Würth Elektronik Watts Up Podcast

Part 1: An Introduction to SMPS and the Decision Tree Choosing a familiar power supply topology can save design time, but relying on it for every application may create avoidable tradeoffs in efficiency, cost, and component stress. In part 1 of our Wurth Elektronik Watts Up Podcast series on Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), we introduce a practical decision tree for selecting an SMPS topology. We begin with what "topology" means in a power converter, then consider three early design questions: does the application require isolation, what power level must it support, and is the input AC or DC?   The discussion compares non-isolated buck and boost converters with isolated options including the isolated buck, flyback, forward, and LLC, and covers approaches, strengths, and limitations of each topology. This episode starts the framework for evaluating alternatives before drawing the schematic, and future episodes in this series will cover non-isolated converters, DC/DC topologies, and AC/DC design considerations.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: SMPS Topologies Tips & Tricks Patch: https://www.we-online.com/files/pdf1/smps-topologies-and-tips-and-tricks.pdf Storage Applications: Power Inductors for SMPS Guide: https://www.we-online.com/components/media/o470289v410%20Filter-Storage%20Applications.pdf   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

Part 1: An Introduction to SMPS and the Decision Tree Choosing a familiar power supply topology can save design time, but relying on it for every application may create avoidable tradeoffs in efficiency, cost, and component stress. In part 1 of our Wurth Elektronik Watts Up Podcast series on Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), we introduce a practical decision tree for selecting an SMPS topology. We begin with what "topology" means in a power converter, then consider three early design questions: does the application require isolation, what power level must it support, and is the input AC or DC?   The discussion compares non-isolated buck and boost converters with isolated options including the isolated buck, flyback, forward, and LLC, and covers approaches, strengths, and limitations of each topology. This episode starts the framework for evaluating alternatives before drawing the schematic, and future episodes in this series will cover non-isolated converters, DC/DC topologies, and AC/DC design considerations.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: SMPS Topologies Tips & Tricks Patch: https://www.we-online.com/files/pdf1/smps-topologies-and-tips-and-tricks.pdf Storage Applications: Power Inductors for SMPS Guide: https://www.we-online.com/components/media/o470289v410%20Filter-Storage%20Applications.pdf   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

Unexpected EMI does not always require a complete PCB redesign. This episode explains how the EMI Patch combines a conductive metal layer with a magnetic absorber to reduce interference in near field and far field conditions, with advice on placement, grounding, isolation, and applications based on real examples.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Würth Elektronik EMI Patch: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/emc_components/emi_shielding_material/emc_tapes EMI Patch User Guide: https://www.we-online.com/components/media/o919287v410%20UG025_EMI%20Patch_EN.pdf EMC Components: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/emc_components Würth Elektronik Passive Components: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

Unexpected EMI does not always require a complete PCB redesign. This episode explains how the EMI Patch combines a conductive metal layer with a magnetic absorber to reduce interference in near field and far field conditions, with advice on placement, grounding, isolation, and applications based on real examples.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Würth Elektronik EMI Patch: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/emc_components/emi_shielding_material/emc_tapes EMI Patch User Guide: https://www.we-online.com/components/media/o919287v410%20UG025_EMI%20Patch_EN.pdf EMC Components: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/emc_components Würth Elektronik Passive Components: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

When a DC/DC output stage needs bulk capacitance, aluminum electrolytic capacitors are often the default choice. But what happens when ripple current pushes you into paralleling multiple capacitors, lifetime calculations come up short, or ESR becomes the design problem instead of the design solution? While electrolytic caps struggle with ESR and lifetime, and polymer trades those problems for leakage and vibration concerns, there is a third option you may be overlooking   This episode explains how aluminum hybrid polymer capacitors split the difference; addressing common ESR, ripple performance, leakage, and lifetime challenges while remaining in the same footprint as traditional polymer and electrolytic capacitors.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Wurth Elektronik Hybrid Polymer Capacitors: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/capacitors/aluminium_hybrid_polymer_capacitors Capacitor Lifetime Calculator: https://www.we-online.com/redexpert   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

When a DC/DC output stage needs bulk capacitance, aluminum electrolytic capacitors are often the default choice. But what happens when ripple current pushes you into paralleling multiple capacitors, lifetime calculations come up short, or ESR becomes the design problem instead of the design solution? While electrolytic caps struggle with ESR and lifetime, and polymer trades those problems for leakage and vibration concerns, there is a third option you may be overlooking   This episode explains how aluminum hybrid polymer capacitors split the difference; addressing common ESR, ripple performance, leakage, and lifetime challenges while remaining in the same footprint as traditional polymer and electrolytic capacitors.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Wurth Elektronik Hybrid Polymer Capacitors: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/pbs/capacitors/aluminium_hybrid_polymer_capacitors Capacitor Lifetime Calculator: https://www.we-online.com/redexpert   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas)

In this episode, we break down what Power Factor Correction (PFC) is actually doing inside an offline power supply. We will explain why bridge-rectifier front ends create distorted input current, how active boost PFC reshapes that waveform, and what engineers need to know about conduction modes, interleaving, EMI filters, and modern wide-bandgap topologies. It also connects classic PFC design practice with newer digital-control approaches in advanced energy systems.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Wurth Elektronik PFC Product Family: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/WE-PFC LTSpice Libraries from Wurth Elektronik: https://www.we-online.com/en/support/design-tools/libraries/ltspice 1-Phase Line Filter Design Application Guide (ANP015): https://www.we-online.com/en/support/knowledge/application-notes?d=anp015-line-filter Mains Filter Application Guide: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/productnavigator/mains-filter Power Supply Product Navigator: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/productnavigator/power-supply   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

Simulation tools can make the difference between a slow, iterative power design process and a faster, more confident workflow. In this episode, Würth Elektronik and STMicroelectronics discuss how REDEXPERT and eDesignSuite help engineers improve component selection, compare performance results, and reduce debugging time. We walk through built-in component selection features, starting with inductor selection, and compare results across key design metrics such as AC losses, temperature rise, and efficiency impact. If you are looking for ways to shorten design cycles, improve simulation confidence, and make better power design decisions earlier in the process, this episode offers a useful, application-focused overview. RELATED LINKS: Wurth Elektronik REDEXPERT: https://redexpert.we-online.com/we-redexpert/en/#/home  ST Microelectronics eDesignSuite: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/support/resources/edesign.html  STMicroelectronics STEVAL-3601CV1 Demoboard: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/icref/stmicroelectronics/DCP3601-STEVAL-3601CV1-Buck    Listen to more episodes️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/ 

Simulation tools can make the difference between a slow, iterative power design process and a faster, more confident workflow. In this episode, Würth Elektronik and STMicroelectronics discuss how REDEXPERT and eDesignSuite help engineers improve component selection, compare performance results, and reduce debugging time. We walk through built-in component selection features, starting with inductor selection, and compare results across key design metrics such as AC losses, temperature rise, and efficiency impact. If you are looking for ways to shorten design cycles, improve simulation confidence, and make better power design decisions earlier in the process, this episode offers a useful, application-focused overview.   RELATED LINKS: Wurth Elektronik REDEXPERT: https://redexpert.we-online.com/we-redexpert/en/#/home ST Microelectronics eDesignSuite: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/support/resources/edesign.html STMicroelectronics STEVAL-3601CV1 Demoboard: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/icref/stmicroelectronics/DCP3601-STEVAL-3601CV1-Buck   Listen to more episodes️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/ 

Isolated DC/DC supplies often fail late, not because the theory is wrong, but because creepage, transformer behavior, feedback drift, and compliance constraints show up when fixes are costly. This episode explains the most common failure modes and the tradeoffs between discrete designs and integrated isolated modules.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: REDEXPERT Power Module Simulator: https://redexpert.we-online.com/we-redexpert/en/#/magic-design MagI³C Power Modules: https://www.we-https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/pm_active Power Module Reference Designs: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/pm_active/reference_designs_pm   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/