The power converter marketplace demands reduction in size and weight of power converters and improved performance.

To meet these demands, Teledyne Scientific Company is developing power circuit topologies and control methods for DC-to-DC (voltage change), DC-to-AC, and AC-to-AC (frequency change) converters. The interleaved DC-to-DC converter, which significantly reduces current harmonics, increases the voltage conversion ratio, and reduces the size of magnetic components, is a key development toward achieving these demands.

An additional development is the direct AC-to-AC converter (“matrix converter”), which eliminates the bulky DC link capacitors of conventional two-stage AC-to-AC converters. Other attractive features of the AC-to-AC converter are its input power factor control, low harmonic distortion, and inherent regeneration capability to permit energy to return to the power source when a connected electric motor is stopped.

Teledyne Scientific Company is working with customers on a variety of power conversion applications for motor drives, fuel cells, energy harvesting, and power supply for low-voltage electronics.