Embedded Computing Design's Best in Show Awards recognize innovative solutions for embedded, IoT, and machine learning engineers that will be showcased at the Embedded World 2019 Exhibition & Conference. Here, we outline nominees for the 2019 Best in Show Award in the category of Power Electronics.

• Cypress Semiconductor Corporation EZ-PD Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) Solution
• Power Integrations BridgeSwitch
• Renesas Electronics Corporation ISL81601 and ISL81401 Bi-Directional Buck-Boost Controller Family

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation EZ-PD Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) Solution

The Cypress EZ-PD Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) solution is a flexible USB-C charging solution providing up to 100 watts of power. It has the ability to convert most electronic devices from proprietary power adapters to the USB-C universal power adapter standard. It offers a high level of integration in a small footprint package, minimizing bill-of-material cost as well as simplifying designs. The one-chip solution is compliant with the latest USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 standards. Developers can use the solution's supporting kit to quickly convert their products to USB-C power with few external components and no firmware development required.

The EZ-PD BCR solution can help replace a huge range of barrel connectors that consumers currently have to deal with, as well as legacy USB micro-B connectors that can provide only 7.5 watts. The solution facilitates the transition to a USB-C connector with Power Delivery, eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce and ship customized chargers for devices including smart speakers, power tools, electric shavers, and other rechargeable devices. Not only will this increase convenience for consumers, but it will help significantly reduce the estimated one million tons of power adapters produced per year that contribute to global e-waste.

Datasheet: https://community.cypress.com/docs/DOC-16024

Power Integrations BridgeSwitch

The BridgeSwitch integrated half-bridge (IHB) motor driver IC family features high- and low-side advanced FREDFETs (Fast Recovery Diode Field Effect Transistors) with integrated lossless current sensing, resulting in inverter conversion efficiency of up to 98.5 percent in brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive applications to 300 W.  Superior efficiency along with the distributed thermal footprint provided by the IHB driver eliminates the need for a heatsink, reducing both system cost and weight. Integrated lossless current sensing, bus voltage sensing, and system-level thermal sensing makes this device family ideal for BLDC motors in home-appliance applications and light commercial pumps, fans, and blowers.

The burgeoning brushless DC (BLDC) motor market with ever-tightening energy-use regulations worldwide demands new solutions. BridgeSwitch ICs enable the highest inverter conversion efficiency (up to 98.5 percent) in BLDC applications to 300 W. This saves weight and space. BridgeSwitch ICs also ease compliance with safety standards, simplify circuitry, and reduce development time. Each BridgeSwitch device may be configured with different current limits, eliminating the need for the microcontroller and external circuitry to protect against open or shorted windings. Integrated lossless current monitoring provides hardware-based motor fault protection, which simplifies the task of providing protection under motor-fault conditions, satisfying IEC60335-1 and IEC60730-1 requirements.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1550142486.phpkxqPhy.pdf

Renesas Electronics Corporation ISL81601 and ISL81401 Bidirectional Buck-Boost Controller Family

The four-switch synchronous buck-boost controller family encompasses the industry's only true bidirectional controllers‚ the ISL81601 and ISL81401. These devices deliver peak current sensing at both ends, and cycle-by-cycle current limit in both directions while in buck or boost mode.  The proprietary control algorithm features valley current modulation for boost mode and peak current modulation for buck mode. With four independent control loops for input and output voltages and currents, and input/output ranges of 4.5-60V/0.8-60V (ISL81601) and 4.5-40V/0.8-40V (ISL81401), the controllers support DC power backup and battery-powered medical, industrial, and telecommunication systems, and aftermarket automotive applications.

The industry-first true bidirectional buck-boost controllers feature peak current sensing at both ends and cycle-by-cycle current limit, with a proprietary algorithm that provides smooth mode transitions between buck, boost, and buck-boost while reducing low-frequency ripple at Vout. Controlling the current flow in both directions allows the controllers to deliver the high reliability, performance, and efficiency required by space-conscious industrial battery-powered applications, generating POL and voltage rail conversions with up to 99 percent peak efficiency. The bidirectional peak current sensing capability also eliminates complex external circuitry required for charging and discharging a battery to supply power to the loads.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1549934160.php9a8dsZ.pdf

For more information on any of this year's Best in Show product nominations for the Embedded World 2019 Conference & Exhibition, contact Rich Nass, Executive Vice President and Brand Director, Embedded Computing Design.

For more information on the Best in Show Awards, visit bestinshow.embedded-computing.com.

For more information on the Embedded World 2019 Exhibition & Conference, visit www.embedded-world.de/en.