Power electronics is a branch of electrical engineering that deals with the conversion of electrical energy using switching electronic components. Typical applications are frequency converters for electric drives, inverters, switching regulators and switching power supplies. Transmitters or audio amplifiers - even if they have higher power - do not count as power electronics.

Rectifiers and inverters are power electronics components. A rectifier converts alternating current to direct current; an inverter converts direct current to alternating current.

EMS stands for Electronic Manufacturing Service. An EMS service refers to the production of electrotechnical flat assemblies. However, a good EMS service provider offers much more than just PCB assembly. Our expertise includes advanced manufacturing services and product development.

SMD and THT components are used in manufacturing processes for electronic assemblies. SMD stands for Surface Mounted Device. THT is the abbreviation for Through-Hole Technology.

For SMD assembly (surface mounted devices), tiny surface-mounted components (capacitors, resistors, integrated circuits, transistors) are placed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and then soldered in a reflow oven.

For THT (Through-Hole Technology) assembly, wired components are usually placed manually into pre-drilled holes on a PCB and then soldered as an assembly by machine in a wave soldering system. This process is more time-consuming and therefore less cost-efficient than machine SMD assembly and production.

A thin layer of lacquer is applied to an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) by means of a process known as thin-film coating. This usually consists of a sprayable, fluorescent and air-drying varnish and serves to protect against moisture. Due to the flow properties of the lacquer during processing, a number of boundary conditions must be taken into account when designing the flat assembly.

An in-circuit test is usually carried out following the visual inspection of a newly manufactured printed circuit board. This test is designed to verify the electrical function of the components used, thus ensuring high production quality.

Depending on the function, a large number of different components can be fitted on a printed circuit board (integrated circuits, transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, inductive components or even microprocessors and memory elements). They can be found on almost all electronic devices (computers, cell phones). The copper tracks on the circuit board are used to electrically connect the components to each other and to transmit signals.

A certificate can be issued if conformity with the applicable standards is established. Certifications can vary greatly depending on the device, market or test requirements. For example, EMC testing is a key step for electronic devices.

Anyone can issue a certificate that is not regulated by law. However, official certification is usually recognized on a legal basis. Experts with specialist knowledge inspect the product to ensure that it meets the requirements and guidelines of the market.

The issuance of recognized certification attests to the quality of a product. It can also give you a competitive advantage as a manufacturer. Certificates such as TÜV, CE, UL or CCC may even be mandatory to obtain market approval for a product.

EMC and environmental tests can be carried out with the first prototypes during the development phase. The aim is to use the knowledge gained to guide further development processes and to obtain all certifications without complications before the market launch with a pre-series device.

Obsolescence management focuses on the discontinuation of electronic components. In the event of delivery bottlenecks, good obsolescence management ensures that alternative solutions are readily available. The costs and risks of termination are minimized.