often see that test facilities lack this control, either due to inaccurate electrical equipment or electromagnetic interference (EMI) making the current unreliable.” Up to now, the company has  stepped up its focus on test facilities with its new REOLAB 1000E electronic DC power supply for test equipment. The product is designed for use in testing the operating current of semiconductor diodes and rectifiers, as well as the maximum DC reverse voltage of a system up to 1,200V.  “Our new REOLAB 1000E helps to tackle the lack of electrical control with its stepless voltage adjustments and current tolerance of ±1%,” continued Hughes. “This tolerance level means that the supplied power is highly accurate and controllable.“In addition to this, the REOLAB range has a design that complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards to prevent creating power quality problems. This ensures test and laboratory facilities can test properly and effectively with minimal concerns over unstable loads.” 

SummaryIncreasing demand for energy and power encourages companies operating in energy and power industry to adopt solutions that can help them enhance production output with minimum errors and reduced down-time on a global scale. The products are offered specifically for the energy sector to enhance operations in the energy data management area. Industry 4.0 solutions help power plant owners, operators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the power industry make improved business decisions based on performance and operational readiness of their plant equipment.According to the MarketsandMarkets forecast, the Industry 4.0 market in energy and power was valued at $1.30m in 2016 and is expected to reach $3.22bn by 2022, at a CAGR of 16.33% between 2017 and 2022. IoT and Power IndustryIndustry 4.0 is being led by IoT and it plays an important role in condition monitoring and predictive and proscriptive maintenance of assets.Plant operators need to monitor and control the plant more efficiently, and for doing so, the adoption of advanced technologies such as HMI is increasing significantly in the energy and power industry. IoT provides flexibility to accommodate new energy sources, better management of assets and operations, greater reliability and enhanced security.  Big Data to Transform Power IndustryThe energy and power industry has recognised the benefits of big data as it plays a vital role in solving business problems in utility companies.In this vertical, the big data solutions are gaining traction in various processes such as seismic data analysis, smart grid analytics, and data analysis related to production, testing, logging, and many other operations. Each year, smart grids and smart meters generate hundreds of terabytes of data, which include unstructured and semi-structured data. Companies in the energy and power industry have analysed this huge amount of data to get real time access to the situation. Being largely customer-centric, the energy companies are also making a shift toward providing more personalised products and services to their customers. Big data plays an important role in providing trends and patterns by analysing the data, which in turn are useful for product and service upgradation and enhancement. Real Time Monitoring in Battery ManagementReal-time monitoring is a technique that allows you to determine the current state of queues and channels within a queue manager. The information returned is accurate at the moment the command was issued.It can provide frequent information on batteries which can help protect the batteries.Real time monitoring in battery management can help replace manual checks by information available at monitoring systems. Sensor modules collect the voltage and temperature data from the batteries and data is transferred in real time can help supervisors identify issues if any and which will lead to operational efficiency.   Predictive MaintenancePredictive maintenance (PdM) techniques are designed to help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach promises cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance, because tasks are performed only when warranted.It helps in lowering operating and capital costs by facilitating proactive servicing and repair of assets while allowing more efficient use of maintenance personnel and replacement components.It enables companies to accurately diagnose and prevent failures in real time, which is vital in critical infrastructure applications.  Battery failures can prove to be highly expensive in terms of repair costs, in addition to the delay in transporting goods from the resulting downtime. Predictive battery analytics can also help predict battery failures which allows the supervisors to reduce reliability risk and improve uptime.The need for longer battery life, reduced energy consumption, and lower costs will lead companies to provide intelligent solutions. Cognitive Power Electronics SystemsPower electronics systems equipped with intelligence unit can monitor data from sensors and the data can be used to detect faults in the electronic system for real time optimisation of an application.A power converter with monitoring capabilities would be able to detect impedance changes of a battery,enter into a safe state and send information to external systems for further evaluation. Article from MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd.Edit by Kynix