Power Vents

Wireless power

Texas Instruments (www.ti.com) is working with Fulton Innovation (www.fultoninnovation.com or www.ecoupled.com) to accelerate development of efficient wireless power solutions that can charge portable devices such as cell phones, laptops, and power tools without traditional power cords. As part of the relationship, TI ICs could be designed to support eCoupled inductive wireless power technology, a patented technique that optimizes power transfer under multiple, varying load conditions and spatial configurations.

Converter market

The overall dc/dc converter market continues to grow at a healthy rate, yet makers of dc/dc converter modules will not benefit from that continued growth nearly as much as makers of semiconductor devices, according to analysts at power electronics market researcher Darnell Group. Embedded solutions will dominate the non-isolated dc/dc converter market. Darnell Group outlines its predictions in its report, “DC-DC Converter Modules and ICs: Economic Factors, Application Drivers, Business Models, Packaging and Technology Developments.” For more information, visit www.darnell.com.

HEV battery contract

Celgard received a $2.3 million contract from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to develop separator technology for lithium-ion batteries for hybrid-electric (HEV) and plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) vehicles. A standard definition and protocol for measuring HTMI will also be developed as a part of this contract. For more information, visit www.celgard.com.