Harsh applications need advanced commercial and technical support for powering designs, explains Charcroft Electronics director, Debbie Rowland.
Ask anyone in UK electronics and most will say Charcroft is known as a specialist distributor and manufacturer of highreliability passive components. However, for some years, customer demand has led to other types of components being added to the franchised line card.
The key factor for all these components is the need to offer failure-free reliability in tough operating conditions. High levels of technical and commercial support, combined with low manufacturing volumes, are vital for delivering power in high-end and harsh sectors, such as aerospace, defence, motorsport, oil/gas, rail and space.
Over the last ten years, two leading power-supply franchises have been added to the line card, in addition to franchises for discrete semiconductors, diodes, JFETs, MOSFETs and power transistors, plus multi-chip arrays and power modules. Compact DC contactors and capacitors have also been added to focus on a marked increase in demand for DC-power distribution systems. To ensure components are delivered on time, on price and on spec, it is essential for distribution to do more than simply rely on standard lead times. Knowledge is important, as is the ability to quickly customise low volumes of components and make the acquisitions which give continued availability. By maintaining long-term partnerships throughout the supply chain Charcroft has the trust of OEMs, CEMs and component manufacturers.
So, when a CEM has an issue with a project, close liaison with the CEM, OEM and component manufacturer can enable fast resolution without needing to refer back to the OEM. The acquisition of component manufacturers has also been important in maintaining continuity of supply and customisation can be central to providing a fast resolution to a tough operating challenge. The recent acquisition of ClarityCap and ICW Film Capacitors has added capacitors which are used in audio, power and DC link applications.
The UK manufacturing of these capacitors has maintained the four-week lead time and enabled low volumes of capacitors to be customised with different aspect ratios, shapes, terminals and capacitance values, lead outs and current handling capability. For example, a custom DC-link assembly of nine capacitors with integrated busbars can offer higher capacitance, voltage or current rating, in addition to optimised equivalent series resistance (ESR) and inductance (ESL) to suit the latest fast-switching silicon carbide (SiC) inverter designs. Customisation is also offered for power components from the manufacturer, Exxelia.
This customisation includes smart magnetics which integrate an inductor and transformer into a single component, and new MML technology which meets Size Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements in demanding applications. In July 2025 Charcroft will monitor progress in the research and development of power electronics by attending the Centre for Power Electronics (CPE) Annual Conference in Sheffield. The conference will add to the specialist technical knowledge which is at the foundation of supporting customers involved in powering systems which must deliver reliability in harsh applications.
