What to consider when sourcing a Power supply Unit or Charger for your product?

FRIWO HERC Range

alex@haredata.co.uk (Alex Chapman) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:22:35 GMT

High-Efficiency Medical-Grade Open Frame Power Supplies

At Haredata Electronics, we are always on the lookout for the latest innovations in power supply technology. That’s why we are excited to introduce the new and improved FRIWO HERC range —a cutting-edge series of medical-grade open frame power supplies designed to deliver reliable, high-performance power for a wide range of applications.

With models including the HERC 60, HERC 175, and HERC 250 , this series offers unparalleled efficiency of up to 94% and impressive convection-cooled power output. These units are available in 12V, 24V, 36V (HERC 175 only), and 48V variants , providing plenty of options to suit your project’s specific requirements.

Let’s explore the key features of the FRIWO HERC series and what makes them stand out in the world of open frame power supplies.

Key Features of the FRIWO HERC Range

Medical-Grade Certifications for Peace of Mind

The HERC series is built to meet the most stringent safety and efficiency standards. Each model is certified to IEC 62368-1 , ensuring compliance with modern safety standards for audio, video, IT, and communication equipment. Additionally, these power supplies are fully certified to IEC 60601-1 , making them ideal for use in medical applications where patient and operator safety is paramount.

Exceptional Efficiency—Up to 94%

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in modern power supply design, and the HERC range delivers industry-leading performance with up to 94% efficiency . This not only reduces energy consumption but also minimises heat generation , leading to longer lifespans for both the power supply and the equipment it powers.

High Convection-Cooled Power Output

One of the standout features of the HERC range is its impressive convection-cooled power output. Unlike many power supplies that rely on forced-air cooling, these units can operate efficiently without the need for additional fans , making them ideal for noise-sensitive applications and reducing the risk of mechanical failure .

Multiple Voltage Options to Suit Your Needs

The HERC power supplies are available in 12V, 24V, 36V (175W only), and 48V versions , ensuring you have the right power solution for your application. Whether you're designing for medical devices, industrial automation, telecommunications, or IT equipment , there is a HERC power supply to match your requirements.

A Closer Look at Each Model

HERC 60 – Compact and Efficient

The HERC 60 is the smallest model in the range but still packs an impressive punch. Offering 60W of power in a compact open frame design , it is an excellent choice for applications requiring low to medium power output while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

Output Voltage Options: 12V, 24V, 48V
Efficiency: Up to 89%
Certification: IEC 62368-1, IEC 60601-1
Cooling: Convection-cooled

With its combination of efficiency and safety certification, the HERC 60 is ideal for medical, industrial, and IT applications that require a small, efficient, and reliable power supply.

HERC 175 – High Power, Silent Operation

For applications requiring a higher power output, the HERC 175 offers 175W of continuous power with outstanding efficiency, making it a great choice for specialised medical and industrial applications that require this voltage level.

Output Voltage Options: 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V
Efficiency: Up to 94%
Certification: IEC 62368-1, IEC 60601-1
Cooling: Convection or force cooled

With no need for forced-air cooling , the HERC 175 is perfect for applications where silent operation and reliable thermal performance are essential.

HERC 250 – Maximum Performance & Efficiency

The HERC 250 is the most powerful unit in the range, delivering up to an impressive 250W power. Designed for demanding applications, this model ensures stable and efficient power delivery while maintaining low heat output.

Output Voltage Options: 12V, 24V, 48V
Efficiency: Up to 94%
Certification: IEC 62368-1, IEC 60601-1
Cooling: Convection or force cooled

If your project requires high power output without the drawbacks of forced-air cooling , the HERC 250 is the ideal solution.

Why Choose FRIWO HERC Power Supplies?

Choosing the right power supply is critical for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of your devices. The FRIWO HERC series offers:

✅ Medical-Grade Safety – Certified to IEC 60601-1, ensuring compliance with strict medical safety standards.
✅ High Efficiency – Up to 94%, reducing energy waste and improving thermal management.
✅ Convection Cooling – No fans required, making these units ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
✅ Versatile Voltage Options – Available in 12V, 24V, 36V (175W only), and 48V configurations.
✅ Compact Open Frame Design – Easy to integrate into various applications.

Whether you're designing medical devices, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, IT systems, or telecom solutions , the HERC range provides a robust, efficient, and reliable power solution.

Find the Perfect Open Frame Power Supply for Your Project

At Haredata Electronics, we specialise in providing high-quality power solutions for a wide range of industries. Our team is on hand to help you select the best power supply for your application and ensure you get the most out of your system.

�� Need advice on the right power supply? Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find out more about the FRIWO HERC range !

�� Call us: +44 01423 796240
�� Email us: Hello@haredata.co.uk
�� Visit our HERC webpage: https://www.haredataelectronics.co.uk/open-frame-medical-grade-power-supplies

Let’s power your projects with efficient, reliable, and certified open frame power supplies! ��

Power Supply Mascot

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:21:08 GMT

Meet Mr NEO!

The New Face of Our Power Supply Solutions!

At Haredata, innovation and customer experience are at the heart of everything we do. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a new member Mr. NEO, our Power Supply Mascot!

Mr. NEO is more than just a friendly face; he represents the energy, expertise, and customer-first spirit that define our brand. As you browse our product pages and dive into our latest blog posts, you’ll find Mr. NEO popping up with fascinating facts, expert tips, and helpful insights into our cutting-edge power supply solutions.

We created Mr. NEO with one goal in mind: to make your journey with us even more engaging and enjoyable. Whether you're researching the best solutions for your projects or looking for a deeper understanding of the technology behind our products, Mr. NEO is here to make that experience both informative and fun.

Here’s what you can expect from Mr. NEO:

Expert Insights:

Mr. NEO shares helpful advice, tips, and best practices

to help you get the most out of our products.

Latest Innovations:

Stay updated with news and features about our newest releases.

Engaging Content:

Learning about power supply technology doesn’t have to be dry.

Mr. NEO keeps it light, relatable, and interesting.

We believe that technology should be accessible and approachable.

Mr. NEO embodies this belief, bridging the gap between technical innovation and everyday usability. He’s here to make sure that no matter where you are on your journey, beginner or expert, you’ll always have a helpful guide by your side.

So next time you visit our website or read our blogs, be sure to keep an eye out for Mr. NEO. He’s ready to bring our world of power solutions to life!

Stay tuned — Mr. NEO has a lot more in store. ⚡

How to Choose Your Perfect Charger

alex@haredata.co.uk (Alex Chapman) — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:19:23 GMT

Your Guide To Selecting The Ideal Charger

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, our devices are indispensable. From smartphones to laptops, tablets, and wearables, they keep us connected, productive, and entertained. But without the right charger, these devices are little more than expensive paperweights. Selecting the perfect charger isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, efficiency, and longevity for your gadgets. Here’s how to choose the perfect charger for your needs.

Understand Your Device’s Requirements

Before you start, check the specifications of your device. Key factors to note include:

Input Voltage: The voltage your device needs to operate correctly.

Amperage: The amount of current required.

Connector Type: Ensure the plug fits your device’s port.

Using a charger with incorrect specifications can damage your device or cause it to underperform. Choose for chargers that match these requirements or are slightly above the minimum amperage for added flexibility.

Consider the Use Case

Different applications demand different charger features. Here are some common scenarios:

General Electronics: For everyday gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, look for chargers with features like fast charging and surge protection.

Industrial Equipment: Industrial-grade chargers must be rugged, reliable, and compliant with industry standards for performance.

Medical Devices: This category requires chargers that meet stringent safety and performance regulations (more on this below).

Prioritize Safety Certifications

Safety should always be a top concern. Look for chargers that are certified by recognized organizations, such as:

UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

CE (Conformité Européenne)

For medical-grade chargers, additional approvals are critical.

Why Medical-Grade Chargers Are Different

If you’re sourcing a charger for medical devices, compliance with medical standards is non-negotiable. These devices often support life-critical functions, and their chargers must meet rigorous standards, including:

IEC 60601 Certification : This international standard ensures that the charger’s design minimizes electrical risks, such as shock and interference, in a medical environment.

Leakage Current Limits : Medical chargers must have ultra-low leakage currents to avoid unintended electrical effects on patients.

Durability and Reliability : Medical environments demand chargers that can withstand frequent use and sterilization processes.

Haredata Electronics specializes in medical-grade chargers that comply with all necessary approvals, providing peace of mind for both manufacturers and end-users.

Evaluate Efficiency and Sustainability

Energy efficiency is not just good for the planet but also for your pocket. Look for chargers with high efficiency ratings and low standby power consumption. Some chargers even feature smart technology that optimizes charging times and conserves energy.

Trust Reputable Brands

Quality matters. Go for brands that are known for reliability, safety, and performance such as Friwo. At Haredata Electronics offer a range of chargers tailored to diverse needs, including those with critical medical approvals.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect charger involves a balance of technical compatibility, safety certifications, and application-specific features. For devices where safety and reliability are paramount—such as in medical applications—it’s essential to select chargers with appropriate certifications like IEC 60601. Haredata Electronics is here to provide top-tier solutions for all your charging needs, ensuring quality and compliance every step of the way.

Explore our range of chargers today.

How to Choose Your Perfect Power Supply

alex@haredata.co.uk (Alex Chapman) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:47:41 GMT

Your Guide to Selecting the Ideal Power Supply

Selecting the perfect power supply for your needs is crucial, especially when the reliability and functionality of your electronic devices are at stake. Whether you’re powering medical equipment, industrial automation systems, or consumer electronics, making the right choice involves several key considerations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the selection process.

Determine Your Power Requirements

The first step in choosing a power supply is understanding your device's power requirements. You need to identify:

Voltage (V): The voltage required by your device. This information is typically found in the device’s manual or on its specification label.

Current (A): The current your device needs, measured in amps. Like voltage, this is usually specified in the device documentation.

Power (W): Calculate the power in watts by multiplying the voltage (V) by the current (A). For example, a device requiring 12V and 2A will need a 24W power supply.

Understanding these parameters ensures that your power supply can provide the necessary power without overloading or underpowering your device.

Select the Appropriate AC Input

Next, consider the AC input requirements:

Input Voltage Range: Check if the power supply needs to operate on a specific voltage, such as 110V or 220V, or if it supports a universal input range (usually 100-240V). Universal inputs are beneficial for devices used in multiple regions.

Frequency: Ensure the power supply matches the AC frequency of the region (typically 50Hz or 60Hz).

Geography: Select the correct input plug for the territory the power supply will be used in.

Identify the Usage Environment

Where the power supply will be used is another critical factor:

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Determine if the power supply will be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor usage may require weather-resistant features.

Operating Conditions: Consider the temperature range and humidity levels where the power supply will be used. Harsh environments may require ruggedized units.

IP Ratings: If you need waterproof or dustproof protection, look for IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. For instance, an IP67 rating indicates the unit is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water.

Choose the Correct DC Connector

The DC connector is the interface between the power supply and your device. Common types include:

USB-C: Popular for modern electronics, offering reversible connections and high power delivery capabilities.

Barrel Connectors: Widely used for various electronics; available in different sizes and polarities.

Stripped and Tinned Wires: Suitable for custom installations or where connectors are added separately.

With a multitude of options available, ensure the connector type, size and polarity match your device's input requirements.

Determine Cable Gauge and Length

The cable gauge and length affect power delivery and flexibility:

Gauge: Thicker cables (lower gauge numbers) can carry more current with less voltage drop, important for high-power applications.

Length: Longer cables can increase voltage drop, so choose an appropriate length that minimizes loss while reaching your device comfortably.

Comply with Relevant Standards

Compliance with industry standards ensures safety and reliability:

IEC 60601: Necessary for medical devices, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance standards.

EN 55032 & EN 55035: The European standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of multimedia equipment.

Consider Customization Needs

In some cases, off-the-shelf solutions may not meet your specific requirements. Custom power supplies offer:

Tailored Specifications: Customized voltage, current, and connector types to match unique device needs.

Special Features: Additional features like built-in redundancy, specific form factors, or enhanced environmental protections.

Why Choose Friwo Power Supplies

When it comes to reliable and high-quality power solutions, Friwo power supplies stand out as a top choice. Here’s why you should consider our Friwo range for your power supply needs:

Unmatched Reliability: Friwo power supplies are known for their exceptional reliability, ensuring your devices operate smoothly without unexpected interruptions.

High-Quality Components: Friwo uses only the best components, providing durability and long-lasting performance even in the most demanding environments.

Safety Compliance: Friwo power supplies adhere to stringent industry standards and certifications, including IEC 60601 for medical devices, guaranteeing the highest levels of safety and performance.

Versatility: With a wide range of power supplies, batteries, and chargers, Friwo offers solutions for various applications, from medical to industrial to consumer electronics.

Customization Options: If you have unique requirements, Friwo can provide custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get exactly what you need for your application.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect power supply involves careful consideration of your device’s power requirements, AC input compatibility, usage environment, DC connector type, cable specifications, compliance with standards, and potential customization needs. By systematically evaluating these factors, you can ensure reliable and efficient power delivery, safeguarding the performance and longevity of your electronic devices.

At Haredata Electronics, we offer a wide range of power solutions designed to meet diverse needs. Whether you require standard units or fully customized solutions, our team is here to help you find the perfect match for your application. Explore our offerings and discover the ideal power supply for your needs today.

Reliability Matters: The Crucial Role of Friwo Power Solutions in Critical Applications

alex@haredata.co.uk (Alex Chapman) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 10:25:49 GMT

Learn more about our reliable medical power solutions below.

In today's technology-driven world, electronic devices are integral to almost every aspect of life, particularly in the medical field. From diagnostic equipment to life support systems, the continuous operation of these devices is critical, as downtime or failure can have severe consequences. At Haredata Electronics, we recognize that the backbone of these applications lies in the unwavering reliability of power supplies, batteries, and chargers. This blog post explores the essential role these components play in ensuring seamless and continuous operation in high-stakes medical environments.

The Crucial Role of Power Supplies, Batteries, and Chargers in Medical Applications

Power supplies, batteries, and chargers are the lifeline for medical devices, providing a steady and reliable source of power. In medical settings, where power disruptions can be catastrophic, choosing the right power solutions is crucial. These applications require components that are not only efficient and compact but also exceptionally reliable. This reliability guarantees uninterrupted essential functions, protects lives, and safeguards valuable assets.

Medical environments demand the highest standards of power consistency and quality. Devices such as ventilators, monitors, and diagnostic tools must operate flawlessly, as any interruption could lead to dire consequences. Friwo power supplies, batteries, and chargers ensure that these devices receive constant, stable power. Furthermore, the compact design of these components allows for seamless integration into various medical equipment, optimizing space and functionality.

By providing robust and dependable power solutions, Friwo enables healthcare providers to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. The peace of mind that comes with knowing their critical devices will perform reliably, even under the most challenging conditions, is invaluable.

Uninterrupted Power for Critical Devices

In medical settings, the reliability of power supplies and the availability of backup power through batteries are paramount. For instance, during surgeries or in intensive care units, any power interruption could have potentially life-threatening outcomes. Medical equipment such as ventilators, heart monitors, and infusion pumps must operate without fail to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

Friwo's robust power supplies and high-capacity batteries ensure that these critical devices remain operational without any disruption, providing a continuous and stable power source even in emergency situations. Additionally, their advanced chargers provide rapid and safe recharging, ensuring that backup power is always ready when needed. This rapid recharging capability is essential in maintaining the readiness of backup systems, thus preventing any potential lapses in power that could jeopardize patient care. With Friwo’s reliable power solutions, healthcare facilities can focus on delivering optimal care without worrying about power interruptions.

Robust Design for Demanding Environments

Medical environments are inherently demanding, with equipment often subjected to rigorous usage, extreme conditions, and continuous operation. Diagnostic machines, life support systems, and other critical devices require unwavering reliability to ensure patient safety and effective care. Friwo’s power supplies, batteries, and chargers are meticulously engineered to meet these exacting standards.

They feature high-quality components that ensure durability and consistent performance, even under the most challenging circumstances for up to 200,000 hours. Whether it's the intensive use in an operating room, the need for portable power in ambulances, or the reliability required for continuous patient monitoring, Friwo’s solutions are up to the task. Their robust design not only guarantees longevity but also ensures that medical devices function seamlessly without interruptions. This level of reliability is crucial in maintaining the integrity of medical procedures and patient outcomes, making Friwo an indispensable partner in the healthcare sector.

Compliance and Safety

Adherence to safety standards and regulations, such as IEC 60601 & IEC 62133, is crucial in medical applications, where the stakes are extraordinarily high. Friwo power supplies, batteries, and chargers are meticulously designed to comply with rigorous industry standards and certifications, ensuring they meet the highest safety requirements. This compliance is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, it protects patients who rely on medical devices for their well-being and survival. Any power failure or malfunction could have deadly results, making safety paramount.

Additionally, healthcare providers depend on these reliable power solutions to perform their duties effectively without worrying about equipment failures. Maintaining the integrity of sensitive medical equipment is another critical aspect. Friwo's adherence to stringent safety standards ensures that devices operate correctly, without interference or malfunction, thus supporting accurate diagnostics and effective treatments. This unwavering commitment to safety underscores the essential role that reliable power supplies, batteries, and chargers play in the medical field.

Conclusion

In medical applications, the unwavering reliability of power supplies, batteries, and chargers is not just desirable but essential. Friwo's components represent engineering excellence, ensuring uninterrupted operation of life-saving medical devices. From diagnostic equipment to life support systems, Friwo's power solutions are the unsung heroes that guarantee seamless functionality under all circumstances.

Haredata Electronics proudly endorses Friwo power supplies, batteries, and chargers as epitomes of reliability, powering a safer and more efficient healthcare environment. As technology advances, the need for dependable power solutions in medical settings grows ever more crucial. Friwo's commitment to excellence ensures that critical medical applications can thrive without compromise, elevating patient care and transforming lives.

Exploring the World of DC Barrel Connectors

alex@haredata.co.uk (Alex Chapman) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:31:30 GMT

Find your ideal DC connector with our handy pros and cons list!

Direct Current (DC) connectors play a crucial role in facilitating power transfer between power supplies or chargers and electronic devices. These connectors come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, each designed to meet specific power requirements and compatibility standards. Understanding the different types of DC connectors is essential for selecting the right connector for a given application.

Are you in search of the perfect DC barrel connector for your electronic devices? Look no further! At Haredata Electronics, we offer a wide range of DC barrel connectors to meet your needs. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the various types of DC barrel connectors we offer, along with their pros and cons.

Straight & Right-Angle Connectors

DC Barrel Plug

Straight Connector

Pros:

Standard design
Widely available
Easy to install & use
Low cost
Large selection of sizes & lengths

Cons:

Prone to accidental disconnection
Space limitations

Right Angle Connector

Pros:

Similar pros to straight connector
Space-saving design
Suitable for tight spaces

Cons:

Similar cons to straight connector
Limited flexibility in cable routing

DC Barrel Plug with Inner Pin

Straight Connector

Pros:

Secure connection
Less prone to accidental disconnection
Improved Electrical Contact

Cons:

Requires careful handling during insertion
Reduced Compatibility

Right Angle Connector

Pros:

Similar pros to straight connector
Space-saving design
Suitable for tight spaces

Cons:

Similar cons to straight connector
Limited flexibility in cable routing

DC Stereo Jack

Straight Connector

Pros:

Can carry both power and audio signals
Standardized Design
Ease of Use

Cons:

Space Limitations
Cable Strain

Right Angle Connector

Pros:

Similar pros to straight connector
Space-saving design
Suitable for tight spaces

Cons:

Similar cons to straight connector
Limited flexibility in cable routing

DIN45323

Straight Connector

Pros:

Robust design
Suitable for industrial applications
Secure Connection

Cons:

Bulky size
Less common in consumer electronics

Right Angle Connector

Pros:

Similar pros to straight connector
Space-saving design
Suitable for tight spaces

Cons:

Similar cons to straight connector
Limited flexibility in cable routing.

Distribution Lead

Pros:

Allows multiple connections from a single source
Simple Installation
Standardization

Cons:

must ensure correct orientation of connectors
Space Limitations

Stripped & Tinned Lead

Pros:

Customizable length
Suitable for bespoke installations
Reliable Connections

Cons:

Requires additional preparation before use
Skill requirement to connect DC plugs

Texas Plug

Pros:

Polarized design
Available with left or right pin +
Prevents reverse polarity connections
Secure Connection
Robust Construction

Cons:

Requires matching socket for proper function
Cost

Right-Angle Texas Plug

Pros:

Polarized design
Available with left or right pin +
Prevents reverse polarity connections
Space-saving design
Suitable for tight spaces

Cons:

Requires matching socket for proper function
Limited flexibility in cable routing

3-Pole Texas Plug

Pros:

Additional pole for grounding
Enhanced safety
Secure Connection

Cons:

Limited compatibility with standard 2-pole sockets
Orientation Consideration
Cost

USB Type-C

Pros:

Reversible design
Fast data transfer
Versatile Available with 56 kΩ, 22kΩ or 10 kΩ resistor

Cons:

Higher cost compared to traditional barrel connectors

Micro USB

Pros:

Compact size
Widely used in mobile devices
Widely available.

Cons:

Less robust than other connector types
Slower data transfer speeds
Limited charging speeds
Non-reversible design.

Mini USB

Pros:

More durable than Micro USB
Faster data transfer speeds than Micro USB
Compact Size

Cons:

Larger than Micro USB
Limited power capabilities
Limited availability and adoption
Non-reversible design

Magnetic Connector

Pros:

Easy and secure connection
Prevents damage from accidental pulls

Cons:

Limited availability and compatibility
Higher cost

Specialised Connectors

Specialised connectors available on request

We offer specialized connectors upon request, catering to unique requirements and applications. Whether you need standard connectors for everyday use or specialized connectors for specific projects, we've got you covered.

Reach out to us today to explore our comprehensive range of DC barrel connectors and find the perfect solution for your electronic needs!

Find our full range of DC connectors with technical specification by clicking here!

The UKCA Guide for Manufacturers of Technical Products and Medical Devices

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:30:03 GMT

Introduction

The UK’s exit from the EU Customs Union and European Single Market on 1st January 2021 will have massive implications for many trading partners. In addition to the increased documentation and control effort due to the new customs regulations for exports and imports, this primarily affects manufacturers with regard to product safety regulations.

Within the EU Single Market, all products that comply with harmonised product safety directives bear the CE marking (Conformité Européenne). Since then, the “European Conformity” marking has ensured that a technical product or medical device complies with all specified product safety standards within the EU and can therefore be freely traded in the participating states of the European Economic Area (EEA).

In recent years, the EU has devised a detailed system for how manufacturers, distributors and importers can circulate products with a CE marking. Although this marking requirement involves a certain amount of organisational effort, it greatly simplifies cross-border trade in electronic and medical devices throughout Europe.

Since Brexit, the UK left this system on 1st January 2021. The British government has put its own solution in place of the CE marking, namely the UKCA marking. For companies from the EU, this means that in the future they will have to familiarise themselves not only with CE certification but also with the British model of UKCA marking if they want to offer products covered by this standard on the British market.

In this guide, we explain what the deadlines are for this transition, what is different from the old CE marking, how UKCA certification works for the UK and how to use themarking.

Looking at the Economy

What is the expected economic impact of UKCA implementation?

In a survey conducted by the consultancy firm KPMG in the spring of 2021, many German and British companies stated that they have an even more negative

assessment of the consequences of Brexit after the first three months than they did before. The introduction of UKCA marking is just one more negative factor in the mounting administrative and logistics workload that is hindering German-British trade as a result of Brexit.

German companies trading with the UK see themselves at a disadvantage compared to domestic competitors due to the newly added regulations. According to the KPMG study, one in six companies plans to cease foreign trade with the UK.

What Companies Need to Know

What is UKCA intended to do?

The UKCA marking stands for “UK Conformity Assessment”. With this marking, manufacturers must guarantee that products brought onto the market in England,

Scotland or Wales comply with the applicable product regulations and standards in the UK. The British government has largely adopted the content of the EU’s product safety regulations and standards and incorporated them into its own legislation.

When does UKCA come into force?

Officially, the UKCA marking came into force when the UK left the European Single Market on 1st January 2021. However, to make the changeover more seamless for market players, the British government has set the following transition periods. On August 24, 2021, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy announced that the following deadlines would apply:

Most products can be marketed with a CE marking or the new UKCA marking in England, Scotland and Wales by the end of 2022.

From 1st January 2023, a conformity assessment under the new UK regulations will be mandatory for most products currently covered by the CE marking. These products will then have to bear the UKCA marking in order to be traded in England, Scotland or Wales.

Special arrangements for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a special status as the CE marking remains valid for the vast majority of product groups. It’s also possible to mark products with a UKNI mark, which is particularly useful for British companies that export their products to the Northern Irish market.

Which products with CE marking are covered by the deadline extension until the end of 2022?

The deadline of the end of 2022 applies to all products with CE markings, the basis of which

Is a self-declaration

Is based on conformity assessment by an EU Assessment Body or conformity assessment by an accredited body outside the EU

Is a certificate of conformity issued by a body in the UK whose approval was transferred to a corresponding body in the EU before 1st January 2021

As well as for all products with CE marking that are already available on the UK market.

This regulation only applies as long as the requirements for marking in the EU and the UK are the same. The British government points out that there are currently no plans to issue different regulations. However, if the EU were to change individual regulations, this would also be the case.

Which products are not covered by the deadline extension to 1st January 2023?

All new products that fall under the UKCA marking and require a third party conformity assessment to be carried out by a UK body must already be marked with the UKCA marking from 1st January 2021.

Exemptions for medical devices

In order to ensure that the British healthcare system is supplied during the transition period, the British government issued an additional regulation for medical devices with separate transition periods. The main points are as follows:

For medical devices, the new UKCA marking will not be mandatory until 1st July 2023

Until 30th June 2023, the CE marking will remain valid alongside the new UKCA marking in England, Scotland and Wales.

Conformity assessments of recognised bodies from the EU are still valid within this period until 30th June 2023.

In order to bring a product to the UK market, manufacturers must set up a new process. As of 1st January 2021, all medical devices must now be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Exceptions to this deadline apply to Class IIIs and Class IIb implants, active implantable medical devices, and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices on List A (1st May 2021); Class IIb and IIa devices and devices and IVD devices on List B and self-test IVDs (1st September 2021); Class I devices, custom devices and general IVDs, (1st January 2022).

As an EU manufacturer, you must appoint a “UK Responsible Person” to assume responsibility for the product in the UK market.

The Certification Process

What is the expected economic impact of UKCA implementation?

In a survey conducted by the consultancy firm KPMG in the spring of 2021, many German and British companies stated that they have an even more negative

When should manufacturers start UKCA certification?

As UKCA certification is already valid, companies should start as early as possible to initiate the certification process to UKCA standards for all products to be exported in the UK. In our experience, once all the necessary documents are in place, certification is relatively quick in most cases. However, you should keep in mind that a lot of companies currently need to have their products certified for the UK. Therefore, you should expect delays at the relevant offices due to these special circumstances.

The UKCA Marking

What does the UKCA marking look like?

Where and how must the UKCA marking be placed?

If possible, the UKCA marking should be placed directly on the product or – if this isn’t possible – on the packaging. If not, it can also be printed in a manual or other

accompanying documentation in exceptional cases. More detailed provisions may be governed by the relevant product regulations.

*The minimum height of the UKCA marking is 5mm. Other minimum sizes may apply to individual product types. When changing the size of the UKCA marking, the proportions of the letters to each other must always be maintained. The marking must be applied legibly, but can be changed graphically, e.g. the colour.

What other information must be provided?

Most products with a UKCA marking require an accompanying “UK Declaration of Conformity”, in which the manufacturer or an authorised representative states that their product complies with the respective applicable legal standards. Depending on the product, the exact requirements for the Declaration of Conformity may vary. In general, however, the document should contain the following:

Name and address of the manufacturer or their authorised representative

Serial number, model or type designation of the product

Declaration of Conformity of the product

The Assessment Body that carried out the process

The new British regulations and standards that apply to the product

Signature with name and date.

Case Study | How FRIWO Implements UKCA Requirements

Since the announcement of the new standard, FRIWO has been working closely with the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI) and has prepared a UKCA Declaration of Conformity in good time.

FRIWO was one of the first companies in the German electrical industry to approach the approval authorities and work closely with the ZVEI. Since then, there has been a constructive exchange to understand all requirements in detail and prepare for implementation.

FRIWO’s goal is to become a pioneer in marking. The company has already implemented many requirements, even if they’re not currently required. This way, the company wants to guarantee its customers and sales partners continuity for business in the UK and seamless implementation of the UKCA requirements.

From 1st January 2023, the UKCA marking must be visible on the device, in accompanying documents or on the folding box. From 1st January 2024 at the latest,

the UKCA marking must be present directly on the device.

FRIWO exceeds these requirements and has already started marking its devices. The UKCA marking is applied directly to the devices by laser printing, so various products from the manufacturer already meet the requirements that will apply from 2024. We expect to successfully mark our entire portfolio with the respective markings in the near future.

How to Navigate the UKCA Certification Process

Before you start the certification process for the UKCA marking, you should first determine whether you’ve compiled all the necessary information. In the following,

FRIWO provides you with the most important information with further sources for the UKCA marking.

Before you start the certification process for the UKCA marking, you should first determine whether you’ve compiled all the necessary information. In the following,

FRIWO provides you with the most important information with further sources for the UKCA marking.

Sucess Story | ExoAtlet Exoskeletons

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 10:41:11 GMT

INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLY FOR MEDICAL EXOSKELETONS

A FRIWO systems solution in practice

Finally being able to walk again. ExoAtlet, the renowned medical technology company, wants to grant that exact wish to its patients with physical disabilities.

The specially designed and built exoskeleton allows people who have been confined to a wheelchair to stand freely, and without assistance, for the first time since their disability – and not only stand, but walk! The “ExoAtlet II” skeleton allows the wearer to move at different speeds as well as across different types of terrain without being hindered by stairs or other obstacles.

The founders of the company had already won a number of start-up prizes for their exoskeleton idea before the finished prototype had even been presented to the public at the world’s largest medical trade fair, Medica, in Germany.

Today, the exoskeleton is being used in both the private everyday life of people with longterm disabilities as well as in the clinical treatment of patients who are having to relearn unassisted walking following an accident.

FRIWO is proud to supply such a moving project with its products: The exoskeleton’s mobile power supply is guaranteed with the 7S2P battery pack , which was able to be implemented without issue thanks to its IEC62133 Medical Certification.

This certification is mandatory to allow for the approval of the entire medical device in accordance with EN60601. The fact that the majority of FRIWO battery packs available in the standard portfolio already have IEC62133 certification saves costs for both innovative start-ups like ExoAtlet as well as larger clients, as they avoid the major expenses associated with the medical approval of customer-specific models.

In addition, the immediate availability of designs as well as customer support through FRIWO’s own approval department significantly shortens the time-to-market.

The charging of the “ExoAtlet II” battery pack also makes use of FRIWO power: A FOX90C charger is used with the 7S2P to craft a perfectly coordinated, single-source system solution. The optimal interplay between the charger and battery ensures the exoskeleton’s maximum operational readiness.

Galle ry

Battery Pack and Charger Selection for Optimum Performance

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 12 May 2021 16:04:15 GMT

Selection and operation of a battery charger

Optimum performance of batteries should be an important consideration in the design of any battery powered product, and while it is often the case that larger or ‘better’ batteries are adopted to meet the technical requirements, less thought is typically given to the ongoing management of batteries in the field.

In this article we will consider some of the most relevant factors impacting on whether the product lasts for years, or ends up in landfill (or hopefully recycling) within 24 months of manufacture.

For all the commonly used chemistries there are a large selection of manufacturers offering a wide range of cells at, often, significantly differing price points to meet a range of different product specifications. While it is well understood that an industrial cell from a branded manufacturer will have better overall performance that a lower cost product designed for the consumer market, there are a number of factors external to the cell construction and quality that can have an equally important effect upon cell life...

For example: the match between the battery pack and the charger.

Charger and Battery Matching Up Visual - Created by Haredata Electronics

Lead Acid (Pb) Battery Packs

For Lead acid batteries the impact is less significant, Lead Acid batteries are more tolerant of abuse such as overcharging, and are more able to cope with significant changes in the required load without a massive impact on cycle life (as long as the correct standard of battery has been selected) However, it is still possible to overcharge a sealed Lead Acid Battery, and because the resultant excess gas cannot escape this can lead to batteries ‘bulging’ in a most alarming way!

Because of their high weight and low cost, Lead Acid batteries are still a good option for heavy industrial applications when charging time is less of a factor, and ‘taper’ chargers at a low current wrt to capacity are often adopted. These offer the advantage of steadily bringing the cell voltage up to 2V but can remain connected indefinitely as the current is typically less than 0.1C (where C is the battery capacity) and so the battery can safely lose the excess energy once fully charged (as heat). The downsides are slower charging and an inefficient use of power.

Nickel–metal Hydride (NiMH) & Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery Packs

Of course for most battery powered equipment the desire is to have a small, lightweight battery than can be charged very quickly and then power the product for hours and hours. NimH batteries do have many advantages over Lead Acid, but the main chemistry adopted for such products is Li-Ion. The 2 chemistries share several properties in terms of their charging and discharging profile, so we’ll consider them together below...

Typically these batteries can be designed to offer high discharge current, large initial capacity, or long cycle life (or a degree of compromise between all 3) Therefore quantifying exactly how the product is expected to be used helps inform the decision on cell selection and in turn a suitable charger. Battery cycle life is impacted by charge and discharge rates, so for a low discharge application the biggest determinant of the battery life is the charge rate and control of charge termination to prevent overcharge. If the rate of discharge is high, then a slow rate of charge to look after the batteries will have proportionally less effect, as the cells have already been thoroughly worked over.

In either case overcharging must be avoided at all costs, a small degree of overcharging will gently ‘cook’ the batteries (NimH and Li-Ion are much less happy being heated up than Lead Acid) and significant overcharge can lead to structural failure of the cell (explosively in the case of Li-Ion) The desired objective therefore is a charger that will charge the batteries quickly (but not too quickly) make sure they are fully charged (but not overcharged) and ‘manage’ the cells during the process – i.e. is able to detect any issues and modify the charging profile according to the state of the battery.

Cooking NiMH Batteries Visual - Created by Haredata Electronics

NimH and Li-Ion Battery Chargers | Voltage Sensing & Temperature Sensing

The whole range of NimH and Li-Ion chargers manufactured by FRIWO are able to detect the number of cells in the battery pack once connected, and supply the correct charging voltage/current accordingly. If the voltage of a battery is not within a safe ‘charge window’ – for example because it has been left for an extended period and the cell voltage has dropped too low, then a lower pre-charge current is applied to gently ‘wake’ the battery up before the full charge current is delivered (only as and when the voltage has risen to the pre-determined level).

Due to this voltage sensing technology the charger is also able to recognise the characteristic ‘dip’ that occurs as the cells approach full charge, and is then able to reduce the current to a float charge level to top up the last few percent of capacity without risking overcharge. All of these stages are communicated via the LEDs on the top of the battery charger, so the end user can understand the status of the battery at glance.

Voltage sensing can be operated via any standard 2 pole connector, and requires no additional componentry to be added to the battery pack. Another method that can be operated instead or alongside voltage detection is temperature sensing. In order for the FRIWO battery charger to be able to read the temperature of the battery pack a temperature variable resistor (thermistor) needs to be added ideally somewhere near the middle of the pack. The charger then connects via a 3 wire connection (meaning standard jack plugs cannot support this technology).

There are 2 main advantages of temperature sensing – because the charger can tell how hot the pack is, it can decline to charge it if it would result in damage to the battery – this typically occurs if a battery pack has been left in a very high or low ambient temperature prior to charge (e-bike batteries left in a garage in the middle of winter spring to mind) or if it has just been discharged at a high rate and is then plugged straight into the charger (a typical power tool situation) The charger will indicate a temperature warning, and wait for the pack to cool down/warm up before commencing the main charge.

As a battery pack ages the individual cells in the pack can degrade at different rates (this is partly dependent upon the level of cell balancing within the battery management system, if fitted) This can result in the voltage dip becoming less of a ‘canyon’ and more of a ‘gentle valley’ making it more difficult for the voltage sensing to detect. If the charger is able to monitor the temperature of the pack then it can very accurately detect the level of charge, as once the pack is full the excess energy can only convert into heat. This means that Delta-T is considered a more robust method of charge termination, and allows higher charge currents, as the possibility of overcharging is removed.

Need a charger?

Click the button related to your battery chemistry to view the range

Summary

Because FRIWO have been designing and manufacturing bespoke battery chargers for every commercially used battery chemistry for over 40 years we offer products featuring all the technologies featured in this blog, and would be delighted to help you select a charger that will keep your batteries in top working condition for as long as physically possible (until a battery is invented that lasts forever)

Switchmode Power Supply Operation and Design

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 05 May 2021 12:57:15 GMT

Switchmode Power Supplies vs Linear Power Supplies

The vast majority of low voltage external power supplies sold globally these days are switching (switchmode) units, as opposed to the original Linear technology, which is only considered appropriate for certain niche markets due to it’s inability to meet required efficiency standards.

In this article we will explore just some of the technical aspects & features and benefits of Switchmode topology vs Linear.

Linear Power Supplies

Before switch mode power supplies became the norm, the dominant technology was based around an iron ‘Linear’ transformer.

Linear transformers are simple to manufacture, only requiring a ratio of turns on the output relative to the input voltage, - i.e. if you had 10 turns on the primary to every one on the secondary side, then you have a transformer that gives you one 10th of the mains voltage – so typically 24V in the UK. All that is then required are some capacitors to smooth out the ripple voltage and a regulator (if required) and you’re in business!

Because of the relatively agricultural level of technology in a Linear power supply and the low component count they are extremely robust, offering very long operational lifetimes and with a reputation for almost bulletproof reliability (indeed about the only thing than can fail in time is the capacitors drying out and causing a fluctuation in the output).

However, as one might reasonably conclude there are several significant drawbacks which resulted in Linear units being almost completely eliminated from new products being designed today. The transformer itself is a large lump of iron, so the units are very heavy...

A simple test: If you drop one on your foot and break a bone, then it’s a Linear power supply!!

The transformers are also built to opera te from a fixed input voltage, so will not give the correct output if used with a different mains voltage – in the previous example if the 10:1 transformer was used in the USA with a 120V input, the output would then be 12 instead of 24, so different units are required for different markets.

However, the main reason for withdrawal of Linear units is the lack of efficiency achievable with this design, they are required to constantly draw a small mag current from the mains even with no load (and consumers always leave products plugged in and turned on) and under operation can only meet low 80s in terms of power efficiency percentages, which is insufficient even to meet the original EuP/ErP standards, let alone the latest requirements.

Switchmode Power Supplies

Switchmode power supplies, as the name implies, are based around a switch to control the input power to the circuit, this creates a dynamic system whereby the rate of switching can change to compensate for variations in input voltage (line regulation) or output current (load regulation) to ensure a stable output across a wide operating window. Because you are only drawing (a bit more) power than you need this design is much more efficient (although the 100% efficient product remains a fantasy of the government standard writers) and the same circuit can be used with any of the worldwide mains voltages and give the same output.

The first significant technical implication of a switch operating at a frequency of 10’s or 100’s of kHz is the noise generated, switchmode power supplies are perennially one of the noisiest parts of any design and can be relied upon to attract the attention of the test engineers when it comes to emissions compliance testing. Of course additional filters and ferrites can be added to the system to mitigate some of this noise, but this adds to the cost and reduces the efficiency, so making the design as quiet as possible in the first place is one of the key priorities of the PSU design engineer, such as FRIWO.

The other major factor for a switchmode power supply, particularly a Class II double insulated product is to maintain the safety isolation between the primary and secondary sides of the board. In order to regulate the output there has to exist a feedback circuit, and small amounts of leakage current can cross this barrier, in earthed products this can be removed but with Class II devices this has to be actively managed. Further complicating the design challenge is that a number of the methods that help to reduce the noise from a switchmode circuit, for example capacitors between the primary and secondary (Y caps) can significantly increase this potential hazard. Certain standards, most notably IEC 60601 for medical devices mandate maximum levels for leakage current for the various classifications of medical product, meaning that the use of capacitors to eliminate the noise is not really feasible.

Thus the design of a switchmode power supply is of necessity a compromise, balancing EMC, efficiency, safety and cost. One can be maximised at the expense of another, there are clever methods to produce power supplies that have good performance in all categories simultaneously, but we’re not going to go into that in this blog (it’s our secret….)

View our range of switchmode power supplies below...

SWITCHMODE

- P O W E R S U P P L I E S -

Have a power requirement?

FRIWO have been making high performing power supplies for industrial and medical markets for over 50 years, and Haredata Electronics have been their UK arm for over 35, so if you have a technical challenge you need to solve, we’d be delighted to let you know how we can help.

USB Type-C Chargers VS Micro USB Chargers

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:53:26 GMT

The micro USB connector has been the most common connector for plug top devices for the last few years, but as with everything the times are changing.

This is where the Type-C USB has started to step in, with more and more pieces of tech coming with a Type-C charger rather than the old favourite.

So the question is why?

If the old micro USB isn’t broken then why ‘fix’ it?

Figure 1: Micro USB Vs USB-C Comic Battle

- Visual Created by Haredata Electronics

A brief history of the USB

The Universal Serial Bus (or USB to you and me) was developed back in the 1990's as a way to standardise and unify cables between different devices so that data and power could be transferred with ease and through the same connection.

Do you remember having a different charger and cable for each device?!

Figure 2: Old Charging cables (10 examples)

The micro USB was simple, compact and for this reason became the industry standard, especially for consumer electronics, this connection was being used by leading companies all around the world (except for that one doctor repulsing electronics company, but we won’t go there!)

So what advantage does using a different USB type have?

Advantages of the Type-C USB

When you first look at the Type-C the first thing you will notice is the larger and slightly rounder profile but that’s not the biggest difference, beneath the surface there’s so much more to it!

The shape of the USB-C is of benefit to the user, unlike the micro USB the Type-C can’t be placed in the wrong way making it more user friendly and helping to prevent damage to the connector or socket (it’s not easy to try and force a Micro USB in ‘upside down’ but that doesn’t stop some people trying!)

This new standard also takes advantage of USB 3.0/3.1 data transfer speeds and a higher capability ensuring fast charging and transfers of data.

The USB itself can deliver up to 100W of power, enough to power laptops and other larger devices, which mean you are no longer tied to 5V.

The USB-C has been designed for a one size fits all approach able to replace connector cables in a range of technology such as phones, laptops, cameras. The versatility and power of the USB-C allows it to eventually replace all type a ports meaning that double ended connector cables will become the norm soon enough.

How USB Type-C is wired

Figure 3: Micro USB Vs USB-C Pins

As you can see from the above diagram there is far more connections on the Type-C vs the Micro USB.

This allows the cable to achieve much more than its predecessor, such as device recognition, faster data transfer speeds and the connector interface can also support display in/out supporting resolutions up to 4K, which means you don’t need HDMI or VGA!

As a power supply company what we are most interested in is the power delivery, which brings us nicely onto the next section...

USB-C Power delivery

USB or plug-in power supplies will typically only utilise 2 pins, a positive (V) and negative (GND).

A power supply with a Micro USB connection will deliver what is expected from it, however a USB-C device may not be as straight forward!

As seen in 'Figure 3' the USB Type-C cable and socket each have a CC1 and a CC2 pin.

Resistors of different values can be attached to these pins in various configurations depending upon the requirement.

The attached resistors allow the CC pins to perform the following functions:

Detection of cable attachment
Detect the orientation of the attached cable
Advertisement of the power capabilities of the attached cable

So how much power can be supplied with different resistors?

Additionally, shorting the data pins (D+ & D-) signals to the client device (the one being powered) that it can draw more current if it wants it.

This is most common for 5V 3000mA applications.

USB Socket VS Fixed lead USB-C Power Supplies

You may have clicked on this blog if you are looking to source a USB Type-C Power Supply for your application, we can help with that!

When designing a USB powered application, choosing the right adaptor with the correct power, connector and cable is key to using the power supply to its best capabilities. The options available when pairing a USB Type-C cable to a power supply are a USB socket with Type-A to C cable or a fixed lead product where the output cable is moulded to the power supply.

Choosing a USB socket PSU has advantages; it can be packaged more easily and can be interchanged a range of cables for other applications, but this is also it’s downfall, for example, a 5V 2000mA power supply requires a cable with a 10kΩ resistor to deliver it’s full charge current, however the end customer could misplace the original cable and use a different USB-C cable fitted with a 56kΩ resistor, this would limit the power delivery by half!

Moreover, most consumers would have no idea the ‘issue’ with their product was as a result of using a different cable.

As a result, we always recommend using a fixed lead product if possible, this eliminates the risk of the client using an inferior cable so you can be sure your application is supplied with the intended power.

To further pair our power supplies with your application we can brand the PSU with your logo, description or part number you require. This has the additional benefit of easily identifying the power supply as belonging to the OEM device, just in case someone needed to ‘borrow’ it to charge their mobile phone.

Figure 4: Printed NEO18

The New UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) Marking

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:27:21 GMT

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that will be used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.

Countdown to implementation

Grace Period

When does this new standard come into action?

The UKCA mark can be applied to products sold in the UK from 1st January 2021.

There will be a grace period of 1 year to allow manufacturers to update existing product labels accordingly.

During this grace period, it will be acceptable for products that are sold in the UK to only bear the CE mark.

From 01 January 2022, all products sold in the UK will be required to carry the UKCA mark.

Additionally, products sold in Northern Ireland requiring a UKCA mark one year later, on 1 January 2023.

In some cases you will need to apply the new UKCA marking to goods being sold in Great Britain immediately from 1 January 2021. **

You are encouraged to be ready to adopt the UKCA marking as soon as possible!

The CE marking will only be valid in Great Britain for areas where GB and EU rules remain the same. If the EU changes its rules and you CE mark your product on the basis of those new rules you will not be able to use the CE marking to sell in Great Britain even before 31 December 2021

When to use the UKCA Marking?

** You will need to use the new UKCA marking immediately after 1 January 2021 if all of the following apply. Your product:

is for the market in Great Britain
is covered by legislation which requires the UKCA marking
requires mandatory third-party conformity assessment
conformity assessment has been carried out by a UK conformity assessment body and you haven’t transferred your conformity assessment files from your UK body to an EU recognised body before 1 January 2021

This does not apply to existing stock, for example if your good was fully manufactured and ready to place on the market before 1 January 2021.

In these cases your good can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE marking even if covered by a certificate of conformity issued by a UK body.

Where to apply the UKCA Marking?

In most cases, you must apply the UKCA marking to the product itself or to the packaging. In some cases, it may be placed on the manuals or on other supporting literature. This will vary depending on the specific regulations that apply to the product.

The following general rules apply:

UKCA markings must only be placed on a product by you as the manufacturer or your authorised representative
when attaching the UKCA marking, you take full responsibility for your product’s conformity with the requirements of the relevant legislation
you must only use the UKCA marking to show product conformity with the relevant UK legislation
you must not place any marking or sign that may misconstrue the meaning or form of the UKCA marking to third parties
you must not attach other markings on the product which affect the visibility, legibility or meaning of the UKCA marking
the UKCA marking cannot be placed on products unless there is a specific requirement to do so in the legislation

Rules for using the UKCA image

You must make sure that:

if you reduce or enlarge the size of your marking, the letters forming the UKCA marking must be in proportion to the version set out (see right)

the UKCA marking is at least 5mm in height – *unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation

the UKCA marking is easily visible, legible (from 1 January 2023 it must be permanently attached)

Product areas covered by the UKCA marking

Toy safety
Recreational craft and personal watercraft
Simple pressure vessels
Electromagnetic compatibility
Non-automatic weighing instruments
Measuring instruments
Lifts
ATEX
Radio equipment
Pressure equipment
Personal protective equipment
Gas appliances
Machinery
Outdoor noise
Ecodesign
Aerosols
Low voltage electrical equipment
Restriction of hazardous substances

Products covered by the UKCA marking but have some special rules:

medical devices
rail interoperability
construction products
civil explosives

What are the differences between UKCA and CE marking?

Many of the differences between the two systems are administrative in nature and reflect that UKCA only applies in the UK and only requires information in English. This simplifies some aspects, such as where the technical information must be kept and which language applies.

Other differences relate to the separation of UK conformity assessment bodies from the EU Notified Body System.

What aspects are not changing?

Many facets are the same; the scope of products covered, technical requirements (essential requirements, standards) and conformity assessment procedures will all initially be alike. If your product is sold in both the EU and the UK, the technical file to show that it meets these requirements will also be the same.

What is the specific UK legislation that needs to be followed?

To implement the new regime, the UK government has issued several Statutory Instruments to amend current legislation.

The main regulations are The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 , which runs to 659 pages.

These regulations amend most of the UK CE marking regulations for products placed on the UK market and stipulate the UKCA mark.

Where a directive required CE marking and UK regulations were already detailed, the amendments are limited to:

replacing the CE mark with the UKCA mark,
limiting applicability to products for the UK market,
changing references to Notified Bodies to Approved Bodies,
changing language references to English.

What safety markings are required in other Countries?

Read our BLOG on it below

Be warned, one of the approvals listed is fake, can you spot it?!

What is MDR? The New Medical Device Regulation

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:36:37 GMT

What is MDR? (Medical Device Regulation)

MDR is a new regulation issued by the European Parliament and the council of medical devices. It is replacing previous medical device directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC. The requirements of the new regulation are more complex than previously and are different per product. The vast majority of products are subject to new labelling and documentation requirements, such as;

Requirements for a unique device identification number (UDI)
Traceability of products

The new requirements specified by the MDR cover each role played by differing companies on the supply chain, meaning at each step there are new responsibilities to be aware of.

When does the MDR come into play?

The MDR was initially due to begin the transition in May of this year...

But due to the global pandemic it is has been postponed to 26th May 2021.

This transition deadline has to be met by all companies and suppliers by the date.

What does MDR mean for Power Supplies?

Power supplies are affected in different ways. Medical based power supplies are classified differently than before. Within the MDR, even a medical based power supply is not classed as a medical device whether this is specified for a clear medical purpose or not.

However, the MDR applies to accessories too, if the device has a clear assignment to a specific medical device it is classified as an accessory and so the MDR is applicable.

An independently produced power supply unit is not a medical device and cannot be classified as an accessory for a medical device.

The MDR therefore cannot be applied to an independently produced, standard power supply unit.

However, there are exceptions to the rule!

In some situations, a power supply unit can be classed as an accessory if:

A medical device manufacturer clearly requests the use of a specific power supply unit and excludes the use of another PSU.
The producer can make this clear by adding it to the information included in the device user manual, for example
The CE declaration for the power supply unit can then be issued together with the medical device.

As general suppliers of power supplies that meet the standards of Medical Power Supplies already we do not have the responsibility to match up to the MDRs criteria. Our power supply units are used for a range of equipment and so the onus belongs to the receiver of the power supply who is assigning our device to their chosen application to follow the requirements of the MDR.

For further information on the requirements for Power Supplies for Medical applications please take a look at our other Blog!

IEC 62368-1 The new standard for ICT and AV equipment.

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:12:21 GMT

Overview

The IEC 62368-1 is set to take over from the IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 for the new standard for ICT and AV equipment.

It brings together two separate standards linking terminologies and key engineering tenets.

From December 20th 2020 , this new standard will become law and be used throughout Europe and USA.

In Europe, the transition will be rapid and the expectation for all equipment to meet these new standards will be expected. Whereas, in the USA the transition will be slower starting with new submissions matching the standards and some existing products not having to be re-reviewed.

W hy the change?

The IEC 62368-1 is a unified and smoother set of standards to follow internationally. It is here to revolutionise the approach for basic hazard safety, as new types of affordable products have emerged for use both leisurely and for business.

Due to the constant changing state and technological advances blurs the lines between AV and ICT are blurred meaning the standards should begin to overlap not continue to be separate.

A clearer framework was necessary to fix these lines from becoming more blurred. It is also in place to provide product designers with more freedom to be flexible with their choices, without strict and expensive modifications later.

Scope of the new standard...

The IEC 62368-1 will be applicable to all equipment that is subjected to the existing standards, with the room for new products to move in.

The standard will cover:

Computing and networking products such as PC’s, routers, laptops, tablets, servers, and their power supplies.
Consumer electronics such as home theatre systems, digital cameras, and personal music players.
Displays and display units including monitors, TV’s, and digital projectors.
Telecommunication products such as network infrastructure equipment, cordless and mobile phones, and any other similar communication devices battery powered or not.
Office appliances such as shredders.
Various other types of audio/visual information and communication technology used within homes, schools, or businesses.

The new standard applies to components and subsystems where relevant. This applies to any units internal to the equipment as well as externally. Any power supplies linked to the product are covered within the new standard.

Hazard Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) principles as applied in the new standard

To protect freedom for designers as well as guaranteeing all products are safe the new standard combines key ideas from HBSE. HBSE has been formalised for 25 years in making product safety legislation for a performance-adjusted thinking to create flexibility and overall effectiveness. HBSE is there to identify key hazards from any energy sources that could be responsible for causing any harm, pain, or injury to users. Protecting both the user and the company through a set standard and expectation.

The reasoning behind HBSE can be captured as follows:

Identify the energy sources used
Measure the energy levels they produce
Determine whether the energy from the sources is hazardous
Classify it accordingly
Identify how energy can be transferred to a body part
Determine appropriate safeguard schemes:
To protect defined persons against pain and injury from the classified energy sources, as well as
To reduce the likelihood of injury or property damage due to an electrically caused fire originating within the equipment
Measure the effectiveness of those safeguards

S ummary of the 62368-1 HSBE approach

The old rigid approach by each standard has been replaced by the hazard based approach, meaning designers have greater flexibility for what safety methods look like and they can pass these through the meticulous analysis required to keep all products safe for users.

H BSE principles allow 62368-1 to support the launch of new and pioneering methods of production and technology without first needing to be amended. Another benefit, the HBSE approach should help to lessen differences between published national/regional equivalents of the standard.

What is there to do?

Any companies not already embarking on the journey to understand the effects of the new standard it is important to begin revising the new standards. Knowing the standard like the back of your hand is preferential to moving forward and understanding the objectives and approaches of the standard.

Conclusion

Change is inevitable, but this change is for the better. Understanding the new standard now and adapting to it is going to make work going forward successful. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of the standard will put you in a positive and strong position going forward, meaning we can all deliver our best!

Why Electric, Why Now?

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 16:25:22 GMT

2020. What a year!

It might seem all doom and gloom right now, but the revolution is here!

The electric vehicle revolution that is. So, the real question is why electric vehicles and why now?

The Background

In a best effort to reduce our carbon footprint within the UK we are aiming to ban the sale and production of diesel, petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars. Due to this, consumers will only be able to buy vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen.

Just under 1/3 of our carbon emissions in the UK come from transport, whether that be personal or public. By removing the public’s access to cars that can produce emissions the government can control the public transport and how energy efficient that is.

The Law

Since 2009 the previous government started to get the wheels turning on electric vehicles becoming the norm. However, the real impact came from the announcement of a legal ban on all non-electric or hydrogen cars being created from 2035, which had been moved forward from 2040. This does not mean you will have to get rid of your petrol car, but it does mean that any car you wish to purchase from this point will be electric or hydrogen.

In 2018, the government produced a ‘Road to Zero strategy’, this outlined reducing our carbon footprint through different ambitions not regulations. The government invested nearly £1.5 billion in grants to create more charging points and to incentivise people to buy electric vehicles. The government has been stricter with its ambition to end all sales of petrol and diesel by 2045 but there are still a lot of questions consumers have about electric vehicles so let us break down a few.

The Cost

Will going electric save me money? The one thing everyone wants to know!

Electric vehicles are often an investment at the start, but do you save money without having to refuel the same way you would with a petrol car? At the minute electric vehicles cost more than their petrol counterparts to buy initially, because the battery technology is still developing and new. The development of the battery technology is on the rise and has grown in the past few years so we can see where it is going to be by the time 2035 rolls around.

Depending on the electric vehicle the cost for running it differs, some owners pay a large amount on purchase however they can access certain charging points for free!

Other charging points found at standard petrol stations can charge 23/24p per kilowatt-hour, so there’s some maths to be done on how long charging takes. The average electric vehicle takes 8 hours to go from empty to full, so you are looking at £8.40 for a full charge which offers 200 miles of range on the average electric car. However, prices and millage range varies from location to vehicle model.

So right now you may find that electric options are more expensive than a petrol option however the average charge cost over a period of time does save you money!

The Pro's

Now we will look at the pros of electric vehicles and why it’s the smart and eco-friendly choice:

Zero/low emissions: The simple fact is an electric vehicle produces no emissions from its exhausts.
Fuel savings: The average price of petrol in comparison to charging a vehicle means that you could be saving almost £1000 a year by going eco now.
Maintenance Savings: Electric vehicles require less attention to servicing; they don’t require oil changes or the moving parts of an engine.
Tax savings: Currently electric cars are tax free which is another monetary saving.
No noise: Electric vehicles are eerily quiet no loud engine sounds just peace and quiet.
Acceleration: Due to the lack of engines and other mechanical items the power goes straight to the wheels. Don’t believe us? Come and see our electric go-kart in action!

The Con's

As we are fair people, we will also look at the cons for having an electric vehicle:

Access to charging points: Currently there are not masses of charging points around the UK, however the government’s road to zero strategy is working on funding more charging points.
Charging time: It is true filling up a vehicle with petrol is a lot quicker than waiting for it to charge. Full charge time from a completely empty vehicle can take upwards from 8 hours.
Purchase price: Buying electric costs more initially, so you need to crunch the numbers and decide is it worth the investment.
Driving fun: With no engine and no sound some petrol heads may hate the electric alternative.

The Future?

Well the future is electric, and it is time to face that fact! Petrol and diesel will soon be a fossil themselves, so getting with the times and fast is a good idea. Being prepared to adapt to the new electric future will only benefit you in the long run.

F or us, our seeing our Electric Power Train was like seeing the hoverboards in Back to the Future. We could not believe how fast it runs and how amazing it is for the future of electric vehicles whether its vespas or a fleet of go-karts we believe and know that electric is the way forward!

Differences between a Power Supply and a Charger

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:11:49 GMT

Can you spot the Difference?

Apart from the top printing, structurally from the outside they are identical, however the internal architecture is significantly different!

So what is the difference between a Power Supply and a Charger?

A common question with a not too common answer, but something that is important to get right for your application.

If we ask the experts in the Dictionary Corner they would say….

When do I need a Power Supply?

If you have a stationary application or hand held device which requires regulated power in order to function, then a Power Supply is what you need. The purpose of a Standard AC/DC Power Supply is to safely convert electrical current, from a mains source, to the applications correct output voltage and current.

When sourcing a Power Supply, it is crucial that it meets all up to date legislations and approvals and offers:

Overcurrent Protection – Protection against excessive current that would cause overheating of the equipment. The more the current increases through the Power Supply, the less time it takes for the tripping feature to come into play.

Overvoltage Protection – Automatic shut down or trip, should the voltage surpass designed limit. Overvoltage protection is in place to prevent/protect component destruction.

These factors are essential for all Power Supplies, but more so in medically graded units.

W hen do I need a Charger?

Chargers are for use with mobile applications that are fitted with rechargeable Battery Packs.

Battery packs can consist of several chemistries that offer different performances depending on the application, such as energy density and output voltage.

For each of these battery chemistries you will need the mating charger with precise charge voltage and algorithm for the pack, we offer the following:

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion),
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4),
Lead Acid (Pb),
Nickel-Cadmium & Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiCd/NimH).

How do Chargers work?

A Charger essentially supplies the Battery(s) with a constant current, whilst following a charging protocol – how many cells the Battery is made up of, what type of Battery is being charged, the voltage and current required over a period of time and charge completion.

Some Chargers on the market are purely simple Chargers. These types of Chargers take much longer to recharge the Battery Packs within the device and will not alter the amount of power delivered to the Battery after the Battery is fully charged. Due to this, over charging can occur, leaving the Batteries weakened or permanently damaged.

FRIWO Chargers are designed to optimize and prolong the life of Battery Packs, by incorporating sophisticated charge termination.

Fun fact Continued:

"Pass me my Phone Charger” …… A misconception that we are all guilty of!

Your USB Smart Phone Charger is actually a Power Supply! As it designed to give a constant output, your Phone actually does all the charge control.

This is designed to offer flexibility so your phone can be plugged into any USB port, on your PC for example.

Know your standards!

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:51:33 GMT

The sale and production of power supplies depends on the range of relevant safety standards in each individual region. These standards are in place to protect each user from risks of fire, injury and electric shock. Each and every power supply must meet the standards based in the area, and there are a high volume of standards, markings and agencies to understand.

Major Safety Standards

The key safety standards follow advice from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and then any areas of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) that are relevant based on location. There are locational agencies, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the Canadian Standards Organisation (CSA) covering North America. Additionally, the IEC 60950-1 is a key standard based on protecting the user against injury and damage.

Classes of Equipment

There are different classes of equipment based on the standards for the user’s safety. The classes are based on how the power of the unit is supplied:

Class I

The equipment has electric shock protection through a basic level of insulation and grounding.

All conductive parts that could take on a harmful voltage are connected to a protective earth conductor.

Class II

The equipment has double or reinforced insulation and requires no grounding.

Class III

The equipment operates from a Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) supply circuit.

It naturally protects against electric shock as it does not generate a hazardous voltage, so the user is safe.

Visual shows our Open Frame, Plugin, Desktop, In-wall & USB Power Supplies

Safety Agencies & Markings

After understanding the many national and international bodies that regulate requirements for testing and assuring all equipment conforms to safety, there are product markings to understand next. Product markings may show certificates of compliance with certain standards that are legally required.

CE and UL marks are two of the most widely used conformance marks, while there are several other safety marks that may be utilised regionally.

T o ease the issue of regional variations, the Certification Body (CB) scheme allows manufacturers who have been issued a CB test certificate by one National Certification Body (NCB) to obtain certification marks from other participating NCBs.

Major Safety Agencies and Marks

The UK Conformity Assessment or 'UKCA' Mark

UKCA is the new conformity standard that will be used after the UK leaves the EU on 31st December 2020.

This will replace the CE Mark for UK products by 2022

Read our UKCA BLOG for more info >>

The 'CONFORMITÉ EUROPÉENNE' or 'CE' Mark

The CE Mark was introduced nearly 30 years ago for certain products sold within the European Economic Area to show conformity with legal requirements in respect of relevant safety, health and environmental rulings.

The 'UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES' or 'UL' Mark

The UL Mark indicates that either Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) has tested and determined that a product meets UL specified product safety requirements. This certification allows a manufacturer to show that their product is “UL Listed” by using the familiar UL logo.

TÜV RHEINLAND

The TÜV Rheinland Group is a leading provider of technical services worldwide. It is primarily concerned with safety and quality and operates product testing services that cover Inspection and Certification, with test marks, across a wide range of markets, including electronic components.

Regional Marks

CSA Mark | Canada

The Canadian Standards Association operates the CSA marking scheme alongside UL certification to identify products acceptable in either Canada and/or the USA.

NOM Mark | Mexico

The NOM Mark identifies compliance with Mexico’s “Normas Oficiales Mexicanas” (NOM)

safety standards for household electrical appliances.

INMETRO Mark | Brazil

Certification of certain product groups, such as medical electrical equipment, ballasts and equipment used in hazardous locations, is mandatory in Brazil with accreditation indicated by the INMETRO Mark.

S Mark | Argentina

Product certification to IEC-based standards is mandatory in Argentina under the auspices of its standards body IRAM with conformance indicated by the S Mark.

AAA Mark | Africa

The AAA Mark identifies compliance with "Africa’s Approval Agency”

This marking is for imaginary electrical appliances.

ENEC Mark | Europe

The ENEC Mark is simply the mark used to denote compliance with the European Norm (EN) standards for all electrical product sectors.

Nemko Mark | Norway

Nemko is an organization that offers product safety testing and certification to worldwide standards.

EAC Mark | Russia

The Eurasian Conformity (EAC) mark has replaced the previous GOST-R and PCT national certification standards and marks. This mark is used to indicate products that meet all the technical requirements of the Eurasian Customs Union.

GS Mark and DIN Mark | Germany/EU

Germany’s TUV standards agency operates the GS Mark to show conformity with German’s Equipment and Product Safety Act. The GS Mark assures commercial buyers and consumers the product has been tested by an authorized institution such as TUV Rheinland.

VDE Mark | Germany

The VDE Testing and Certification Institute is another German-based independent testing organization for electric and electronic products. The VDE Mark indicates conformity with the VDE standards.

BSI Kitemark | UK

The British Standards Institution (BSI) was the world’s first national standards body and continues to be a leading global standards maker. BSI is also the UK’s National Standards Body, representing UK interests worldwide.

DENAN PSE Mark | Japan

The PSE Mark is used to show compliance with Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN) as applied to various classes of product and equipment.

KCC Mark | Korea

Korea’s KC Mark is administered by its Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to show compliance for mandated products with the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Control Law.

It replaced the original EK mark.

BSMI Mark | Taiwan

The BSMI (Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection) Certification is the approval scheme for ITE and audio/ video products in Taiwan.

CCC Mark | China

The CCC (China Compulsory Certificate) Mark indicates compliance with Chinese laws and regulations and, as its names implies, is compulsory for any product used for commercial purposes in China.

RCM Tick Mark | Australia

Australia has a national standards body, Standards Australia, covering many different industry sectors including Electronic technology and Energy, which embraces electrical/electronic equipment and appliances with relevant standards for safety .

PSB ‘SAFETY’ Mark | Singapore

Singapore’s safety authority, the Productivity and Standards Board

Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) and SIRIM | Malaysia

A statutory body established under the Energy Commission Act 2001, Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) is responsible for regulating the energy sector in Peninsular Malaysia and

DID WE FOOL YOU?!

One of the above approval symbols is a work of fiction! Can you identify it?

IEC60601-1 4th Edition & Medical USB Power Supplies

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 09:59:24 GMT

“It is well known that for equipment used in hospitals there is a requirement for any power supplies to be approved to IEC60601 for medical use, and the prevailing wisdom is that outside of this environment the requirements are less demanding

However, to quote a certain Luke Skywalker...

IEC60601-1 4 ^th edition is concerned with the intended use of a product, and it’s safe operation in the intended environment – so while it is correct that a very large amount of clinical equipment used in a hospital must fulfill the requirements for IEC60601-1 medical approval, the application itself is the determining factor, the extent of patient contact and where it is to be used.

IEC60601-1 defines the environment as either professional or home healthcare, dependent upon a number of factors such as whether trained clinicians are constantly present, and whether anyone lives on the premises. Thus it is quite clear that any and all medically certified devices, irrespective or where they might be plugged in need to meet the latest medical power supply approval standards.

In fact the EMC requirements for home use are more stringent than within the monitored environment, the thinking being that at home a medical power supply could be plugged in adjacent to a very ‘noisy’ appliance such as a microwave oven, whereas on a hospital ward all such equipment is excluded.

Potential for patient contact, safe operation under fault conditions & the intended operating environment, these are the key criteria. Therefore whether it is a power supply to move a powered bed in a hospital, or an external USB plugtop power supply in your kitchen at home, the required approvals might be the opposite way round to what is expected.

If you have any questions or requirements don't hesitate to GET IN TOUCH!

VIEW OUR MEDICAL GRADE USB POWER SUPPLIES HERE!

10 interesting things found inside everyday items

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 11:24:55 GMT

We have compiled a list of 10 unexpected things found inside common and seemingly ordinary objects.

What we see isn’t always what we get and when investigating what things are made of you might be in for a surprise!

interesting finds lie just beneath the surface...

1. Guitar

The inside of this guitar looks like a fancy ballroom with a sky light.

2. Orange

Inside this orange there was smaller orange inside!

Complete with tiny orange segments

3. Egg

Continuing from Orangeception we have Eggception!

4. Mussels

In this Mussel there was a Tiny Crab.

Who doesn't love a good 2 for 1?!

5. Snap Bracelet

The inside of this kids Snap Bracelet there was an old bit from a tape measure, great bit of up-cycling!

6. Tablet Case

Another bit of up-cycling here.

Old toothpaste boxes used as a tablet case!

(toothpaste not included)

7. Fire Alarm

The inside of a fire alarm, which is actually just a little baby switch.

8. Human Eye

This swirling, nightmarish vision looks like something out of Stranger Things' The Upside Down.

But the eerie image is actually the inside of a human eye.

9. 9V Battery

This person was shocked to find 6 cells inside their 9V battery.

FACT: There are six cells, because the individual voltage of each cell is 1.5V, if you hook six of them in series in a battery, you get 9V!

10. Our Electric Vehicle Batteries

If you thought the 9V battery was interesting...

Our battery canisters for electric vehicles feature 168 cells!

each cell is rated at 3.6V 3350mAh and wired in a 14S/12P formation this gives you a battery pack with an output of 50,4V at 40,2Ah!

The battery pack also features a BMS system to maintain cell health, safety and storage life.

VIEW HERE >>

We’re willing to bet that we’ve got your curiosity and your attention. So when you’re done looking through this post, check out our other BLOG post below to see inside what we do on a daily basis!

As always, if you have any requirements for the items and services advertised on our website please just get in touch!

Brushed DC Motors Vs. Brushless DC Motors

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 10:02:20 GMT

The right type of DC motor can make or break a project. There are two types of motors, brushed and brushless, these terms refers to the design of the motor in the model. If a model motor is not labelled as 'brushless' it would be fair to assume that it is a basic brushed motor.

These motors have distinct differences that make them ideal for certain projects and not for others.

So, what are the differences that make these motors so unique?

Read this BLOG and find out!

DC BRUSHED MOTORS

A brushed DC Motor uses a pattern of tightly wound wire coils with a skeleton frame acting as a two-pole electromagnet. The direction of the current is reversed twice in a cycle by a mechanical rotary switch. This pushes the flow through the skeleton of the motor allowing the electromagnets poles to cross. Key advantages of a brushed motor are the low costs of the motor and the ability to remodel and rebuild these later to extend their usage. These are far simpler and perfect for extreme operating environments.

The DC Brushed Motor has some key characteristics that make it perfect for everyday basic applications in the home, within toys and personal goods. The price and simplicity of the motors are ideal for daily use appliances. You may find a brushed motor in your blender at home or controlling your windshield wipers

KEY POINTS:

Low overall construction costs

Can often be rebuilt to extend life

Simple and inexpensive controller

Controller not needed for fixed speed

Ideal for extreme operating environments.

DC BRUSHLESS MOTORS

A brushless motor is a complete contrast to a brushed one, it uses a permanent magnet as its rotor and used a triple phase of coils, whilst a sensor tracks the rotors positioning. The sensory tracks rotor positioning and sends signals to the controller which in turn activates the coil in a structured manner. Clear advantages of choosing a brushless motor are less maintenance needed due to a lack of brushes, the effective speed the motor runs at. It is highly efficient and has a high output of power compared to its size. It is overall made to be far more superior to the brushed motor with better thermal characteristics.

The DC Brushless Motor is reliable and has a longer life span than the brushed motor and therefor has a wider application into many different applications and projects. It is used in a wide variety of productions, due to its 85-90% efficiency compared to brushed motors only 75% efficiency. The efficiency and impact of these motors mean they are far more reliable to be used in machines and technology we use daily and rely on.

KEY POINTS:

Less overall maintenance due to lack of brushes

Operates effectively at all speeds with rated load

High efficiency and high output power to size ratio

Reduced size with far superior thermal characteristics

Higher speed range and lower electric noise generation.

SUMMARY

Today, the brushless motor is far more common than the brushed motor. However, both can be found in a wide range of applications. Brushed DC motors are still used frequently in household appliances and in automobiles. They also maintain a strong industrial niche because of the ability to alter the torque to speed ratio exclusive to brushed motors.

Thanks to reliability and longevity, the brushless DC motor has expanded into many applications. It is common throughout a broad spectrum of industries: Manufacturing, computing, and next generation electric vehicles!

VIEW OUR ELECTRIC POWER TRAIN TECHNOLOGY HERE

Which Battery is Best?

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 08:38:35 GMT

INTRODUCTION

Mass produced Batteries have now been around for more than 200 years, and until recently the rate of innovation was rather slow, however, in the last quarter century the massive increase in the desire for portable electronic equipment, and now equipment that is not only portable, but can provide it’s own motive power has lead (-acid) to a huge range of different options for battery powered products.

No one battery type provides answers to all the challenges design engineers have to overcome, in this post we would like to explain some of the characteristics and compromises that will inform the selection of battery for any type of product.

LEAD ACID BATTERIES

Lead Acid batteries have been around since time immemorial, and while they certainly have their limitations, the nature of this chemistry means that they lend themselves very well to certain applications, and lest we forget, you cannot get more bang for your buck.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of all the various types of Lead Acid battery is their large size and weight, meaning they are not suitable for integration into portable products (unless your target demographic happens to be Olympic weight lifters) Alternatively in products where ballast is considered a positive, a large lead acid battery definitely fulfils that need – meaning an installed product can be more stable in inclement weather and is less easy to remove without consent.

Lead Acid batteries are very robust in terms of their tolerance for temperature, and can withstand overcharging better than other chemistries (although every care should be taken to avoid overcharging any battery) they also have a very low self discharge level. This combination means Lead Acid batteries are ideal for low duty cycle, standby type applications – although there are ‘cylic’ models of lead acid batteries designed for more intense use, they are still limited to a few hundred full discharge/charge cycles before beginning to lose a significant amount of their stated capacity.

The other consideration is that, unsurprisingly, these batteries contain Lead so are not environmentally friendly in terms of manufacture or disposal at the end of their life. Many other heavy metals (see Cadmium) were removed from batteries by the RoHS directives. While these batteries are still the de-facto choice for starting combustion engines there seems little room for manoeuvre. As electric vehicles increase their market share pressure will increase for the restriction of the manufacture of Lead Acid batteries, with the resultant decrease in their universal availability and a potentially significant increase in cost.

We offer a full range of Lead Acid battery chargers HERE

NICKEL BASED BATTERIES

The first Nickel based batteries to achieve prominence were Nickel Cadmium chemistry, NiCd batteries have a number of extremely useful properties, they were happy with very high charge and discharge currents and could be stored for a long time and still used (once they had been ‘woken up’) on the downside NiCd suffer badly from memory effect if not fully discharged regularly . Also cadmium is a highly toxic metal, and following the RoHS directive NiCd batteries are now only allowed to be used in a limited range of approved applications.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NimH) batteries are much more environmentally friendly, and this is the default Nickel chemistry available for consumer and industrial batteries today. NimH batteries have been developed to have much higher capacity than the equivalent NiCd, and are available in a very wide range of standard case sizes from hundreds of manufacturers, meaning inter-operability is straightforward and cost to change is low. One of the most significant drawbacks of NimH batteries is their lack of thermal efficiency, high charge and discharge currents create a large amount of heat, potentially damaging the battery and reducing cycle and shelf life, combined with the fact that NimH has relatively high self discharge to start with, these batteries must be managed correctly in order to achieve their stated performance.

Haredata Electronics partner with a number of factories to provide a full range of NimH battery packs

In addition FRIWO have developed a full NimH/NiCd battery charger range with chemistry specific control algorithms to ensure Nickel based batteries maintain optimum performance!

LITHIUM ION BATTERIES

There are many types of lithium based batteries, all typically referred to by the material used for the Cathode in the battery – terms such as Cobalt Oxide and Manganese Oxide have been around since the 1990’s but there are now many more compounds that have been used for battery development, adding to the confusion some of these cathode materials can be mixed to give hybridised performance – perhaps the best known of these is Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) also known as NMC, which combines the higher capacity of the cobalt based chemistry with the greater stability typical of the Manganese cells.

(More on this in a later BLOG, Sign up to our newsletter to be notified)

All Lithium based batteries feature a common set of characteristics, they feature the highest energy densities – up to 250 Wh per Kg, and highest cycle life (up to 2,000 cycles) of all batteries, making them ideally suited for modern high drain consumer electronics.

However, as with most things in life there is a price to be paid for this superhero performance. They are extremely susceptible to being damaged by overcharging or high rate discharge, in the worst case scenario this can lead to uncontrollable thermal runaway resulting in catastrophic failure. For these reasons it is a requirement for any battery pack composed of Lithium Ion cells to feature a Protection Control module (PCM) that, as a minimum, will prevent the battery operating outside defined safe parameters, many of these PCMs can include additional features such as voltage sensing and temperature monitoring that can then be reported via a communication protocol such as SMBus . This allows the equipment manufacturer to protect the battery and ensure it is only charged in accordance with the specification (or even only with the approved charger).

Additionally the shipment of Li-Ion battery packs is regulated,

UN38.3 specifies the required packaging and labelling requirements (example above), and it should not be assumed that compliance with this standard guarantees that every shipping company is happy to transport large quantities of Li-Ion cells, particularly via Air Freight. As a result the options for changing from one manufacturer of cell or pack to another, even if nominally of the same construction are limited, may require additional testing and approval and can take considerable time.

FRIWO have a wide range of standard Li-Ion battery packs in the most common configurations, they all feature UN38.3 and IEC62133 safety approval and have SMBus communication as an option. FRIWO also offer a sophisticated range of dedicated Li-Ion chargers , designed to ensure safe charging of a wide range of Li-Ion battery packs, from 1 cell through to 10 in series, and with charge currents up to 4000mA.

BEFORE YOU GO!

We hope you found this BLOG useful, if you have any requirements or questions about batteries and their respective chargers...

Just get in touch and one of our expert will gladly assist you!

Different Electronic Communication Systems

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:16:01 GMT

This BLOG post is A Beginner's Guide to different types of Electronic Communication Systems, you may of heard of SMBus or CANBus before and not know what they stand for or what they do, well read this BLOG for a little more info!

A detailed overview of each communication system will be published at later date [sign up to our newsletter] to be notified

We like our batteries ‘intelligent’, and by that we do not mean that they are able to ace the pub quiz, but that they are good communicators instead!

Battery packs require good communication for them to work effectively within themselves and with external systems. This communication can come in many different forms, from data links for performance managing to diagnostics and system parameters. These communication systems are known as Data buses and they come in a variety of different forms.

Controller Area Network - CANBus

This is the industry standard for on-board vehicle communications. The CAN bus is identified as a two-wire communication bus designed especially for networking intelligent sensors and controlling the movement in a centralised multiplexing system. This bus allows higher voltages to move around the system or vehicle on a single-track allowing power to flow to each application, as necessary. Due to the nature of the devices connected to the CAN bus and the intelligence of that device, all the stations within the device can be independently monitored and errors can be identified individually.

The CAN bus communication is used in our Electric Powertrain which is created to be used within electric vehicles,

such as go-karts, Tuk Tuks, mopeds etc...

Inter Integrated Circuit - I²C Bus:

This bus goes a bit slower than the others; it is designed to communicate within the battery pack rather than externally. The I²C is used to allow multiple subservient circuits to communicate with one or more dominant chips. This communication is intended over a short distance and communicates simple exchanges of information. Some practical applications you may see one of these being used in is LCD displays, real-time clocks and GPS receivers.

System Management Bus - SMBus

The SMBus is derived from the I2C bus, the main application is to monitor the essential boundaries of motherboards and embedded systems. This bus is compatible with low power smart battery systems that are of a low power. It is a two-wire system which interconnects smart batteries with their appropriate chargers. This type of bus can be in simple vehicle applications with limited capabilities.

Most of our Li-Ion packs do come with a SMBus option, check out our 5S2P for example!

What are Medical Power Supplies? IEC 60601-1

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 13:03:14 GMT

What are Medical Power Supplies?
IEC 60601-1

At Haredata we often get asked about the differences between the power supplies we offer, and the most frequently asked question is are Medical Power Supplies really that different from Industrial Power supplies?

Simple answer: Yes!

Well we say simple answer but there’s a lot more to a Power Supply than meets the eye. To break it down the differences fall into 3 key categories: Safety, Application and Standards.

Each of these categories have different reasons for Medical Power Supplies being in a league of their own but they all come together to highlight the most important factor of a Medical Power Supply and that is the safety of the persons using it. We want people to understand why Medical Power Supplies are so extraordinary and get a real feeling for why they are so important to modern Medical practice.

So let’s break this down…

A prime factor of a Medical Power Supply is the sheer safety of the Supply. Medical Power Supplies have a massive range of uses from blood pressure monitors to ventilators, and as you can guess are often in direct contact with a patient.

So, these Supplies must be fundamentally safe for use and the build of Medical Supplies highlights how safe they are. The Supplies must be made in line with standards set across the world but more about that later.

In the Power Supply world, we have basic requirements set for the safety standards of these Power Supplies and this is called the ‘IEC60601-1’, (Remember this!) Within these standards are guidance for Medical Power Supplies, and importantly the way we can keep people safe.

The most important factor in safety is the current flowing out of a Power Supply and what it encounters. Medical Power Supplies have a lower leakage current avoiding internal problems within the Power Supply keeping the performance consistent and to minimise any interference with other electronic devices. These safety requirements all marry up to the application of the Supply.

The purpose of a Medical Power Supply is why it is so special. Medical Power Supplies are often attached to applications that are made to be next to or on a patient who could be in the most vulnerable circumstance. Therefore, the safety as mentioned above runs parallel to the application of the device.

Each Power Supply has lower leakage current, now leakage currents happens in a wide range of Power Supplies and that is why you might get a little shock every so often from other ‘low-cost’ Power Supplies. In Medical Power Supplies the leakage current is extremely low so that the user / vulnerable patient is not at risk of a shock. This lower current leakage is the same per application of the Power Supply.

The general application of a Medical Power Supply falls into 3 categories:

Class B: equipment, which is not near a patient, For example laser treatments.

Class BF: equipment, which touches the patient For example an ultrasound machine.

Class CF: (Also known as MOPP) equipment, this directly connects to a patient. Such as a Electrocardiograph (ECG) Machine

This range of classes determines the application of the product and therefore the differing needs of insulation on the devices. Anything that touches the body must have thick plastic-based insulation which you might have experiences on an ultrasound wand. The application of the Medical Power Supply is what makes it unique.

You can’t use a laptop charger to power a machine the restarts the heart!

The standards are used globally, as I am sure you will remember the handy name ‘IEC60601-1’. These standards set a precedent for Medical Power Supplies being consistent and safe for their application. The standards fall into two categories of priority: collateral and particular standards. Collateral standards must be met across all Medical Power Supply applications whereas particular standards are particular to the device they are used on.

Some Examples below:

General Standard

60601-1

Collateral standards

EMC 60601-1-2
Radiation Protection 60601-1-3
Usability 60601-1-6
Alarms 60601-1-8

Particular standards

Medical Electron Accelerator 60601-2-1
High Frequency Surgery Equipment 60601-2-2
Electrically Operated Hospital Beds 60601-2-38
Infant Phototherapy Equipment 60601-2-50

This simple list shows the basics of the different safety standards, but we recommend that if you want to know more specific details for your application just search ‘IEC60601-1’ for the full set of standards.

In order to keep our Medical Supplies up to all standards we have exclusively partnered with FRIWO, who have a Medically Approved factory as judged by TUV Nord to the strict ISO13485 Regulation.

This means that each component that goes into our Medical Power Supplies is scrutinized through each stage. By working with FRIWO, who are ISO certified, we can assure that the Medical Power Supplies are to the best standards and quality they can be.

We also follow the regulations set by the 4th edition Medical equipment standards which were released in January 2019, this introduced new standards for wireless technology and Medical Power Supplies being used within the home not a care setting. There is a huge range of standards to achieve and meeting all of them makes us great Power Supply provider!

If you would like any more information or help get in touch!

Email us: hello@haredata.co.uk

Or give us a ring on +44 (0) 1423 796240

Why Haredata Electronics are a cut above!

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:07:57 GMT

“Haredata Electronics are a World Class Solutions provider in Power and Battery Charging Technologies.”

Quite a bold statement you may be thinking, but there are many within the business that feel we don’t shout out about this enough.

As the UK hits a period of uncertainty, you can be certain that the 35 year relationship between Haredata Electronics and FRIWO will grow in strength.

FRIWO, our Partner and Manufacturer have an absolute World class offering in terms of Power Supply units (internal and external), Lithium Ion Batteries and Chargers and are leading the way in terms of innovation. Having just opened a state of the art manufacturing facility in Vietnam (under German management), the company are always looking for ways to remain the market leader in innovation, reliability and safety. In a time where companies are looking to do things cheaper, FRIWO strive to use the very best components, while maintaining very rigorous testing for each and every unit.

In fact, FRIWO were so obsessed with sourcing the very best components that they decided to open up their own Vietnam factory to produce Inductive Components for our own Power Supplies and Chargers. This is why the FRIWO range meets all global quality approvals and this is why the FRIWO range boast a 200,000 meantime between failure rates.

Our Inductive Components are also available for individual sale - SEE HERE

New innovation includes the latest NEO Designer Power Supply Unit, new technology based around IoT and then there is the e-Mobility Electric Drive Train – very impressive, check it out on our website!

At Haredata Electronics, we have the knack of taking the FRIWO range to the next level by adding our own expertise and knowledge and creating the perfect solution for clients that expect to evolve over time. We work very closely with our client base, always listen and are willing to adapt very quickly to the changing World.

Boasting a 10,000sq foot warehouse in the picturesque surroundings of Knaresborough, Haredata are certainly no box shifters like many of our competitors. We have our very own manufacturing arena that, is a beehive of activity with our Technicians applying their technical knowledge and knowhow to all the many custom requests we receive.

I mentioned the large warehouse which comes in very handy when we need to keep stock. We hold stock for most of our clients, and offer a call off schedule when stock is required. Being prepared and sitting down with you to plan carefully, means that stock should always be available. I don’t know how many times I have heard our competitors promising small lead times to win business and then drastically under deliver. We would rather do the job once and do it properly!

We are that thorough internally about delivering consistent client satisfaction, that we even challenged ourselves to passing the latest ISO9001 accreditation which we achieved with flying colours, continuing to maintain the high standard!

The Brain behind the Electric Power Train

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:20:51 GMT

Focus on the Motor Controller and Software

A combination of the motor controller and software are integral to the FRIWO Electric Drive Train because each of the components such as the battery pack and the brushless DC motor require a good brain to get the best out of them. It is like a person, the better the brain, the more intelligent it is and the more capable that person is of completing a task. The same could be said with the drive train.

We have focused a lot on the battery packs and the brushless DC motor of late but the real hero is the integration between the motor controller and the software, the capabilities that they offer and I want to focus on the brain within this blog.

What is the Motor Controller?

The motor controller is a compact component that can be mounted anywhere on the application (important for space saving on something like a scooter). It is hard wired to the battery via a junction box and then to the motor itself and will act upon the configured commands of the software to deliver or manage the power from the battery to the motor, maintaining the set parameters.

This clever device is compatible with CAN-bus technology so will integrate with any Li-Ion battery containing CAN-bus, has Bluetooth capabilities so can be connected to the app via a smartphone, is resilient so will perform whilst under immense pressure and is water resilient so can handle the weather.

Key features:

Safety and reliability

What’s more is that the motor controller recognises malfunctions that may occur during operations and will shut down quickly deciding whether to tune down the power so not to damage the system.

Size Vs Power Rating

Best in class and can be installed almost anywhere on a electric vehicle allowing installation in tight spaces on vehicles such as electric scooters, quad bikes, or even Go-Karts.

Flexible

Will control and manage any 3 phase brushless DC motor, equipped with digital hall sensors.

Grid Compatible

Will manage 40 battery packs in parallel increasing overall capacity.

Proven Performance

The motor controller and software was used for a high pressure pump in the Porsche LMP1 during 24hr race of Les Mans.

What Are the Software Capabilities?

This intuitive piece of electric vehicle software can be configured by the user to deliver exacting performance depending on the user requirements.

For example if you run a fleet of Go-Karts and in the morning you have a children’s party booked you can create a profile setting parameters to limit speed and torque in order to make the go-kart child compatible and then you can set up a separate profile perhaps to increase speed and torque, whilst adjusting braking for the adult group booked in later. After initial setup, this operation is a simple toggle between profiles on the app.

Or you could have a fleet of scooters and need to conserve battery power as much as possible so the need to maximise running time. There are combinations of parameters that can be set to achieve this so let’s say you need to ride your vehicle over a distance and you know it is mainly downhill you could actually set up a profile to re-coup energy and put this back into battery to give you additional running time and what’s more is that profiles can easily be selected using the app making the system straightforward to access and manage.

Should you edit parameters that result in a negative effect on the behavior of the controller then the safety element kicks in and these commands are usually intercepted or parameter changes are limited to safe values.

Without drilling too much into the software set up and listing every tab and every parameter I have included the image below to highlight the simple interface once logged in, and the start-up is very straight forward as you move along the top tabs, selecting parameters as necessary from a selection of options, inputting values ranging from 0-100 in some cases or 1-10 in others.

Applications

There are many applications that the FRIWO Motor Controller and Software can power and I have mentioned the obvious ones above but the system is very flexible and was recently selected to solve an issue with a large water pump used with an external motor and the problem was that the flow needed to be limited. The motor in its current state was generating too much power and therefore the pump was running too quickly. The motor controller was implemented, parameters were set up and the motor was limited to a specific speed, reducing the speed of the pump.

Other applications include quad bikes, golf carts, drones, conveyor belts, stair lifts and quite frankly, any application that requires a motor and there needs to be an element of control.

To conclude, the combination of the FRIWO motor controller and software is integrated to fine tune any battery and motor combo and will be the brains of your application to offer the flexibility to meet ever changing requirements.

Li-ion Batteries to Empower the World for Years to Come

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:07:57 GMT

Li-ion Batteries Usage is set to grow at an unprecedented rate.

Li-ion requirements in 2020 and the decade ahead is set to rise at a supersonic pace due to the electrification of almost everything. Historically, Li-ion Batteries have been powering consumer devices but now with the world fixated on carbon neutral targets this has shifted into transportation and electric utilities and it seems there is a race to incorporate Li-ion into new technology such as cars, motorbikes, other vehicles robotics and an array of warehouse technology.

With such demand forecast it is inevitable that there is a scramble to find a solution that will offer more power than the current Lithium Ion battery but for now it is here to stay.

The focus should remain on improving current battery performance and one consideration could be to utilise the current battery technology in a smarter way. Use smart CAN-Bus interfaces and software to set limitations and calculate state of charge. Adopt Li Ion batteries that have built in technology such as short circuit protection, over and under voltage protection and recovery features. Combining this with over- temperature protection will enable maximum usage of the Li-ion battery whilst maintaining safe discharge.

Another consideration to increase capacity is to combine several batteries in a parallel formation and use CAN-Bus technology to distribute the power and therefore building a larger capacity battery grid. With a couple of firmware tweaks the batteries could be synchronized and will deliver a larger amount of power.

Whilst improving the battery performance, you may want to consider charge speed. To improve speed in a smart Li-ion battery you should focus your attention to the battery charger itself. Select a reliable battery charger that is built with Tier 1 components which delivers the correct amount of current. You should use a battery charger that has the ability to monitor the health and cell state of the battery. Using that information a smart charger will use the right amount of current to charge the battery in the quickest possible time without damaging the battery cells.

There are a number of ways to take care of your Li- ion battery and increase the life cycle:

1 – Keep your batteries at room temperature if they a regularly charged and discharged.

2 – Think about increasing the battery capacity rather than carrying a spare - Surprisingly a battery that isn't used often and stored fully charged will see a reduction in capacity and performance quite rapidly.

3 – Allow partial discharges and avoid full discharges.

4- If you have a battery as a spare for example, discharge it to about 40% and store at roughly a refrigerator temperature.

If you are embarking on a project that requires Li-ion batteries, chargers or are looking at electrifying a vehicle please contact Haredata Electronics by emailing hello@haredata.co.uk or give us a call on 01423 796240 - Let Haredata Electronics power your success!!

Haredata Application - Robotic Horticultural Products

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 16:03:45 GMT

Battery Charger meets extreme temperature requirements!

A major global manufacturer asked us to look at developing a range of battery chargers for their latest project, the next generation of robotic horticultural products. The products are built at the customers UK facility, but much of the engineering and specification work was in association with the European based product management team.

Application Specific Power Supplies

The application specific requirements were extreme by any standards:

The working temperature range specified was from -30°C to +40°C and we carried out exhaustive testing to build this requirement into the customer specific design. The Chargers also had to be IP rated as they would be subject to the extremes of weather throughout the European region from the Barents Sea to the Mediterranean. To meet this operational concern we developed a partial potting process for manufacturing to ensure compliance. The Chargers also had to be UV tolerant and suffer minimal degradation over an extended lifetime. Extensive testing to confirm compliance was carried out both in the FRIWO R&D area and at the customers own test facilities. Despite these high parameters, there were also very strict condensation limits imposed at most extreme operating conditions at the design stage.

Finally, despite the somewhat rugged nature of the application, FRIWO still offered a nominal 200K hour MTBF as they do across the whole range of PSUs and Chargers. The customer now takes FRIWO Chargers for the majority of their robotic product range after successful and collaborative engineering work across the range.

We can help with your application too...

Haredata Application - Ultrasonic Instrument

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:14:17 GMT

Specialist OEM build for an Ultrasonic Instrument

We approached a local manufacturer of an ultrasonic instrument, who had until then been sourcing off the shelf power supplies manufactured in China, albeit from a UK distributor. Their main issue was the need to fit a very small pitch ODU connector – as a result they had to use a very small gauge output cable, and even then the fitting of the connector was the main limiting factor in their production process.

Fitting ODU Connectors to our Power Supplies

We were able to offer an alternative power supply, which was the correct rating for their instrument, this removed the possibility of the power supply delivering more current under fault conditions than the cable could safely handle. However, the biggest benefit to the OEM was our ability to fit the connectors in house in a very efficient manner – meaning they saved cost, only dealt with one supplier, and crucially it freed up their labour to do what they did best – i.e. manufacture the instrument, while we supplied the completed PSU. This arrangement enabled an increase in production throughput, and was instrumental in allowing our customer to secure a large order on a short leadtime, which under the previous arrangement, they would not have had the time to do.

We can help with your application too...

Haredata Application - Hand-held Instruments

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:38:58 GMT

Haredata present a bespoke solution

Haredata Electronics were approached by a UK based aeronautics company, who imported a large number of instruments from the USA. These hand held instruments are powered by a bespoke Li-Ion pack in a hard case, together with it’s own charging cradle. However, as a result of the intensive use of the instruments many users wished to have spare batteries that could be charged separately while the instrument was in use and then swapped over as required. The original charging cradle was designed to take the instrument as a whole, therefore this method was not possible.

Working with the OEM, we devised a case of identical dimensions and were able to populate it with higher capacity NimH cells than the original pack, for a significantly lower cost than the battery packs from the original source. However, the real advantage we were able to offer was a dedicated plugtop NimH battery charger, which we engineered to plug directly into the external battery pack – eliminating the need for the battery to be connected to the instrument and inserted into the charging cradle. This further reduced the cost of the offered solution, but more importantly allowed the end users to purchase as many spare batteries and chargers as they wished, in the knowledge that they could all be charged independently from the instrument.

We can help with your application too...

Haredata Application -Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigs)

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:52:27 GMT

Don't get caught out by powering your e-cig with a cheap charger and battery

Since their introduction less than 10 years ago, electronic cigarettes have enjoyed a rapid growth in sales - with over 2 million UK users to date. Marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products, “e-cigs” are predominantly used by current smokers to help them cut down or by ex-smokers to help them quit altogether. However, people often overlook the potential dangers of using cheap USB chargers which have, on occasion, been known to explode and catch fire!

Electronic cigarettes work by using a rechargeable battery to vaporise liquid nicotine and deliver a sensation similar to smoking a normal cigarette – but without the harmful carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco. The battery is usually recharged using a standard USB power supply and this is where the problem often occurs. Cheap Chinese USB chargers can be found all over the internet for as little as 99p and, not surprisingly, most of them fail to meet current European safety standards.

A number of UK electronic cigarette importers have approached us recently, concerned that the USB chargers they were being supplied did not meet the required safety standards. Indeed, some had even been paid a visit by Trading Standards who had politely requested that they stop selling them!

Haredata Electronics were able to help our customers by offering them a range of European designed and fully certified USB Chargers – suitable for electronic cigarettes or any other device requiring a standard USB power supply. Manufactured by FRIWO, all of our power supplies and chargers are backed by fully traceable approvals - giving our customers peace of mind in supplying safe and legal products.

We can help with your application too...

Haredata Application - Diagnostic Medical Devices

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:49:18 GMT

Working with a Medical Device Manufacturer

In 2012, a leading manufacturer of portable, diagnostic medical devices approached Haredata Electronics looking for a power supply solution. The problem they had was that their current unit did not conform to the latest edition of the medical standard. The company had been using a power supply imported from the Far East and, although this had proved to be cost effective, the quality of the product fell short of the constantly evolving standards demanded of medical devices.

Medical Power Supplies IEC60601-1

Medical devices, including any external power supplies, must conform to IEC60601-1 – the general standard for medical electrical equipment. This standard was revised to the IEC60601-1 3rd Edition on 1st June 2012, after a comprehensive review of the previous standard, and it soon became clear that many of the cheaper imported power supplies could not meet these more stringent standards. Haredata Electronics were asked if they could supply a 3rd Edition medical power supply, with the required two means of patient protection (MOPP) that was certified for sale worldwide, including the EU, USA and Japan.

Having worked with Europe’s leading power supply manufacturer for over 25 years, Haredata were quickly able to identify a solution for our customer. The FRIWO GPP10 Medical is one of a range of IEC60601-1 3rd Edition power supplies, suitable for worldwide use thanks to the interchangeable plug system. We supplied all the required technical documents – data sheets, approval certificates and CB reports etc. – as well as a product sample for EMC testing. Our customer has since been reaping the benefits of using the FRIWO power supply as they expand their global sales into new markets and territories.

We can help with your application too...

Haredata Application - Assisted Living

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:05:42 GMT

How Haredata help with assisted living

We approached a global provider of assisted living products and services. The customer had already purchased a small quantity of high quality globally approved power supplies from Haredata. Most of the existing systems used power supplies with linear rather than switch mode technology.

We were able to offer the latest technology environmentally compliant switch mode PSUs offering a significant energy efficiency improvement for the end users. The application required power supplies with an exemplary level of safety and we offered products compliant with IEC60950, UL60950 and EN60950.

The customer distributes systems on a global basis so required a product with global safety approvals from a supplier with experience of managing the approvals process. These particular requirements were driven in part by the fact that the systems being powered by the FRIWO PSU are used in a domestic environment, often by vulnerable users. Another major concern was to provide enhanced surge and lightning protection.

The application requires the power supplies to be “live” 24 hours per day, almost anywhere in the world. We offered an enhanced surge protection of 6kV in order to satisfy this requirement and concern.

High Specification Power Supplies

This was a customer specific requirement that required a higher than standard specification. Reliability and high MTBF were also of major concern, and the FRIWO range was selected after evaluation of several competitive products.

The customer has subsequently taken delivery of over 500,000 pcs to this specification.

We can help with your application too...

Safety Standard IEC 62368-1 to Replace IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 11:05:09 GMT

Introducing a NEW Standard for AV and ICT Manufacturers in 2020

Manufacturers of ICT and AV equipment will have to conform to a new standard for product safety, the IEC 62368-1.

This will replace both the IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065.

There are a few things one should bear in mind, not least when dealing with power supplies,

as Part 1 of the standard deals with safety requirements.

Historically, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and AV (Audio/Visual) equipment have been sat in different product groups and markets, however these technologies have been merging in all kinds of technologies.

As the difference between “traditional” ICT equipment and AV devices was fading, it was decided a new “hazard-based” standard would cover both electronic equipment and IT/Communications technology. This led to the development of the IEC 62368-1, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements.

IEC 62368-1 is intended to be more generic and technology independent, to simplify design and adoption to different markets, minimizing the need for national/regional differences.

The IEC 62368-1 adopts a whole new level of standards and isn't an upgrade to the current standards.

The standard which has been published in its 3. edition, IEC 62368-1:2018, is applicable to the safety of electrical and electronic equipment within the field of audio, video, information and communication technology, and business and office machines with a rated voltage not exceeding 600 V (includes equipment rated 400/690V).

It is basically a product safety standard that classifies energy sources, prescribes safeguards against those energy sources, and provides guidance on the application of, and requirements for, those safeguards. The prescribed safeguards are intended to reduce the likelihood of pain, injury and, in the case of fire, property damage. This 3. edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2014.

The standard will also apply to external power supply units and other accessories intended to supply other equipment within the scope of this part of IEC 62368.

What does this mean around the globe?

In the US, it seems that continuing certification will be allowed for existing certifications that are not “significantly modified” after the Date of Withdrawal (DoW) in December 2020.

In Europe though, the outgoing standards will be withdrawn in favour of the new EN 62368-1 standard, and so presumptions of conformity with directives that reference the old standards will also cease. This is important to bear in mind.

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) is responsible for adjusting and harmonizing the IEC standards to regional requirements.

The resulting EU standard EN 62368-1 will formally be associated with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), which relies on IEC technical standards to guide designers to produce safe products. The Low Voltage Directive version of 2014/35/EU, dated Feb. 26, 2014 was applicable from April 20, 2016. The technical requirements in this directive do not differ much from the older version. But it should be mentioned that the legal and general requirements have changed significantly (obligations of manufacturers, dealers, and marketers), and penalties are called for in the event of infringements of the directive.

What action should I take?

Companies that still have not taken the change of standards into consideration, should however do so immediately, with under a year to the DoW. Not only the design considerations and procurement of acceptable components, but also time-consuming testing and certification could impose some challenges to get products on the market in a timely manner.

Types of products covered by the standard is (as listed in Annex A):

Computing and networking products such as servers, PCs, routers, notebook/laptop computers, tablets and their power supplies

Consumer electronics such as amplifiers, home theater systems, digital cameras and personal music players.

Displays and display units including monitors, TVs and digital projectors.
Telecommunication products such as network infrastructure equipment, cordless and mobile phones, and similar communication devices..

Other equipment that has gained widespread use since the previous standards were introduced, like smartphones, tablet computers, wearable computers and so on would be included in the 3. Edition of IEC 62368-1.

Technical changes in the 3. Edition of IEC 62368-1

The 3. Edition of IEC 62368-1 which was published in October 2018, comes with some technical changes over the previous edition and the most important are:

• addition of requirements for outdoor equipment

• new requirements for optical radiation

• addition of requirements for insulating liquids

• addition of requirements for work cells

• addition of requirements for wireless power transmitters

• addition of requirements for fully insulated winding wire (FIW)

• alternative method for determination of top, bottom and side openings for fire enclosures

• alternative requirements for sound pressure

One point to note is that SELV is no longer defined because a 60950-1 certified switched-mode power supply typically has output circuits classified as safety extra-low voltage (SELV), whereas IEC 62368-1 refers to ES1 energy sources, which considers both voltage and current.

Hazard/Safeguarding Focus

Back to the hazard/safeguarding focus: IEC 62368-1 was written using hazard-based concepts, using a three-block model for pain and injury. It follows the HBSE (hazard-based safety engineering) methodology:

1. Identify energy sources in the product that are capable of causing pain or injury (i.e. electrical, mechanical, or thermal)

2. Classify those energy sources effect on the body or their potential for combustion (i.e. not painful/painful but not injurious/injury-causing, as well as ignition not likely/ possible/likely).

3. Identify safeguards that are needed to protect against the above: Some safeguard types include Equipment Safeguards, Instructional Safeguards and Installation Safeguards

4. Qualify those safeguards using performance or construction-based criteria.

TC108, among other IEC committees, has been committed to HBSE since the publication of the ECMA-287 Safety of Electronics standard, published in 2002, and maintains several hazard sub-teams focused on electric shock, fire, mechanical, chemical, radiation and other hazards for various product types and safety standards.

IEC 62368-1 references all energy sources applicable to ICT/AV electrical equipment, including electrical energy, thermal energy such as hot accessible parts, chemical energy encompassing electrolytic reactions or poisons, kinetic energy such as moving parts, and radiated energy including optical or acoustic energy.

Energy sources are classified into one of three levels according to magnitude and duration, as an expression of their potential to cause harm.

The three levels of effects from energy sources is described as:

Class 1: Not painful, but may be detectable. Ignition not likely.
Class 2: Painful, but not an injury. Ignition possible, but limited growth and spread of fire.
Class 3: Injury. Ignition likely, rapid growth and spread of fire.

As a conclusion, it is essential to study the new standard to understand how they will affect your products. Supporting publications will also be available from standards providers like the IEC ( www.iec.ch ) and many product manufacturers, to aid understanding. If you are in doubt and or want to investigate if further action is needed regarding your current or new power supply applications, please feel free to contact us at Haredata Electronics for assistance.

Sources:

https://ctech.ul.com/en/news-new/new-requirements-in-iec-62368-1-edition-3-take-effect/

http://s3.amazonaws.com/sdieee/2412-PSES+-EN+62368-1+challenges+2019-10.pdf

https://www.nemko.com/sites/nemko/files/users/CENELEC%20TC108X%20Update%2C%20Peter%20Kelleher.pdf

https://insights.tuv.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-iec62368-1

https://www.powerelectronics.com/community/new-external-power-supply-standards-62368-replace-60950-and-60065-update

https://standards.globalspec.com/std/13062062/EN%2062368-1

Challenges you may face when developing an Electric Drive Train

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 12:59:53 GMT

What challenges to overcome when developing an Electric Powertrain?

The world faces enormous challenges when it comes to energy and climate change. Energy-efficient Electronic Powertrains are contributing to combating some of these challenges. The race is on to develop efficient, economical and dynamic Electronic Powertrains and some of the figures been spent on research and development by companies based around the world is huge.

It appears that most countries have bought into reducing air pollution and the UK are one of those countries that want to be at the forefront of electric technology and has a target of ‘zero’ greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as per this BBC article .

If the world is serious about meeting global energy and climate change challenges then replacing diesel or petrol engines with an efficient Electronic Powertrain is one of many innovations required to help reach that goal.

Modern Electronic Powertrains are a relatively new concept for some industries, especially the automotive industry and engineers are challenged with designing affordable, efficient and high-performing Electronic Powertrains as the industry undergoes a technological evolution.

The automotive industry is one area spending big to revolutionise the industry but in certain machine applications, Electronic Powertrains are in some cases the only option suitable due to the high torque demands at wheels and controllable requirements.

The Electric Powertrain is considered a relevant and competitive option to replace hydrostatic and hydrodynamic powertrains to increase energy efficiency. In mobile machines the Electric Powertrain could also improve the manoeuvrability and increase control accuracy so there are numerous industries that can benefit from the development of the system.

Whilst various industries are striving to develop leading Electric Powertrains, FRIWO have been busy in development and have combined all of their in-house speciality skills around power management and battery management to develop an Electronic Powertrain designed for mid-size vehicles and machinery. The FRIWO Electronic Powertrain is tried and tested and is already powering a fleet of hire scooters in Europe and due to the impressive system integration, software capabilities and agility, the fleet is co-ordinated entirely via an app.

The largest challenges faced developing an

Electronic Powertrain can be split into 3 main segments:

1 - Range and charging speed

To meet range and acceleration targets, manufacturers need to work out battery sizing and explore motor and battery design trade-offs because a higher performing motor can lower the overall cell count for the battery pack.

This is a very complex area especially when it comes to developing an Electronic Powertrain for high end vehicles wanting to quickly charge but yet reach distances of 200 miles plus.

Companies must develop and validate optimal charging algorithms and understand the impact of fast charging on their battery pack life. During charging, if the battery pack or charger temperature exceeds a critical temperature, the vehicle controller will reduce charging speed, lengthening the charging time. Thus, battery pack and faster charging electronics design, algorithm development, and thermal management go hand-in-hand.

2 – Performance and Lifetime

In the early part of the FRIWO development it was recognised that in-field reliability of the battery, motor, and power electronics were major concerns. It was recognised that maximum temperature and its distribution during in-field operations is a life-limiting stressor for components. There was a real need to account for not only material properties, but also tough-to-measure non-uniform distribution of current, voltage, magnetic flux, and temperature in these components.

Multi-domain data exchange within the FRIWO software at the early system design concept stage was therefore crucial. Integration and system-level exploits, if left for the later stages, would have resulted in design iterations and system integration problems.

3 - Integration

Optimising the integration of mechanical and electrical components into one Electronic Powertrain marrying each component of the Electronic Powertrain is the key to its efficiencies. Innovative simulation and optimisation software tools should be used early in the concept phase to assess optimal design variations.

At present, most Electronic Powertrains available comprise of separate entities such as the motor, battery, drive train and a vehicle control unit which are usually bundled together and what I have noticed is that taking this approach usually mean projects often run over or spiral over budget because work then starts on integration and it is the equivalent of drawing house building plans after the house is built.

The FRIWO Electronic Powertrain has been designed with integration in mind right from the start and designed with the end user in sight. All components are tied into the software and in effect the whole Electronic Powertrain is powered by the software arming the end user or manufacturer with the flexibility to set parameters to suit the function of the vehicle or piece of equipment that it will power.

See the Electronic Powertrain in action!

The video below shows a live demonstration of a Go-Kart containing the FRIWO Electronic Powertrain and it is been controlled by a mobile phone app via bluetooth. The app in this situation allows you to control the vehicle output parameters as well as monitor vehicle performance using real time data.

To Summarise

There are many complex areas to developing an Electronic Powertrain. You simply cannot take the best components, bundle them together and expect to develop an efficient solution in super quick time. Haredata Electronics based in the UK have the perfect solution for mid-size vehicles developed by their German partners, FRIWO. The FRIWO Electronic Powertrain is very flexible and will provide the beating heart to any vehicle or piece of machinery, allowing you to focus on its design, reducing long term project costs, removing integration headaches and allowing efficiencies right across the solution.

ErP Directive 2019/1782

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:04:50 GMT

The new ErP Directive is coming! Are you ready?

The new regulation “2019/1782”

Stricter energy efficiency requirements are a global issue.

In the U.S., the Department of Energy (DoE) had already imposed significantly stricter requirements on the energy efficiency of power supplies in February 2016, and Europe is now following with a new regulation: The new, Europe-wide regulation “2019/1782” will soon come into force, which places significantly stricter requirements on the environmentally compatible design of “energy-related products“ (ErP).

From 01.04.2020 compliance with this regulation is a basic requirement for applying the CE mark to products and marketing them in the European Union.

What does the regulation mean for you?

Among the energy consumption-relevant products of the coming regulation are power supply units, for which stricter regulations regarding efficiency and standby power losses will apply in future.

In concrete terms, this means that if your products are operated with inadequate power supplies, you will no longer be allowed to market them once the new directive comes into force!

Whether or not your power supply is affected depends on a variety of factors.

Ourselves at Haredata and our Partner FRIWO is at your side as a reliable c ompanion for new statutory regulations such as the forthcoming ErP Directive - the best way to clarify all details is in a direct discussion.

Always on the safe side with HAREDATA ELECTRONICS & FRIWO

What really counts for you as a customer is the smooth and long-term marketing of your product.

In order to guarantee this, FRIWO always develop and produce our products taking into account possible future changes in standards and increasing efficiency requirements.

How do they accomplish this?

The in-house approvals department works closely with the responsible authorities and has extensive detailed knowledge. They also actively represented in standards committees and professional associations by our own staff and are therefore always up to date - so that you are ready for tomorrow today!

F or almost half a century, demanding customers have been able to rely on an experienced power supply partner: As an international manufacturer of technically leading chargers, battery packs, power supply units and LED drivers, we supply a wide range of applications with tailor-made solutions.

With modern development centers, manufacturing and sales in Europe, Asia and North America, FRIWO is present in all important

markets of the world. Our customers include well-known global companies from future-oriented industries such as e-mobility, medical technology, industrial automation and battery-powered tools.

FRIWO FOX NEO Insight Series Part 3 (Focus on Application)

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 09:25:45 GMT

What can the FOX NEO Be Paired With?

We have discussed the aesthetics and the functionality of the FRIWO FOX NEO and in this final blog of the series I would like to highlight some applications where the FOX NEO will prove to be the perfect solution when choosing a power supply unit to power your devices.

One area in global development that is creating a lot of hype and excitement is IoT – Internet of Things. There is lots of talk globally about what the potential is and even talk about racing to replace the standard battery with something specifically developed to power IoT as per this Financial Times Article . I can't see this happening anytime soon, Li-Ion batteries will dominate this space for years to come and along side the FOX NEO, Haredata Electronics also have a range battery packs on offer.

For me IoT is very broad at the moment and it can mean different concepts to different people or companies. In my opinion IoT is simply a network of interconnected things or devices which are embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity and necessary electronics to enable them to collect and exchange data.

It is worth pointing out at this point that Haredata Electronics and FRIWO are currently developing an IoT power supply unit that will in the first phase contain an IoT backpack to allow connectivity with an app and you will be able to control the power supply to the device via the power supply unit and the app. The second phase will be the unit built into the power supply unit but that is another blog for another day – at least you get a sneak preview.

Anyway back to the FOX NEO and why I mentioned IoT. Well IoT contains a broad range of devices and experts reckon that there will be 75 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things by 2025 which by my calculation based on the population today means roughly that every person in the world on average will own around 10 IoT devices. The devices will range from mobile phones to interactive watches to gaming gadgets to smart televisions and to toys – the list is endless and these are just devices for consumers. I haven’t even mentioned medical devices!

Most devices will require a power supply unit or a charger and most devices will have a modern, sleek design. If you have read series 1 and series 2 of the NEO blogs you will notice the common denominators. The FOX NEO is a power supply unit and it looks ultra-modern. The consumer demands quality as highlighted in Part 2 of the NEO blogs and the FOX NEO certainly delivers.

Haredata Electronics have worked with many companies in the medical device world and have been involved with some fantastic projects over the years. We know all too well the hurdles faced when developing a new medical electronic device and we certainly have the knowledge and agility to be able to adapt and remain flexible with the FOX NEO. The FOX NEO meets all medical approvals and would be a perfect partner for delivering power to new, modern devices. Equally, it will power current devices if your existing power supply unit or charger isn’t as reliable as you had hoped.

To summarise; quite simply, the FRIWO FOX NEO will power any device that requires an external power source providing the power requirement falls within the FOX NEO range. It has a number of global approvals so can be used with consumer devices or medical devices and for those who are more conscious about helping to conserve power can adopt the FOX NEO knowing that from a visual perspective you know if it is switched on or off.

If you enjoyed this blog and want to know more about why the aesthetics are important or want to know more about the functionality then please read the Insight Series Part 1 and Insight Series Part 2

Electrical phenomena: Surge and Burst

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 15:52:22 GMT

Heart failure: one of the worst incidents in medicine.
If the heart fails, everything fails!

The same applies to the power supply of an application: If its performance is unreliable, the entire system is paralyzed - which can have the worst conceivable consequences in medical technology. Examples range from malfunctioning instruments and apparatus in the midst of a complicated operation to a possible worst-case scenario such as the unintentional cessation of life-support measures,

It is therefore important, especially for medical power supplies, to strive for the highest possible reliability and to guard against any incidents. Two possible interference factors are the phenomena "surge" and "burst", for which the corresponding interference immunity is regulated in the IEC 61000-4 standards. This article fundamentally describes the phenomena mentioned as well as the immunity to be complied with according to the applicable standard, and gives some tips for the practical implementation in engineering as well as for the selection of a suitable power supply.

Overvoltage and its impacts

“Overvoltage" describes an electrical voltage which exceeds the permissible tolerance range of an electrical system’s nominal voltage. For an electrical device, the phenomenon sometimes has a destructive effect of key significance: The excess energy can destroy components of the electrical circuit and can cause errors and equipment failures. It is therefore of utmost importance to consider the immunity against possible occurring overvoltage when engineering a power supply.

But when does a so-called overvoltage actually occur? Within the European AC voltage grid, the rated voltage according to EN 60038 is 230 V with a tolerance of +/- 10 % in single-phase systems. Thus, voltages of more than 253 V are to be considered as overvoltage in our power grid by definition. Such overvoltage can either occur permanently, for example because of a faulty electrical installation, or for a short time, due to bolts of lightning or switching operations.

While the protection of a device against permanent overvoltage would be possible only with extreme effort and is also unnecessary because of the rare occurrence within a typical AC grid, short-term overvoltage is quite more common than expected and requires appropriate safety measures. The overvoltage can occur both symmetrically between the electrical conductors as well as asymmetrically between electrical conductors and earth.

In general, one distinguishes two phenomena of short-time overvoltage, which, in accordance with the corresponding standards, should be examined more closely:

1. Surge

2. Burst

Surge according to IEC 61000-4-5

The phenomenon of surge voltage is regulated in IEC 61000-4-5. This standard describes the "Immunity test of electrical and electronic equipment, devices and installations against shockwaves (surge voltages and currents)" and was adopted in March 2015 in its current version.

In a power grid, short-term surge is caused by a wide variety of events. A fundamental distinction is made between surge caused by switching operations or system errors, and overvoltage caused by lightning. The latter does not only apply to direct lightning strike to a power grid, but also to indirect lightning strikes and induced currents to the ground or earth system of a complex nearby.

Surges occur more frequently than expected

Even the mere number of yearly lightning strikes illustrates how often we encounter short-term surge voltage in a power grid: last year, over 450,000 lightning flashes hit Germany, which – depending on the location – had a corresponding impact on our power grid. This number seems relatively low in comparison to previous years: in 2015, for example, 550,000 flashes were noted, in the stormy year 2007, a record level was recorded with about 1.1 million flashes. Added to this are the countless switching operations, which are currently increasing due to a switch from centralized to decentralized power grid (smart grid), as well as other influencing factors which can also lead to high pressure on the power supply for a short time.

Standard-compliant simulation of surges

In general, a surge is a momentary, very high-energy pulse, which the device must survive unscathed. To simulate such a surge, a generator is used to simulate the pulse shape of the phenomenon. The standard underlying pulse form for surges has a wave-front duration of 1.2 μs with a pulse duration of 50 μs (1.2/50 μs) for the no-load voltage and a wave-front duration of 8 μs with a pulse duration of 20 μs (8/20 μs) for the short-circuit current.

Specifically for outdoor telecommunications, the standard requires higher pulses of 1.2/50 μs for the voltage and 5/320 μs for the current. These pulse forms represent the specific characteristics of a telecommunications network. Other standards also contain further pulse forms such as 10/1000 μs.

Medical applications and devices are typically located in buildings and are therefore tested with a pulse definition of 1.2/50 μs and 8/20 μs for the power supply.

The different test severity levels are now set by the peak value of the open circuit voltage. IEC 61000-4-5 defines values for four different severities. The degree of severity required for a device depends on various factors and is specified in the corresponding product standard of the electrical devices. In medical technology, this means EMC safety standard IEC 60601-1-2 in its 4th edition. Electrical appliances of protection class II to be used in buildings must have an interference immunity to surge of severity level 3. This also applies to medical-electrical appliances, both in the hospital environment and in the so-called home healthcare environment.

Since the surge can occur between supply lines as well as between supply lines and earth, different types of input coupling exist in addition to the different voltage peaks:

As far as surges between conductors are concerned, low impedance and high energy can be assumed, also called "differential mode". The coupling impedance corresponds to the generator’s internal resistance and is specified with 2 Ω. The energy is transferred via an 18 μF coupling capacitor.

"Common mode" applies to pulse voltages between conductors and earth. In this case the impedance is higher and reads 12 Ω (2 Ω generator internal resistance + 10 Ω due to poorer conducting earth). The energy is transmitted via a 9 μF coupling capacitor, but the voltage level is twice as high as in the "differential mode”.

Communication lines have different impedances than supply lines, which is why other impedances are used. Frequently one encounters values of 25 Ω or 42 Ω.

Test severities for surges (IEC 61000-4-5)

Protection against surges

There are different methods to protect devices against destruction by surge. The simplest way is to match the affected components such as diodes and capacitors with the appropriate voltage. At higher test voltages, however, this is no longer possible, which is why components are required which limit the voltage within the device. This is done by using varistors (VDRs) or gas discharge tubes which become conductive at a certain voltage and convert the surplus energy into heat. Gas discharge tubes are not permitted for every application. Since these components not only have a voltage-limiting effect, but short-circuit the circuit when the breakdown voltage is reached, they may only be used in DC circuits. They should not be used in AC supply lines, since a short-circuit in a supply line leads to a long-lasting high current, which can also trigger the house’s main fuse and shut down the power supply for all devices permanently. Consequently, VDRs are used for AC supply lines.

Burst according to IEC 61000-4-4

Transient disturbances are caused by brief switching operations, such as the disruption of inductive loads or the bouncing of relay contacts in a power supply grid as well as in control and signal lines. These disturbance variables are voltage peaks which are coupled in lines in so-called “bursts”. Characteristic are the high amplitude, the short rise time, the high repetition rate and the low energy of the transients.

Immunity test of bursts

The handling of this phenomenon is fundamentally regulated in the IEC 61000-4-4 standard: "Immunity test against fast transient electrical disturbances/burst". In its current version of April 2013, the standard specifies the repetition rate to be tested for the transients at 5 and/or 100 kHz, with the actual value of the burst phenomenon being closer to 100 kHz. The test specification 5 kHz still dates back to a time when the test equipment was incapable of producing transients with such a high repetition rate.

The coupling of the fast transients is carried out during the test either by means of a coupling capacitor directly applied to the supply lines, or indirectly via a capacitive coupling pliers to control and signal lines. The degree of severity to be maintained in the burst is ultimately determined in the respective product standard of the device, for medical devices degree 3 applies.

Test severities for bursts: (IEC 61000-4-4)

In general, burst pulses are not as destructive as surge pulses. However, they often lead to unwanted behavior of devices, which can surface, for example, in form of flickering displays or incorrect circuit measurements. At very high amplitudes, a device can ultimately be destroyed. The general problem with burst pulses is that they can only be filtered out to a very limited extent. In this case, a VDR is only of limited protective suitability since the response time of these varistors is too long. In contrast, the use of fast suppressor diodes can serve as a possible solution.

Selection of adequate power supply

Purchasers and engineers should focus on compliance with the IEC 61000-4-4 and IEC 61000-4-5 standards when selecting the appropriate power supply for their application, to protect their application from the destructive effects of the phenomena ”surge and burst”. These standards must be enforced by all standard medically approved power supplies in accordance with IEC 60601-1-2, so users initially consider themselves on the safe side.

However, especially for particularly safety-critical applications, such as patient monitoring systems or life-sustaining systems, the values required by the standard should rather be considered pedestals. Here it is recommended to examine the application and its corresponding safety precautions together with a power supply expert in order to achieve the best possible interference immunity - at FRIWO, for example, with designs of up to 6 kV surge resistance.

[1] Siemens AG: Blitzatlas 2017, www.elektroniknet.de/elektronik/power/die-3-blitzreichsten-regionen-deutschlands-156217.html

FRIWO FOX NEO Insight Series Part 2 (Focus on Functionality)

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:50:15 GMT

Combine World Class Functionality with Appeal!

We have all seen news articles in the past relating to Power Supply Units and Chargers causing problems and in some cases causing house fires or even electrocution. In all news related articles, it's usually the company who manufactures the end device that ends up in hot water and the Power Supply Unit or Charger Manufacturer is never mentioned. The blame tends to fall at the hands of the device manufacturer and there is a good example in this BBC news article. It is therefore imperative that a company who purchases Power Supply Units from a third party manufacturer considers the Power Supply Unit as an important component of the full kit and considers the implications of supplying an inferior Power Supply Unit or Charger.

The FOX NEO is as every bit reliable and effective at supplying power as it is aesthetically stunning. FRIWO have a history of delivering ‘best of breed’ Power Supply Units and have always focused on reliability and safety. To maintain those standards, each FOX NEO is kitted out with TIER 1 AVL core components and to maintain the consistency of the components, FRIWO took control of the manufacturing process of said components.

To back this up, FRIWO have rigorously tested the FOX NEO to comply with most global approvals.

Here is a snap shot of the most common approvals:

IEC60950

IEC60065

IEC60335

IEC62368

Approved for use in EURO, USA, AUSTRALIA and has a safety class II, EMC EN55024 & EN55032.

The FOX NEO can satisfy requirements for medical and non-medical needs and delivers an LED light to all Power Supply Units regardless of the application because historically FRIWO installed LED lights on just the medical approved Power Supply Unit. This means that the user can easily identify if the Power Supply Unit is switched on or off allowing the user to decide if they want to save electricity consumption and more importantly to the consumer, being able to identify that the Power Supply Unit is actually switched on and the device is in charge mode.

On another note, many companies send out engineers to inspect devices when a fault is registered and companies can waste many man hours only to discover something basic like a faulty charger so the lit LED could be incorporated into a triage type question and a basic conversation with the end user will be able to determine if the charger or socket is at fault rather than the device itself.

In terms of reliability, the FOX NEO boasts a meantime between failure of 200,000 hours and offers a very low standby electricity loss. In addition, the lowest leakage currents, the MOPP protection class and a long service life enable use in the most demanding environments.

The FOX NEO is very flexible because it can be tailored to most OEM requirements – The lead type, lead length and connector jacks can all be tailored to your needs and the FOX NEO has interchangeable plugs for the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Korea, USA, Argentina, Brazil, China and Japan.

To summarise, it is important to select a Power Supply Unit that is reliable and delivers the correct amount of power to the device in a safe manner. When sourcing a Power Supply Unit check all approvals, perform due diligence on the supplier and most importantly consider the Power Supply Unit as an integral piece of the jigsaw. The FOX NEO is reliable and is every much a 'best of breed' Power Supply Unit.

If you you enjoyed this blog then I recommend reading the 3rd part of the series focusing on application:

FRIWO FOX NEO Insight series Part 3 (Focus on Application)

We can fit specialised connectors!

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:28:21 GMT

Do you spend time and effort sourcing and fitting specialised connectors?

As part of our high quality one stop shop for Power Supplies, Batteries and Chargers.

Haredata Electronics are expert at fitting a wide range of third party connectors for our customers.

Units with specialised connectors are sampled prior to production, and as an ISO registered company, you can be sure of the high standard of our in house production team.

Why not take advantage of our competitive labour rates and the opportunity to reduce your vendor base and the number of components you need to manage.

Get in touch if you have any questions!

FRIWO FOX NEO Insight Series Part 1 (Focus on Design)

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 12:36:40 GMT

Don’t hide away the clunky power supply unit – Times have changed!!

Over many years, lots of companies manufacturing power supply units and chargers have focused on quality and completely ignored the need to follow the electronic design evolution focused in the main on producing aesthetically pleasing devices.

According to this article in the Independent back in 2010 analysts predicted that touch screen and aesthetically pleasing devices would replace clunky devices and they were correct.

Yet today whilst electronic devices have evolved, power supply units still look the same - UNTIL NOW!!

There have been many studies performed over the years and research shows first impressions really do count. According to this publication in the guardian it takes one tenth of a second to form an opinion about someone based on looks and it is no different when selecting an electronic device.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to piece together the evidence that the one key deciding factor on purchasing a device is the aesthetic appeal and surprisingly; functionality, safety and environmental issues fall way down the pecking order. In 2019 companies like Samsung and Apple have even re-invented their packaging, charging units and headphones to present a complete modern package as customer expectations have risen and the devil really is in the detail.

How many times have you purchased an electronic device and the power supply unit has looked badly designed and felt flimsy with components inside rattling around? Most people can resonate with this and feel let down!

Perhaps even to the point when you are scared to leave the device charging when you leave home because you fear it is a possible risk?

The FOX NEO, recently launched by FRIWO and Haredata Electronics is as aesthetically pleasing as it is in terms of functionality and reliability. Here is a power supply unit that packs ‘world class ingredients’ into a sleek, elegant, and eye catching casing.

Are you designing a new electronic device and looking to source a power supply unit that is in keeping with the modern sleek look?

Look no further, the FOX NEO exceeds expectations in a day where our competitors are still producing power supply units with the 1990’s look and feel.

The FOX NEO has been beautifully designed to look great and it has been ergonomically designed for ease of use with the tapered edges, making it easy to handle also.

This is a power supply unit that is very mindful about the end user. As mentioned previously regarding the need to present a complete modern package with aesthetically eye catching components, the FOX NEO will sit perfectly in a box with modern sleek designed electronic device and add a visual value.

Branding is also an important part of building a long lasting relationship with your client and the FOX NEO has been designed so that there is ample room across the face to present your company brand. In a day where loyalty is harder than ever to achieve because of internet access and information at everyone's fingertips it is important to make your brand the centre of attention.

To summarise, in today's society the end user expects a quality designed, sleek electronic device to contain equally modern and sleek looking accessories which include the power supply unit. Haredata Electronics present exactly that with the FRIWO FOX NEO Power Supply Unit whilst still packing in the right ingredients to offer a 'World Class, Best of Breed, Power Supply Unit''.

If you like what you read then please have a look at the 2nd installment which focuses on functionality:

FRIWO FOX NEO Insight Series Part 2 (Focus on Functionality)

Certificates for China; CCC or CQC approvals for power supplies

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 14:58:54 GMT

What are the Statutory Requirements?

In China, there are two certification systems for product quality standardization, certain product groups are subject to authorization, most of them can be approved voluntarily. The certification is carried out by an approval agency. A self-declaration of conformity with Chinese standards for products subject to approval is not possible. Products which are not subject to certification are not required to be tested by an approval agency. Distribution and import to China, however, are simplified for an approved product.

What does CCC stand for?

CCC stands for China Compulsory Certificate. This certificate, introduced in 2002, confirms the compliance with Chinese standards for product groups requiring approvals. Other product groups can not be CCC marked or can only be CCC marked indirectly.

Compliance with CCC regulations is checked by the Chinese authorities. Products without, with defective or non-valid CCC marking can be confiscated by customs on import to China. Violations of the CCC provisions result in heavy fines and intensive lawsuits.

The Chinese authorities CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration) supervise the CCC system. The CQC (China Quality Certification Center) or the CCAP (China Certification Center for Automotive Products) certifies the products and identify the product groups, which require an approval.

Which product groups are subject to approval?

Some products of the following product groups require approvals:

Electrical wires and cables
Low-voltage Electrical Apparatus
Low power motors
Electric tools
Welding machines
Household and similar electrical appliances
Audio and video apparatus (not including the audio apparatus for broadcasting service and automobiles)
Information technology equipments
Lighting apparatus (not including the lighting apparatus with the voltage lower than 36V)
Telecommunication Terminal equipment
Motor vehicles
Motor vehicle Tires
Safety Glasses
Agricultural Machinery
Latex Products
Medical Devices
Fire Fighting Equipment
Safety Protection Products
Home Decor and Remodeling Products
Safety Parts and Accessories of Vehicles and Motorcycles
Toy Products
IT Products

Are power supplies subject to approval?

Power supplies and chargers are not necessarily subject to approval.

Power supplies for audio/video equipment, chargers and power supplies for computers and IT products require the CCC approvals.

There are no direct requirements for power supplies and chargers for medical products, telecommunication, household appliances or tools. The entire product or system, however, may require a certificate.

This applies to the following medical products:

Medical X-Ray Diagnostic Equipments
Haemodialysis Equipments
Hollow Fiber Dialysers
Blood Circuit Pipings in Vitro for Blood Purification Equipments
Electrocardiographs
Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers
Artificial Heart-Lung Machines

The CCC marking of a power supply which does not require an approval, is actually not possible. Nevertheless, it is often possible to declare it as "IT product", in addition to its intended use, to apply for a CCC approval.

How does CCC certification work?

The certification consists of several steps:

Submission of application, all documents must be filed with the approval authority in full and translated if necessary.
Product design inspection, the devices are examined and tested in a Chinese laboratory.
Production audit, the production sites are audited and approved by the certification authorities.
Follow up service, i.e. annual inspections of the products in a laboratory and of the production sites.

After successful certification, the manufacturer is entitled to mark the product with CCC.

A certificate is issued for 5 years but its validity is subject to regular review by the certification authorities.

What does CQC stand for?

For products which do not require CCC approvals, voluntary CQC certification may be obtained. After successful certification, the products can be marked with CQC. The certification is done by the China Quality Certification Center (CQC), which is also in charge of most CCC approvals.

The voluntary CQC mark is comparable to a German GS, a VDE or SIQ mark. It confirms that the device meets the Chinese standards and regulations. This often facilitates exports to China. A CQC marked product can get a CCC mark more quickly with an extension of the CCC product catalog. The costs of voluntary CQC certification are considerably high.

FRIWO and China certification

For many years FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH has been manufacturing power supplies for different scopes. We regularly conduct CCC or CQC certifications, our production sites as well as several products are CCC approved. We would be pleased to advise you on the selection of power supplies, and you will find us as a qualified partner for all issues regarding the certification of your power supply.

Sources:

http://www.ccc-certificate.org

http://www.cqc.com.cn/www/english/

MPR China Certification GmbH http://www.china-certification.com

What to Consider when Sourcing a Power Supply Unit or Charger for your Product?

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:47:46 GMT

We have all seen news reports in the past regarding cheap and unsafe power supply units or chargers such as the ones in this watchdog article:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/22rhmp90L5P9ljVJldgssBg/chargers .

Ultimately when you develop a new product and opt to purchase cheap PSU’s or chargers it will affect the reputation of your company and products. It is for that reason when developing a new product or launching a newer version of an existing product that you consider a safe and well-built charger or power supply unit. Too many arrive from China that are badly constructed and use inferior parts.

Before commenting on what considerations to factor when sourcing a power supply unit or charger it is worth explaining the roles of the PSU or charger.

What is a Power Supply Unit (PSU) and Battery Charger?

A power supply unit is a component that supplies power to at least one electric load. Typically, it converts one type of electrical power to another, but it may also convert a different form of energy – such as solar, mechanical, or chemical - into electrical energy. A power supply provides components with electric power.

The primary function of a power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load. As a result, power supplies are sometimes referred to as electric power converters.

A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is an electronic circuit that converts power using switching devices that are turned on and off at high frequencies, and storage components such as inductors or capacitors to supply power when the switching device is in its non-conduction state.

A simple charger works by supplying a constant DC or pulsed DC power source to a battery being charged.These chargers also vary in that they can supply either a constant voltage or a constant current, to the battery.

What to Consider?

A few basic factors go into the selection of low-voltage dc/dc and ac/dc power supplies for OEM use. At the risk of stating the obvious, the key objective is to bring the input voltage to a new potential. With that in mind, there are six parameters that determine most of the qualities the supply should have.

Whether the input potential is divided
The input and output voltage ranges and the output current demand
The space available for the supply
The end product and the regulations that apply to its industry or area
The environmental conditions the supply will see
The degree of reliability the supply must provide

Then on top of this you need to consider the following: Safety, Build quality, Efficiency!

Where to purchase reliable, safe, PSU’s and Chargers?

Haredata Electronics’ range of power supplies are made by a German Company called FRIWO.

FRIWO were instrumental in the original development of PSU’s and switch technology and today are committed to providing the safest, most reliable units whilst hand building every unit with the very best components.

Haredata has an in-house manufacturing facility giving the ability to customize the types of connections that some of our client’s require. We supply both industrial and medical versions of power supply unit depending on which market your device is aimed at and they all comply with the very highest standards and EMC approvals.

Taking the Fox18 5V 3000ma from the current range for example, I have listed which standards it meets.

The FOX 18 carries Efficiency Level VI, overload protection, overvoltage protection and is continuously short circuit proof.

Approvals – IEC60950 IEC60065 IEC60335 IEC62368-1 approved for use in EU,USA,AUS safety class II.
EMC EN55024, EN55032
MTBF 200,000 hours
Interchangeable mains plugs available for UK,EU,USA, AUS and the ROW.
Offer a wide range of terminations for input ranging USB, USB A, jack plugs right through to RJ connectors and USB C.
Medical : Compliant to 4th Med. Edition IEC60601-1-2:2014 and CISPR11/CISPR32.
Medical version allows usage of multimedia devices in that environment and all versions
Approved by SIQ and UL.

Applications & Case Studies: Ultrasonic Instrument

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:32:11 GMT

Fitting Custom Connectors to Power Supplies

We can help with your application too...

If you have a requirement for Power Supplies, Battery Chargers, Batteries or Connectors for your application, get in touch with the Sales team at Haredata to find out how our products can help power your products success.

USB 3.2 explained: Making sense of current and confusing USB standards

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:11:09 GMT

Get to know the different versions of USB 3.2 as you await the arrival of USB 4.

This isn't the first time USB names have changed slightly. USB 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 were combined into USB 2.0. When USB 3.1 was developed, USB 3.0 suddenly became USB 3.1 Gen 1, and the newer standard received the label USB 3.1 Gen 2.

We now find ourselves in a similar spot with USB 3.2. The newest, fastest version of USB 3.2 offers a max speed of 20Gbps and is called USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. (The 2x2 means it's the second generation and has two 10Gbps lanes to achieve its maximum throughput of 20Gbps.) The older USB 3.1 has a single 10Gbps channel and is called USB 3.2 Gen 2. Then there's USB 3.0, which is now called USB 3.2 Gen 1.

Know your USB 3.2 versions

If you're on the lookout for the above USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2 names when attempting to create the best possible connection between your devices, your work is not done. That's because there are separate marketing terms for each of the three USB 3.2 versions, which the USB-IF encourages vendors to use for their packaging. (Whether vendors follow this suggestion or use the above terms remains to be seen and requires you to know both sets of terms.) The marketing terms you'll see for USB 3.2 devices are: SuperSpeed USB, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps and SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps.

Perhaps spelling it all out in chart will help alleviate some confusion and your USB branding headache

USB history

In 1996 the USB 1.0 standard was introduced with a maximum data rate of 12 Mbit/s. In 2000 the USB 2.0 standard was specified with a data rate of 480 Mbps. This is still the most common version of USB in use (as of writing). In November 2008, the USB Implementers Forum introduced the specification for USB 3.0. In SuperSpeed mode, a maximum data rate of 5 Gbit/s is achieved with USB 3.0.

Then in 2014 the standard USB 3.1 Gen 2 was introduced, which had a maximum data transfer rate for SuperSpeed reads of +10 Gbit/s.

Currently, USB takes three steps in, putting a whole range of other interfaces at risk.

So far, the USB "ailed" the following:

The SuperSpeed introduced with USB 3.0 is not sufficient for SSDs (Solid State Disk Drives) and external RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks).

The current USB connectors fit only in one direction, and can not be plugged in either direction.

The USB does not provide enough power to charge tablets or even notebooks quickly.

However, the USB Implementers Forum has offered solutions for these problems, not only as complete package, but also independently with specifications USB 3.1 / UBS Type C/PD. The new USB standards do not only provide higher data transfer rates (USB 3.1 Gen 2) and faster charging times (power delivery), but also a new connector type (USB Type C). Specifically, the USB Implementers Forum has spread the innovations to 3 different specifications, which can overlap as well as complement each other, but still remain independent.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 defines SuperSpeedPlus with double speed to 10 Gbit/s compared to USB 3.0.Â ew Paragraph

Type A vs. C

In addition to offering different speeds, USB comes in different physical forms. USB Type-A ports are rectangular and require you to plug in your cable with the right side up. USB Type-C ports are smaller, oval-shaped and reversible in that they save you from needing to know which end is up. An advantage of the type C plug connection is, among other things, the low overall height, and small width of the socket of 8.4 mm.

USB A => 12.1 mm x 4.7 mm

USB C => 8.4 mm x 2.5 mm (width x height)

The plug type is no guarantor for high performance. USB-C and USB 3.2 have been introduced together, but do not necessarily belong together. There are devices with Type C connectors that only support USB 2.0. There are also devices that are compatible with USB 3.2 but use conventional USB A connectors. While the new connectors will continue to enjoy growing popularity, the performance and transmission rate will depend on the technology the device that they need to support.

USB Power Delivery (PD) regulates the supply of up to 5 A at up to 20 V â€“ i.e. 100 W max.

Up till recently the upper limit was 4.5 watts (5 V = / 900 mA / USB 3.0) or 7.5 watts (5 V = / 1500 mA / USB battery charging USB-BC).

USB Power Delivery Profiles

How to power your Rasberry PI

We get asked a lot about what to use to power the Rasberry PI so since we are discussing USB I thought I would mention it. Every model of Raspberry Pi has always required a relatively low amount of power compared to standard desktop PCs.

Despite further hardware improvements, even the latest Raspberry Pi only increased its power needs only marginally, meaning portable projects are still as easy as ever to achieve.

The Pi 3 has a recommended power supply of 5.1V at 2.5A, which will cover you for most scenarios when using the board to its full potential. The models before it demanded a slightly lower 5V at 1A, however in practice greater amperage was advisable.

For low power projects, you can reduce the amperage by quite some way before affecting performance or stability, with just a little trial and error testing for each specific project.

Haredata Electronics can provide a power supply unit with any of the USB connections depending on your requirement.

Minimum shelf-life for storing electronic devices

ben@haredata.co.uk (Ben Winstanley) — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 09:22:49 GMT

What is the Shelf Life of an Electronic Device?

The "shelf-life" of an electronic device is significantly influenced by its aluminum electrolytic capacitors ("E capacitor"). This is what the analysis of shelf-life with its usual calculations of longevity and reliability initially has in common. If, in a conventional reliability calculation for continuous operation, the operating temperatures, which gradually lead to a drying out of the electrolytic capacitor and to an irreversible loss of capacity, are crucial, completely different effects must be taken into account for passive storage to determine the shelf-life of the device.

Some important aspects are listed below:

Storage temperature and humidity.
Number of climate fluctuations and intensity.
Quality of the capacitor seals at the lower end of the cup (stability or porosity of the rubber mixture of seals).
Nature and chemical composition of the capacitor's electrolytes.
Dealing with formation effects of the capacitors.he body content of your post goes here.

Long term storage

"Leakage current of a capacitor increases with long storage times. The aluminum oxide film deteriorates as a function of temperature and time. If used without reconditioning, an abnormally high current will be required to restore the oxide film. This current surge could cause the circuit or the capacitor to fail. After one year, a capacitor should be reconditioned by applying rated voltage in series with a 1000Ω, current limiting resistor for a time period of 30 minutes. If the expired date of products date code is over eighteen months, the products should be returned to confirmation."

The required measures are extremely conservative. It is hardly possible to implement them for both slowly changing capacitor stocks and complete devices which also explains why nobody wants to grant a warranty.

In addition to the electrolytic capacitors in a device, there are also many other components with their own dependencies in shelf-life. These are, however, much more long-term compared to the observed capacitor's effects and can therefore be neglected, provided that the devices are not to be stored over decades.

The problem with the electrolytic capacitors does not arise with the storage of finished new products: new assemblies are usually started power-limited which fortunately allows the capacitors to recondition the potentially lost oxide film.

Typical minimum storage times, while keeping the nominal cutoff currents at T<40°C, are barely mentioned by capacitor manufacturers. A constant lowering of the storage temperature at 25°C, however, considerably extends the possible storage period.