The electronics and power systems industry is rapidly moving toward higher efficiency, digital control, and compact power solutions.

In today’s update, we cover important developments in:

• Power Factor Correction (PFC) controllers
• GaN-based fast charging solutions
• Industrial microcontrollers
• SMPS design trends

These updates are highly relevant for engineers working in AC-DC converters, embedded systems, and industrial electronics.

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1. Texas Instruments Introduces UCC28180 PFC Controller

Texas Instruments continues its innovation in power electronics with the UCC28180, designed for high-efficiency boost PFC applications.

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Technical Overview

The UCC28180 is a continuous conduction mode (CCM) PFC controller widely used in front-end AC-DC power supplies.

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Key Features

• CCM boost PFC operation
• Low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
• High power factor (>0.99)
• Programmable switching frequency

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Engineering Insight

PFC stages are critical in modern SMPS because they:

• Improve input current waveform
• Reduce harmonic distortion
• Meet regulatory standards

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Why This Matters:

• Used in server PSUs, EV chargers, and industrial SMPS
• Improves efficiency and compliance
• Works well with SiC and GaN switches

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👉 Insight: Controllers like UCC28180 are still widely used, but newer designs are shifting toward totem-pole PFC

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2. Navitas Semiconductor Expands GaNFast Charger IC Portfolio

Navitas Semiconductor is expanding its fast-charging solutions with devices like the NV6115.

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Key Highlights

• Integrated GaN FET + driver
• High-frequency switching (>1 MHz)
• Compact charger design

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Engineering Benefits

• Smaller transformer size
• Reduced switching losses
• High power density

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Applications

• USB-C fast chargers
• Laptop adapters
• Mobile charging solutions

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👉 Trend: GaN ICs like NV6115 are driving compact and lightweight chargers

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3. Renesas Electronics Launches RA6M5 Industrial MCU

Renesas Electronics has introduced the RA6M5, designed for industrial and embedded applications.

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Key Features

• ARM Cortex-M33 core
• High-performance processing
• Integrated peripherals
• Low power consumption

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Engineering Insight

This MCU is suitable for:

• Industrial automation
• Embedded control systems
• Digital power control

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Key Advantages:

• Real-time processing capability
• Strong security features
• Efficient power consumption

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👉 Engineers can use MCUs like RA6M5 for:

• Digital SMPS control
• Smart energy systems
• IoT-enabled devices

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4. onsemi Introduces NCP1342 Flyback Controller

onsemi has launched the NCP1342, targeting high-efficiency AC-DC adapters.

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Technical Highlights

• Quasi-resonant operation
• Valley switching for reduced losses
• Low standby power

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Engineering Benefits

• Improves efficiency in light load
• Reduces EMI
• Suitable for energy-efficient designs

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Applications

• Mobile chargers
• Adapters
• Consumer SMPS

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👉 Insight: Quasi-resonant flyback is still dominant in low-to-medium power SMPS

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5. Trend: Shift Toward Totem-Pole PFC Architecture

A major industry shift is happening toward:

Totem-Pole PFC (bridgeless PFC design)

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Why This Trend?

Traditional PFC:

• Uses diode bridge → conduction losses

Totem-pole PFC:

• Eliminates bridge
• Uses active switches

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Benefits

• Higher efficiency (>98%)
• Lower losses
• Better thermal performance

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Challenges

• Complex control
• Requires fast-switching devices (GaN/SiC)
• EMI management

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👉 Engineers must now understand:

• High-frequency switching
• Advanced control techniques
• Digital PFC implementation

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