Würth Elektronik Watts Up Podcast

Wurth Elektronik Team

Each week, we're seeing what's up in the world of electronic and electromechanical components and PCB design. We'll be checking in with leading industry experts, and Würth Elektronik technology specialists and product managers, who are going to shine a light on interesting topics such as energy harvest, wireless power transfer, EMI issues and more. Tune in to get technical design tips and applications during your commute, at your desk, or wherever you might be with the Wurth Elektronik's Watts Up Podcast.

  1. 3h ago

    Bridge Over Troubled Current- Why PFC Exists in the First Place

    In this episode, we break down what Power Factor Correction (PFC) is actually doing inside an offline power supply. We will explain why bridge-rectifier front ends create distorted input current, how active boost PFC reshapes that waveform, and what engineers need to know about conduction modes, interleaving, EMI filters, and modern wide-bandgap topologies. It also connects classic PFC design practice with newer digital-control approaches in advanced energy systems.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Wurth Elektronik PFC Product Family: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/WE-PFC LTSpice Libraries from Wurth Elektronik: https://www.we-online.com/en/support/design-tools/libraries/ltspice 1-Phase Line Filter Design Application Guide (ANP015): https://www.we-online.com/en/support/knowledge/application-notes?d=anp015-line-filter Mains Filter Application Guide: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/productnavigator/mains-filter Power Supply Product Navigator: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/productnavigator/power-supply   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

    Bridge Over Troubled Current- Why PFC Exists in the First Place
  2. Jun 26 ·  Video

    Power Design Tools for Faster Simulation and Rapid Results

    Simulation tools can make the difference between a slow, iterative power design process and a faster, more confident workflow. In this episode, Würth Elektronik and STMicroelectronics discuss how REDEXPERT and eDesignSuite help engineers improve component selection, compare performance results, and reduce debugging time. We walk through built-in component selection features, starting with inductor selection, and compare results across key design metrics such as AC losses, temperature rise, and efficiency impact. If you are looking for ways to shorten design cycles, improve simulation confidence, and make better power design decisions earlier in the process, this episode offers a useful, application-focused overview. RELATED LINKS: Wurth Elektronik REDEXPERT: https://redexpert.we-online.com/we-redexpert/en/#/home  ST Microelectronics eDesignSuite: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/support/resources/edesign.html  STMicroelectronics STEVAL-3601CV1 Demoboard: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/icref/stmicroelectronics/DCP3601-STEVAL-3601CV1-Buck    Listen to more episodes️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

  3. Jun 26

    [AUDIO ONLY!] Power Design Tools for Faster Simulation and Rapid Results

    Simulation tools can make the difference between a slow, iterative power design process and a faster, more confident workflow. In this episode, Würth Elektronik and STMicroelectronics discuss how REDEXPERT and eDesignSuite help engineers improve component selection, compare performance results, and reduce debugging time. We walk through built-in component selection features, starting with inductor selection, and compare results across key design metrics such as AC losses, temperature rise, and efficiency impact. If you are looking for ways to shorten design cycles, improve simulation confidence, and make better power design decisions earlier in the process, this episode offers a useful, application-focused overview.   RELATED LINKS: Wurth Elektronik REDEXPERT: https://redexpert.we-online.com/we-redexpert/en/#/home ST Microelectronics eDesignSuite: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/support/resources/edesign.html STMicroelectronics STEVAL-3601CV1 Demoboard: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/icref/stmicroelectronics/DCP3601-STEVAL-3601CV1-Buck   Listen to more episodes️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

  4. Apr 30 ·  Video

    Inside Wireless Decision-Making: Choosing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Proprietary, or Cellular

    Engineering Smarter Wireless Connectivity Wireless systems don't fail because the radio is "wrong." More often, they underperform because the wireless technology choice itself doesn't match the application. Range falls short, latency creeps in, power consumption spikes, or reliability erodes; all before the first prototype ever leaves the lab.   In this episode, we doscuss wireless decision‑making and break down when to use Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, proprietary wireless, or cellular. You'll learn how data rate, range, power budget, network topology, latency, certification, and total system cost all interact, and why optimizing for one parameter often creates hidden tradeoffs elsewhere. We'll also discuss where proprietary protocols make sense, when cellular becomes unavoidable, and why "it worked last time" is rarely a good design strategy.   To view datasheets or order samples, visit Würth Elektronik online or the MyWE customer portal.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Bluetooth & Radio Modules: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/wpan_wlan  Cellular Radio Modules: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/cellular  Proprietary & Wirepas: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/proprietary_wirepas  Combined Radio Protocols: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/combined    Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

    Inside Wireless Decision-Making: Choosing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Proprietary, or Cellular
  5. Apr 30

    [Audio Version] Inside Wireless Decision-Making: Choosing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Proprietary, or Cellular

    Engineering Smarter Wireless Connectivity Wireless systems don't fail because the radio is "wrong." More often, they underperform because the wireless technology choice itself doesn't match the application. Range falls short, latency creeps in, power consumption spikes, or reliability erodes; all before the first prototype ever leaves the lab.   In this episode, we doscuss wireless decision‑making and break down when to use Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, proprietary wireless, or cellular. You'll learn how data rate, range, power budget, network topology, latency, certification, and total system cost all interact, and why optimizing for one parameter often creates hidden tradeoffs elsewhere. We'll also discuss where proprietary protocols make sense, when cellular becomes unavoidable, and why "it worked last time" is rarely a good design strategy.   To view datasheets or order samples, visit Würth Elektronik online or the MyWE customer portal.   RELATED SOLUTIONS: Bluetooth & Radio Modules: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/wpan_wlan  Cellular Radio Modules: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/cellular  Proprietary & Wirepas: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/proprietary_wirepas  Combined Radio Protocols: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/ac/wco/combined    Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

    [Audio Version] Inside Wireless Decision-Making: Choosing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Proprietary, or Cellular
  6. Mar 27 ·  Video

    The Hidden RF Loss: Why PCB-to-Connector Transitions Steal your dB

    RF systems rarely fail in obvious ways. More often, performance erodes quietly; a dB here, a little range there, until designs no longer match expectations. In this episode, we discuss one of the most overlooked sources of RF loss: the transition from a controlled‑impedance PCB trace to a connector and coaxial cable. You'll learn why "50 ohms" is a wave property, not a component value, how small geometry changes at the PCB‑to‑connector interface can create impedance discontinuities, and why connectors and cables should be treated as part of the transmission line, not mechanical afterthoughts. We'll also cover how cable selection, bend radius, mechanical stability, and prototype‑to‑production variability can quietly eat into your link budget, even when the radio and antenna are unchanged. Whether you're designing your first RF system or chasing a few lost dB in a mature product, this episode breaks down the hidden risks and practical design considerations that help protect system margin before they show up in the field. To view datasheets or order samples, visit Würth Elektronik online or the MyWE customer portal.  RELATED SOLUTIONS: Trilogy of Connectors Reference Guide: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/TRILOGY_OF_CONNECTORS_ENGLISH Coaxial Connectors: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/em/connectors/coax   Coaxial Cable Assemblies: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/em/connectors/coax/coaxial_connectors_cable_assemblies  Coaxial Cable Configurator: https://www.we-online.com/en/products/components/service/customized-solutions/cableconfigurator   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas)

    The Hidden RF Loss: Why PCB-to-Connector Transitions Steal your dB
  7. Mar 27

    [AUDIO ONLY!!] The Hidden RF Loss: Why PCB-to-Connector Transitions Steal your dB

    RF systems rarely fail in obvious ways. More often, performance erodes quietly; a dB here, a little range there, until designs no longer match expectations. In this episode, we discuss one of the most overlooked sources of RF loss: the transition from a controlled‑impedance PCB trace to a connector and coaxial cable. You'll learn why "50 ohms" is a wave property, not a component value, how small geometry changes at the PCB‑to‑connector interface can create impedance discontinuities, and why connectors and cables should be treated as part of the transmission line — not mechanical afterthoughts. We'll also cover how cable selection, bend radius, mechanical stability, and prototype‑to‑production variability can quietly eat into your link budget, even when the radio and antenna are unchanged. Whether you're designing your first RF system or chasing a few lost dB in a mature product, this episode breaks down the hidden risks and practical design considerations that help protect system margin before they show up in the field. To view datasheets or order samples, visit Würth Elektronik online or the MyWE customer portal.  RELATED SOLUTIONS: Trilogy of Connectors Reference Guide: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/TRILOGY_OF_CONNECTORS_ENGLISH   Coaxial Connectors: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/em/connectors/coax  Coaxial Cable Assemblies: https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/em/connectors/coax/coaxial_connectors_cable_assemblies  Coaxial Cable Configurator: https://www.we-online.com/en/products/components/service/customized-solutions/cableconfigurator   Listen to our PODCAST🎙️: https://www.we-online.com/en/news-center/podcast  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wurth-elektronik (Americas) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wuerth-elektronik-group (Europe) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WurthElectronics/ (Americas) Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wuerth.Elektronik.Group/ (Europe) Follow us on X: https://x.com/WurthElectronic/ (Americas) Follow us on X: https://x.com/we_online (Europe) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wurthelectronics (Americas) Würth Elektronik online: https://www.we-online.com/

    [AUDIO ONLY!!] The Hidden RF Loss: Why PCB-to-Connector Transitions Steal your dB

About

Each week, we're seeing what's up in the world of electronic and electromechanical components and PCB design. We'll be checking in with leading industry experts, and Würth Elektronik technology specialists and product managers, who are going to shine a light on interesting topics such as energy harvest, wireless power transfer, EMI issues and more. Tune in to get technical design tips and applications during your commute, at your desk, or wherever you might be with the Wurth Elektronik's Watts Up Podcast.