» Greater efficiency, more current handling capability and higher power density. the usual frontiers are being pushed back. But, let's also keep an eye on power-over-ethernet systems.

(1)
NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR
One-chip PD interface simplifies connection to PoE
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The LM5070 is billed as the first completely integrated, space-saving interface solution for the Powered Device (PD) that connects into Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems."
Readers say: » "Another great idea for the wireless/ip phone systems." » "Great product!" » "Continual innovation means continuous business."
USABILITY RANK: 1

(2)
FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR
Audio/power ICs answer call for multitiered wireless
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "Three new audio-with-power-management ICs from Freescale Semiconductor provide OEM designers with very highly integrated one-chip solutions appropriately customized for the wide range of today's consumer wireless products. "
Readers say: » "An amazing amount of functionality in a single package..." » "Extremly robust solution for wireless apps. Will most likely utilize this product in some of our designs." » "Like the one-chip solution." » "I like its efficiency" » "Interresting, but not ground breaking."
USABILITY RANK: 2

(3)
POTENTIA SEMICONDUCTOR
Chipset delivers end-to-end power management
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The PS-1005 and PS-1006 monitor chips, along with the company's PS-2406 configurable subsystem controller integrate primary- and secondary-side power control to provide significant uptime advantages for 48-volt card level applications."
Readers say: » "Very tiny, good interface for digital I2C interface" » "This might have application in FPGA systems with multiple voltages." » "I'm interested to know more about its reliability!" » "Very clean, compact design!"
USABILITY RANK: 3

(4)
HARVARD THERMAL
Integrated thermal designer analyzes complex ICs
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "Billed as the first stand alone thermal analysis tool that fully integrates with an industry-standard computer-aided design (ECAD) program, Package Thermal Designer (PTD) V2.0 works with the Encore package-design system from Synopsys to automatically create highly-detailed thermal models at the component level (BGA, multi-chip and stacked die packages)."
Readers say: » "Thermal design of electronic components, circuit board, and systems is a crucial task for every design engineer. Thanks for the help." » "Pretty specialized." » "Very useful"
USABILITY RANK: 7

(5)
SUMMIT MICROELECTRONICS
Digitally set DC/DCs boost portables
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The SMB120 nine-channel DC/DC converter/controller is billed as the first power-with-power-management IC for portable applications that's digitally programmable."
Readers say: » "Good flexibility and functionality at a reasonable price." » "A programmable boost converter is ideal for strigent voltage and outpower control." » "Good for portable applications" » "Brilliant!"
USABILITY RANK: 5

(6)
POWER-ONE
600-W supply most powerful for PoE
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The PALS600-2482 AC/DC supply, at 600 watts, is billed as the industry's most powerful standard product specifically designed for Power-over-Ethernet applications and associated appliances such as IP phones and remote access devices. "
Readers say: » "As a new user of IP phones and having already experienced power supply failures I will be looking into this product." » "Very powerful!"
USABILITY RANK: 4

(7)
FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR
MOSFET flip-chip breaks 1-amp DC/DC barrier
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The compnay claims its FDC6020C is the smallest complementary MOSFET solution for point-of-load (POL) converter designs that deliver 1 amp continuous current. "
Readers say: » "Great innovation."
USABILITY RANK: 6

(8)
APEX MICROTECHNOLOGY
Power op-amps deliver cost-effective transducer drive
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "Apex touts its MP108 and MP111 op-amp style power amplifiers, which employ a new "open-frame" design, as a cost-effective driver solution for piezo- and ultrasonic transducers in industrial and medical applications. "
Readers say: » "I have designed systems that needed this product." » "I need to learn about this product for usage" » "Appears to be a very well thought out design and will most likely do well in its target market." » "Excellent."
USABILITY RANK: 8

(9)
POWER-ONE
Quarter-brick delivers 38 amps, 97% efficiency
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "The QTS48T38096 quarter-brick DC/DC converter delivers up to 38 amps and 418 watts at 97 percent efficiency with minimal derating for IBA bus converter applications. It delivers 34 amps at +70&degC for 200 LFM airflow, rivaling the usable output of many half-bricks, according to the company."
Readers say: » "Good for specific designs." » "Good efficiency." » "Very well engineered."
USABILITY RANK: 9

(10)
ARTESYN TECHNOLOGIES
Regulated quarter-bricks tout new power, density highs
eeProductCenter's Vincent Biancomano says: "Artesyn claimms a power breakthrough for highly regulated quarter-brick DC/DC converters with its Ultra series, an extension to the company's Typhoon family, which is designed to push single-board, through-hole quarter-brick performance to 200 watts for network and telecom applications. "
Readers say: » "Good job!"
USABILITY RANK: 10