#Low Capacitance Array

[rber2eerk]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/electromechanical--circuit-protection--tvs-diodes/usblc6-2sc6y-stmicroelectronics-1103009

Bidirectional ESD Protection, diode circuit, Low Capacitance TVS Diode Array

USBLC6 Series 2 Line 6 V Uni / Bi Directional ESD Protection - SOT-23-6

[crgi2dann]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/electromechanical--circuit-protection--tvs-diodes/sznup2105lt1g-onsemi-9035383

TVS diode application, Bi-Directional TVS Diode, Low Capacitance TVS

SZNUP Series 350 W 32 V Surface Mount Dual Line CAN Bus Protector - SOT-23

[ddivd2tez]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/electromechanical--circuit-protection--esd-protection/nup2105lt1g-onsemi-7467806

Bus ESD Protection Diode, ESD protections circuit, Electrostatic discharge protection

NUP2105L Series 350 W Dual Line CAN Bus Protector ESD Protection Diode - SOT-23

[jams2nold]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/electromechanical--circuit-protection--tvs-diodes/sm6t36cay-stmicroelectronics-8034866

Diode arrays, ESD protection array, Bi Directional Transient Voltage Suppressor

SM6T Series 600 W 36 V Bi Directional Transient Voltage Suppressor - DO-214AA

[eric2bwodr]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/electromechanical--circuit-protection--tvs-diodes/sp4045-04atg-littelfuse-9097778

Silicon-avalanche diodes (SADs), Bidirectional TVS, Low Capacitance TVS

TVS DIODE 3.3V 7V 10MSOP

[hivemuthur]

Tightrope - Ch.3.

viktorxfemale!reader explicit!, frenemies/academic rivals to lovers, modern university AU. This is part of a request for @pxszels

Ch.1. | Ch.2.

word count: 6,2K

tag: #tightrope

summary: You and Viktor are tethering the line between friendship and rivalry, Jayce being one amongst the few common factors you both acknowledge (of course more is there but for the smart people you are, you tend to be very stupid about things). Oh, and you have to do a project together.

author's note: @rennethen thank you for beta reading! This has a teeny-tiny bit of angst, just for the good measure.

also the artist behind art is here!

Cross-posted on AO3

—

In the next couple of days, you learn a new, deeper meaning of the word unbearable. The universe works against you in the most scrumptious ways, making sure you and Viktor never get a second alone. Worse, it cripples your brain into missing the opportunities that do arise.

“Guys, I am dying. You wanna grab something to eat together?” Jayce offers, stretching and patting his belly, riding that peaceful tide of you and Viktor being on your best behaviour the whole week.

“God, yes,” you say, barely audible. But you hear it—the dry click of Viktor’s tongue against the roof of his mouth. And then you see it—the eye roll, the wince, meant only for himself as he hunches further over the workbench. Eyes closed, he looks like he’s bracing himself, and after a few very long seconds, his expression smooths into something closer to fake contentment. When he turns to Jayce, he sighs, “Why not.”

“Yay, quality family time,” Sky quips with mock enthusiasm—not from exasperation, but exhaustion. She and Jayce have hit a few bumps in their project that Viktor has gladly helped with. Overall, things started looking better three days ago, when Sky absentmindedly threw out, “Oh, how glad I am that you guys gave up on your bickering so miracles like this can happen now.”

A knowing look exchanged between you and Viktor earned you a pair of raised eyebrows from Jayce. Yet he didn’t pry, perhaps worried that pressing too hard would shatter whatever illusion you’ve created for him and Sky to feel comfortable in the workshop.

Illusion or not, the thing remains unaddressed. You share lunches in the cafeteria, where you catch Viktor staring at your hands while you do your crosswords. You could swear he’s in physical pain each time Joe picks you up for a walk or a study date. When Joe invites you to a game while dropping you off at the lab, Viktor’s hand wavers on the blackboard, and the chalk he’s holding gives a bone-chilling whine. In class, you are civil—nodding, backing each other up. You almost miss the thrill.

You work next to each other, passing tools and notes, and every time Viktor’s touch ghosts your fingers, a jolt runs up and down your spine, momentarily turning your brain off. And you have no idea if offloading some tension was the missing ingredient in your strange dynamic, but somehow, the edges of your interactions have smoothed—so much so that, currently, the calm waters begin to look disturbingly suspicious to you.

The first time it happens, you let it pass. “Very well, let’s try it,” Viktor replies to your utterly stupid idea.

You had suggested using a secondary, low-power capacitor array to stabilise fluctuations in the main circuit, arguing that it might smooth out the inconsistencies in energy output without requiring a full recalibration.

But the moment Viktor inclines his head—agreeing—your own logic catches up with you.

“Wait…” You frown, staring at the board. “On second thought, it probably won’t work because the capacitance mismatch would create a delay in discharge, which could—” You grimace. “Yeah. Let’s go with yours.”

Viktor nods, completely unfazed. “As you wish.”

But the scientist that you are, you do not let it pass entirely, do you? You try again. And again. Making your ideas intentionally just a little bit ridiculous. It’s subtle enough that Jayce and Sky don’t catch on, but you know for sure that Viktor—a man who absolutely revels in any opportunity to put you back in your place—would notice.

Until one day, you completely outdo yourself. “We could try harnessing residual static charge from fabric friction,” you suggest, dead serious.

Viktor slowly turns to you, blinking. “Fabric friction.”

“Yes,” you continue, undeterred. “Imagine if we line the internal casing with silk and rely on movement to generate small, supplementary charges. It would be incredibly efficient.”

Jayce, bless his soul, hums in thought while packing up his bag, ready to leave. “You know, there are studies on triboelectric—” He shrugs and holds the door open for Sky. “You could do some research there,” is all he says before waving you both goodbye.

“Well, what do you think?” you probe Viktor, who is visibly fighting a demon inside of him. Possibly a couple—one that wants to swat you across the head for suggesting something so idiotic, that’s for sure. One that feels, for whatever reason, that he should agree with you once more. And the one that wants to bend you over the workbench and fuck this idiocy out of you.

“We could… look into it, I suppose,” he says through gritted teeth.

And once your suspicion is confirmed, something crestfallen crosses your face. “Could we now,” you say, avoiding his gaze. “How very kind of you.”

A realisation forms in Viktor’s expression, and he looks almost relieved. “Thank God, I was worried I fucked your brains out. In literal sense,” he smirks and your breath catches, the thing being addressed so bluntly for the first time.

“I will give you one chance to explain yourself,” you say, crossing your arms over your chest, not letting the heat between your legs to distract you from getting your justice.

Viktor exhales sharply, rubbing his temple as if warding off an impending headache. “Explain myself? Why don’t you explain to me the source of all those ridiculous ideas that, I might add, set us back at least a week?”

You scoff. “Well, why do you fucking endorse them?”

“I’m… trying to be nice to you,” he admits, but the words land awkwardly, like they’re foreign to him.

Your arms tighten across your chest, nails digging into your sleeves. “Why can’t you just be nice to me without buttering me up?”

Viktor’s jaw tenses, his fingers twitching where they rest on the handle of his cane, and he twists it into the floor. “I want to. I’m just not very good at it.”

You let out a sharp, humourless laugh. “Oh really? Is there truly nothing nice you have to say to me outside of lies, Viktor?”

“That’s not—” He falters, his eyes darting away.

“That’s not what?” you demand, stepping closer. “Are you this desperate to get your dick wet that you have to lie to my face?”

For the first time, something shifts in his expression—his usual sharp defences giving way to something quieter, almost wounded. His gaze flickers down for a fraction of a second before he speaks your name, a soft plea, his eyebrows scrunching in worry. “Have you thought that maybe not everything is about you?”

Your stomach twists, but you don’t let it show. “Forgive me, Viktor, but I fail to see how you buttering me up is somehow not about me.”

He exhales, fingers come to pinch at the bridge of his nose in exasperation. “We’ve already agreed that I think you are smart. Or brilliant, even—”

“I don’t remember us ever agreeing on that.”

He hesitates, but continues, as if you are not being the biggest pain the ass he’s ever had. “…So I was hoping you would notice it could be about me not feeling… secure enough around you.”

Your breath catches, but you recover quickly. “Why wouldn’t you feel secure around me?”

Viktor presses his lips together, his gaze flicking somewhere past your shoulder before returning to you. “Well.” He offers a small smile.

“Other than accidental electrocution, please,” you say, rolling your eyes.

Viktor huffs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Eh, well, I would say that is a good enough reason.” He tries for a laugh, but when you remain unimpressed, expression flat and expectant, he relents with a sigh. “Alright, alright. You don’t really see me as anything else but annoying, do you?”

Your lips part slightly, caught off guard. “That’s… not true…”

His gaze sharpens, watching you closely. “Do you regret kissing me?”

Your jaw clenches. “We’ve done more than kissing.”

“Do you regret kissing me and then doing more than kissing?”

You falter for a beat. “You… you kissed me back. Don’t blame this on me.”

“Blame?” Viktor lets out a dry chuckle. “I am far from complaining. But if it’s a competition, you kissed me first.”

“You shoved your fingers in my mouth.”

“You let me.” His voice is smooth, unwavering, answers coming faster than you can challenge him back. Your breath catches in your throat. You’re both teetering on the edge of something—anger, desire, frustration—blurred and indistinct.

“So…” you start hesitantly, voice quieter now. “We agree that this was a misunderstanding, then?” No idea why this pops into your head, of all things. Also, no idea why you lap at it like a dog and then present it to Viktor, all slimy and bitten, expecting the opposite of what comes next.

He stills. “W-what?”

“Well,” you swallow, trying to steady yourself, “clearly having a… fling is harmful to our work ethics.”

For the first time, Viktor doesn’t have a sharp remark ready. His lips part slightly, but no words come. When he finally speaks, his voice is quiet. “Oh. I see.”

And it’s the sadness in his face, the way his eyes drop just for a second before he masks it, that twists your gut.

Desperate for anything to break the moment, you twist the knife instead. “I would expect more from you than reducing me to another stupid girl who needs to be stroked on the head.”

His jaw tightens. “A mistake, it seems,” he mutters, his voice low, restrained. “One that I am not able to fix now.” And the triumph is bitter on your tongue, achieved by kicking someone who is already fallen. As you can’t take it back you just stand there, staring at him.

A tense silence stretches between you before Viktor exhales sharply, stepping back toward the workbench. He gestures at the scattered notes and tools, his tone clipped but controlled.

“Let’s pick this up—” he swallows, shaking his head slightly. “Later. Let’s pick this up later, if you would be so kind.”

You nearly groan. Nearly. Nearly walk up to him and shake him by the shoulders. Nearly cup his face and shove your tongue into his throat, ruin his hair again and pull the shirt out of his pants to snake your hands beyond the waistband. Nearly. Instead, you still yourself and say only, “As you wish,” before picking up your back and leaving.

***

The cry you give yourself after fleeing the lab is possibly one of the ugliest this planet has ever witnessed. By the time you are done, you can barely see—your eyes swollen and aching, your nose clogged irreversibly, or so it feels, and your cheeks pulsing in rhythm with your frantic heart.

How it has gone so badly, you don’t know. Or rather, you do, but you don’t want to admit it to yourself. You have your right in this, of course—being in STEM is hard enough as it is, and it becomes infinitely harder when you’re a woman. So the blow of being patronized by someone almost closest to you burns right through your chest.

Which, of course, doesn’t mean Viktor deserves all the artillery you’ve aimed in his direction. The image of his face—sad, defeated, utterly betrayed—refuses to leave your mind, and you scowl as another round of sobs wracks through you, muffled into your pillow.

For the next three days, the only thing that greets you in the lab is a bullet-point list in Viktor’s precise, slanted handwriting:

Adjust calibration on the generator. (Values listed.)

Double-check insulation before running tests.

Run equations on conductivity using corrected parameters. (Underlined twice, just in case you miss it.)

Report findings in the log.

No sign of him. No stray coffee cups, no muttered commentary, no sharp remarks that you’ve started to crave like an addict craves their next hit. Just instructions, cold and impersonal, waiting for you each morning like a list of chores.

You aren’t stupid. He’s been coming in at night, working under the cover of darkness just to avoid you.

In class, he doesn’t look at you. Doesn’t acknowledge your presence, doesn’t flinch when you speak, doesn’t even seem to register that you exist. The only sign that anything is amiss is the deep exhaustion in the tight lines of his face and the way he favours his good leg more than usual.

The first chance you get, you try to corner him. After class, when the students file out, you seize the opportunity and step into his path. “Viktor—”

He doesn’t slow down. Instead, he shifts toward Jayce as if he’s bracing against the tide, latching onto him like a lifeboat. “Jayce, there is something I must discuss with you,” he says, completely ignoring you.

Jayce hesitates, clearly caught in the crossfire, then shrugs helplessly. “Uh, sure, man.” He throws you an apologetic glance as Viktor all but drags him away.

“Traitor,” you mutter under your breath, crossing your arms as you watch them leave.

A few more times, you attempt to siren-call Viktor into sparing you a second of his attention—staring at him intensely during lunch breaks and lectures, willing him to just look at you. You consider passing him a note, but it would probably only add to the already negative value of your deemed immature behaviour. You even text him, once. No response.

Finally, exhausted and out of ideas, you decide it’s time for a brief reprieve.

It comes in the shape of a rugby player with a big smile on his face and a hand that pats your back as soon as he sees the sodden look dragging down your features.

Your name follows, formed as a question, and all you can do is offer a half-smile and a sigh.

“Seriously, what is it?” Joe probes, poking at your ribs playfully. “Is it the project?”

“Uh, I guess you could say that. We don’t need to talk about it,” you say, swatting his hand away and trying your best to produce a convincing smile. But somehow, Joe sees right through it, his curiosity refusing to let the subject drop.

“Is it your scary friend?” he asks—more statement than question. “The one that keeps you on a short leash and gets impossible every time you’re late?”

“Joe,” you plead, tugging at his sleeve as the two of you stroll through the university campus gardens. You kick a stray rock in front of you, shoulders hanging sullenly, unable to even look at him. The thought of Viktor hating you has stuck to you like a piece of chewed gum in some misfortunate soul’s hair.

“Come on, you can tell me. I know a thing or two about guys, you know.” Joe bumps his shoulder against yours.

You shoot him a half-hearted glare but don’t pull away. “Satan, leave me alone.”

He chuckles, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, as you wish.”

You hesitate, the words crawling up your throat before they finally spill out. “Uh. We… kissed?”

Joe nods slowly, considering this with an unreadable expression. “Okay.”

His nonchalance throws you off. You blink at him, feeling as though you’ve missed a step in a conversation that should have been more dramatic. He catches the look on your face and bursts into laughter.

“I’m fine with that,” he says, grinning. “I said I wanted to be friends, and I meant it.”

“Okay… well, we kissed and, uh—” You shift uncomfortably, rubbing your arm. “And more, but not the way you think. And then he was… too nice to me.”

Joe deadpans, voice flat as he stares at you. “Outrageous.”

You groan, shoving his arm. “Oh, shut up, it’s not the way you think again!”

He just laughs, effortlessly dodging your half-hearted swat. “Well, why don’t you explain it to me like I’m the halfwit that you think me to be, then?”

You huff but finally surrender, relenting to his insistent curiosity. You lay it all out—carefully skirting around the more intimate details but being extensively thorough about Viktor’s behaviour afterward. Joe listens attentively, nodding along almost too ardently, as if he’s pretending this is a particularly complex puzzle.

Just as you’re about to groan and declare that you’re never telling him anything again, he shrugs and says, “Seems easy enough to me. He likes you.”

You whine his name, dragging out the syllable in protest. “Joe.”

“What?” He grins, unbothered.

“Well, what should I do if he keeps avoiding me?”

Joe taps his chin in exaggerated thought before offering, “Dump tackle?”

You groan as he bursts out laughing, swatting away your desperate weak punches with ease. “Fine, fine! Do you know where he lives?”

You shoot him a dubious look. “That’s a bit desperate, isn’t it?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Are you not desperate?”

“Joe, I am never desperate.”

He snorts, completely unimpressed. “You seem pretty desperate to me.”

Could it really be that you were growing a little bit desperate? Once the anger has simmered down, the vision of Viktor’s expression when he said, Let’s pick this up later, is all that remains. His sunken chest, his head bowed low.

You hold onto that image as you walk through the dorm corridors in the evening, telling yourself it’s only for the sake of a basic, decent apology. You repeat it like a mantra while hesitating at his door, debating how to knock. You’re still lost in your mind when the decision is taken out of your hands—the door swings open, and you’re suddenly face to face with Viktor.

His startled expression is the first thing you register. Your name tumbles from his lips, unguarded, as if he wasn’t expecting to see you standing there. “Why are you here?”

“I, uh…” You fidget, shifting on your feet. “Can I come in?”

He hesitates, considering you for an agonizingly long moment. Then, with a sigh, he steps aside. It’s not an invitation, not really—more like an exasperated surrender. But you take it, nonetheless, slipping past him into the room.

You glance around, taking in the organized chaos of his space. Books and notes stacked in precarious piles, bordering on neatness but arranged by a logic known only to Viktor. You smile faintly at the familiarity—you do the same.

On his desk sits an assortment of unfinished food—a half-eaten sandwich, the remains of a banana, the last bite of a protein bar resting on a plate with what looks like a massacred cake, most likely courtesy of Jayce Talis. His cane rests hooked over a drawer handle. You take a slow, uncertain stroll toward the desk, tapping your fingers against its surface before turning back to him. He still lingers by the door, guarded.

“I don’t have much time,” he says abruptly, glancing at the clock.

“Right. Your night shift at the lab begins soon, I presume?” You huff, leaning against the surface, arms hanging limply at your sides. You do your best to look remorseful without overdoing it.

“What can I say? I do not wish to endanger your work ethic further.”

“Viktor.” Your voice softens. “Will you at least hear me out?”

He exhales sharply. “Go on then.” Waves a hand at you, an awful dismissive gesture.

You swallow, rubbing at the back of your neck. “I… I was mean to you. I treated you horribly, and it wasn’t fair.” The words come out unevenly, hesitant. “I got frustrated, and I—I should have handled it better.” All the rest remains trapped. In your brain, in your chest, somewhere in your vocal chords that refuse to release the words from the prison of thought: I hope that you like me. I hope you want more than just to get your dick wet.

Viktor watches you, expression unreadable, but he nods. Thinks for a moment longer and the silence almost has you crushed.

“Thank you. I accept,” he says finally and limps towards the desk, stopping just a step away from you. “For what it’s worth, I also apologize—for making you feel like your brain is worth less than your other… merits.”

His words also come out quiet. They also seem clipped, but you might just be dreaming. For some reason, his acceptance is underwhelming. It’s almost too easy to get this forgiveness and the following apology out of him. “I… might have overreacted a bit,” you say stiffly, waiting for his reaction.

“Hm.” A noncommittal sound.

“Does this mean we can get back to finishing this project together?” And the other project as well? It itches your tongue, yet you don’t dare say it. No space for begging, you tell yourself.

“I suppose. Yes.”

“Okay.” You nod, unsure what else to say. “Well, don’t let me keep you.” A surrender. Bitter and hollow on both sides, as no romantic outburst follows. Completely different to what you’ve dared to imagine, and you scold yourself for being such a girl.

Nothing else comes from him, and you prepare to leave, but then—Viktor leans past you, reaching for something on the desk. His cheek lingers beside yours, warm, and his breath ghosts over your skin as he murmurs, “You have something on your face.”

“What—” Your question cuts off as his thumb swipes across your lip. Instead of wiping something away, he smears the cream from the desecrated cake on your mouth, and the touch is so gentle it has your breath trapped in your throat.

The speed with which you conform to playing along is almost embarrassing. Your fingers ghost over a spot nowhere near your lips. “Here?” you ask, sounding genuinely confused, breathy and pathetic, stupid girl mode overrides all the genius of your mind.

Viktor shakes his head, his gaze hooded, heavy. He’s so close that his nose brushes against yours, another warm hand comes to rest in the crook of your neck. “No.” Voice a low murmur. “Would you like some help?”

“Please,” you breathe, shamelessly.

Viktor hums, eyes dark, and lifts his hand again, his thumb brushing over your lip in another slow, deliberate stroke. But instead of cleaning the cream away, he only smears it further, dragging it to the corner of your mouth and your eyes flutter shut.

His head tilts, mouth quirks at the mistake. “Oh, would you look at that?” he mutters, gaze flicking to yours. “My method is proving useless.”

Your breath shudders out in response. “Change the method then.”

For a moment, nothing happens. He just stands there, close enough that the warmth of him presses into your skin, close enough that you can see the way his pupils have swallowed the gold of his irises. Then, slowly—so unbearably slowly—he leans in.

His lips part, and before you can brace yourself, his tongue flicks out, warm and wet, dragging over the cream at the corner of your mouth.

You still, even though all you want to do is lean in and push your mouth against his. His hand, now cupping your jaw, tightens, fingertips pressing into your skin. He lingers, lips hovering just above yours, exhaling softly into your mouth.

Heat pools between your legs at impossible speed and you feel the urge to cross them. His hair tickles your cheek, breath mingles with yours, each inhale you take filled with him.

You let out a shaky chuckle, nervous and giddy, and Viktor’s lips barely, barely brush against yours, not quite a kiss, but just as devastating. Your chest rises sharply, pressing into his, and you don’t miss the way he sways infinitesimally closer, as if drawn in against his will.

“Better?” he asks, voice low, a whisper against your lips. A hopeful one, inviting and needy.

You swallow hard. “I don’t know.” Your voice is just as quiet, nearly lost in the space between you. “Maybe you should try again.”

“It seems I myself am in need of aid,” he says quietly, his thumb already pressing against your lips. A ghost of a memory, as you part them, close your eyes, and hum, licking the sweet cream off—but you don’t stop once it’s gone.

Both your hands wrap around his wrist as you press against the heel of his palm, taking his fingers in, one by one, sucking on them obscenely. And Viktor—oh, he tries to hold on, but his hips buck into yours as he lets out a pretty, small moan, committing to memory the shape of your lips devouring his hand.

Heat coils low in his stomach too, lances across him, as your tongue flicks over each knuckle, your mouth hot and slick around him. The pressure of your lips, the slow drag of them down to where his fingers become a palm before you slide up to the tips—unbearable. He can feel the back of your throat. The base of your tongue, soft and wet. Warm to the point of his pulse pounding in his temples, in his ears, in the tips of his fingers where they disappear between your lips, and he realises he’s gripping your jaw too tightly, afraid that if he lets go, he might shake apart entirely.

Abruptly, he pulls his hand away, only to seal his mouth over yours. Fingers are exchanged for his tongue, his grip on your jaw tightens despite him, and teeth clack against each other in haste. He nudges your legs apart with his knee, puts his foot on a stack of books beneath the desk and presses you down onto his thigh.

“Use me,” he rasps into your mouth, swatting your hand away when you try to palm him through his trousers. “No. I want to see you come first.”

His fingers clasp around your hips, guiding you as you rock against him. The fabric of your skirt rides up with every movement, baring more of your legs, the rough press of his trousers a sandpaper against the delicate skin of your inner thighs. He is solid and hot beneath you, watching as your eyes grow heavy-lidded, your breath quickening, his smile turning wicked when you fist his shirt—a plea, though you don’t even know what you’re begging for. The friction is dizzying, the pressure relentless, and Viktor keeps studying you with dark, hooded eyes, drinking in every quiver, every gasp falling from your lips.

He kisses you violently, lips brutal, his tongue hard and wanting, retreating only when you moan into his mouth. He pulls back just enough to watch your chin tremble, to let the broken sounds fall freely between you, before crashing back in to swallow them. His hands slip under your skirt, fingertips searing where they dig into the swell of your hips, urging you to move faster, harder.

"You are making such a mess of me," he breathes, voice wrecked, and you can feel it—how thick and rigid he’s grown beneath his trousers. The thought of how much precum must have pooled into his underwear makes your mouth water. His thigh is soaked with you, the evidence of your pleasure smeared across the fabric, and when you slide back and forth, letting him catch a glimpse of it, he moans roughly. His teeth come to your bottom lip, then down to your jaw, your throat, marking you between kisses—each more desperate than the last, each less of a kiss and more just the press of his wet mouth against your skin. "Look at you," he rasps, eyes fevered as he tilts your chin up, forcing your eyes to meet. "Come for me, just like this."

And you hope, hope, hope, this want is backed up with something else than just blood draining of his body, pumping between his legs. You hope it’s for you, not just for anyone, when he rasps into your mouth and holds you close.

You shift forward, pressing your thigh against his hard, aching cock, and the sharp hitch in Viktor’s breath is almost enough to send you over the edge. His grip tightens at your hips, fingers digging into your flesh as if he’s holding himself back from rutting into you.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you bury your face against the damp skin just beneath his ear, your panting breaths mixing with his. The friction crests into an unbearable shattering, and when you come, it’s with a choked, desperate, “Fuck, Viktor—”

His name leaves you in a broken gasp, and it ruins him. A slow, sweet smile curves his lips, his hands are nothing but gentle as they slide up your back, gathering you closer against him. “That’s it,” he murmurs, voice like velvet, warm and syrupy, coaxing the aftershocks from your trembling body. “You did so well for me.”

One arm wraps firmly around your waist, holding you steady as he noses along the side of your face, breath fanning over your wet skin. “Such a pretty mess,” he croons, lips brushing over your temple, your cheek and jaw. “You look so pretty when you come. So harmless.”

It’s possibly the prettiest thing Viktor has seen, your face undone with bliss, so different to all those times when he’s seen you pissed with him or rolling your eyes at something he’s said in class. He likes those faces, too, yet the way your eyes roll when you fuck yourself on him definitely dethrone all the other versions.

He rocks you against himself lazily, your damp knickers dragging over his thigh as your body trembles in the aftermath. “I like it when you say my name like this,” he purrs, pressing a lingering kiss just beneath your ear. “Say it again for me.”

“Viktor,” you breathe, kissing his mouth sloppily. “Viktor,” comes softer when your legs weaken, and your hands find his. “Viktor,” when you drape his arms around yourself and guide him toward the bed. Finally, “Viktor,” when you sit him down, kneel at his feet, and undo his belt.

You tug at his trousers, and he—awestruck—leans back on his arms, lifting his hips for you.

And what reveals itself is more than you could have hoped for—a wet stain marking his underwear, the fabric nearly see-through, revealing the shape of his head beneath. You press a kiss to the tip through the damp cotton, and Viktor shudders, groaning as his fingers slide into your hair.

Like a delicate gift, you unwrap him from the clinging fabric, peeling it away to disclose him in the warm glow of the bedroom lamps, his cock throbbing and pink at the tip, leaking for you. With pretty hair circling it at the base, and a prominent vein running along the underside, waiting for your tongue to trace its path. You’ve missed so much in the dark confines of the storage room.

“Hm, Viktor,” you hum, inhaling his scent and trailing soft kisses along his length. “Is it a yes, then?”

“Huh?” His lower lip hangs heavy, no coherent thought managing to push through the haze fogging his mind. He strokes your warm cheek with his thumb, gazing at you so longingly it nearly renders you dumb.

“To gagging,” you say sweetly. His breath stutters and this time it’s his eyes rolling back as he groans and bucks forward, cock brushing against the curve of your nose.

“Yes,” Viktor breathes, nodding vigorously. “Yes,” he says again, sliding his tip across your tongue. “Oh God, yes,” he groans as he pushes into your mouth, and once more, you hum in approval, hands tightening around his sharp hips.

His breath stutters as you take him deeper, inch by inch, your lips stretching around his girth. His hand trembles where it cups your cheek, thumb stroking reverent circles against your flushed skin.

“Ah—ah, you take me so well,” he murmurs, voice dazed, head lulling on his shoulders. Hand slips lower and fingers brush along the column of your throat. When he presses, just lightly, he can feel himself inside you—his own hardness encased in the heat of your mouth, the thought alone enough to send his head tipping back with a low, wrecked moan.

You hollow your cheeks, drawing him in deeper, until he’s nudging against something that makes your lashes flutter and your eyes well with tears. The sensation makes him groan, long and low, his grip on your throat tightening. “Fuck, just like that,” he breathes, his accent curling thick around the words. He watches you through half-lidded eyes, the soft sounds you make sending another shudder through him. “My sweet, brilliant girl.”

This has you clenching on nothing as you moan against him, strangled and loud and Viktor’s body jolts, curling toward yours. His hips shift, making his cock press into you until your nose brushes against his base. “Look at you,” he rasps, voice unsteady, reverent. His palm presses more firmly against your throat, feeling the way you take him, the way you let him fall apart. “So beautiful like this—taking all of me—”

His words break into a curse when you swallow around him, the sound raw and desperate, and when he looks down to find you watching him, his eyes are glassy, and he’s nearly done for.

Was this all that you needed to feel like this? To be seen as a whole, both brilliant and pretty? Was this praise worth more because it’s coming from him? You don’t know, but something within you unravels as Viktor writhes and pants above you, his hand cradling your throat, another stroking your hair with admiration as he repeats how lovely you are. How good, how sweet. Nobody calls you sweet, ever. Oh, how nice it feels to be a girl stroked on the head by him after all.

It’s the honesty of his touch that nearly breaks you, when you can no longer be sure if the streaks of tears glistening on your cheeks are caused purely by the gag reflex. It’s the eyes that look at you reverently, and his mouth hanging open for you, his body exposed in ways you have never seen before. And he is so beautiful like this. So different from the man who lashes at your throat during endless debates over capacity and utility of designs. Yet it’s almost as if one couldn’t exist without the other. Tethering that tightrope together.

You let him slide in and out of your mouth, as you save all the sounds he makes in the bank of your brain, especially the one that announces him reaching his peak before the warmth of his cum coats the inside of your throat.

Viktor comes with a broken moan of your name, fingers tighten in your hair, and he shudders when his cock retreats from your mouth with a quiet pop. He immediately pulls you onto his lap and nuzzles into your neck, his arms hooking around you tightly.

“Is everything about you genius?” he hums in a deep breath, blissfully spent.

“If it were, I would’ve worked this out sooner,” you reply, dragging your finger down his chest.

“How are you?” he asks, cupping your cheeks and brushing his nose with his. A silent thank you, spoken in the language of warm skin.

“Would you avoid me for eternity if I didn’t come over?” you ask in a small voice, wincing at how expectant it sounds.

“I don’t think I’d be able to,” Viktor chuckles. “I was already breaking, to be honest,” he adds, smiling sheepishly. “I’m glad you came. So, so very glad.” A sigh, another earnest sound. He rolls you both to the side and kisses your neck. “I promise to be sweet to you from now on.”

“No,” you shake your head in his embrace. “No, I want you sincere, Viktor. Tell me when I’m fucking up. Promise me.”

And the look he gives you is where you land after your fall—slow, gentle, and firm. A space for your imminent fuck-up, welcoming and free of scolding, full of room to fix and learn. “I promise. And I would like the same of you.”

You nod and kiss him for it. The tightrope snaps gently—not under pressure, but cut precisely where you want it, another person holding it so it doesn’t slip out of your grip. Viktor holding you, as if he wants all of you. As if he’s wanted you for the longest time. You land in each other’s arms and a solid ground is beneath your feet.

He pulls you closer, his arms encircling you like a protective shield. The weight of his body presses into yours, steadying you both in a moment. You breathe in deeply, the air between you filled with a new kind of warmth. His thumb brushes your cheek, gently wiping away the remnants of your tears.

“Thank you,” he whispers, voice thick with intent, as if he's thanking you for something more than just tonight.

You nod, resting your head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart a soft reassurance. "No more half-truths," you murmur, a promise just as real as his.

For the first time, you feel truly seen—not just for the things you’ve done, but for who you are. And in that, you find something more precious than you expected.

[two-reflections]

Been sick for the past week, so I haven't got a Marine Meat Monday short to post. Instead, here's a snippet from the middle of a longer story I'm working on.

Apologies for the lack of meat, but I thought it might be appropriate since it focuses on... A marine's body? I guess?

Okay, you got me, this is about Captain Drakgaard of the 6th Company becoming a Dreadnought.

This is an early draft, so polite feedback is welcome and appreciated. 💚

Drowning in an ocean of perfluorocarbon emulsion, floating on a sea of drugs, Drakgaard had slipped back in time beyond Captainship, beyond ascension, beyond birth. He floated alone in a steel womb, hooked to it by cables he couldn't feel. These cables sustained him, changed him, began to mold him into something new. He wasn't conscious of the machine spirit that floated with him, also asleep. As the song of power was sung and the reactor was switched on, the spirit awoke. It climbed through the cables as the techpriests outside chanted the litanies Drakgaard had found tiresome in life. For a moment, it paused, finding its inhabitant changed. Then, the words in binharic reached it as the priests sang of the life of its new inhabitant. It was an ancient machine spirit, they sang, and the man within was an ancient Brother. They bid it to accept him, to become one with him as it had with its previous inhabitants. As they sang, a host of servitors’ fingers click-clacked against keyboards, their broken, half-rotten mouths droning twisted echoes of the priests’ songs.

A shot of adrenaline administered by Apothecary Sepelius roused the man within. He felt weightless, then was not sure where the edges of his self lay. He tried to move and no motion was possible. The pain he had felt when he had briefly awakened after the necessary amputations was gone. The scarred, branded, and finally broken body he had lived in for almost half a century was out of his reach.

In that second, he realized where he was. What he was. He had agreed to this in the presence of his Sergeants, Apothecaries and Techpriests. As he consented, Chaplain Elysius, the man who had saved his life, had lowered his eyes and murmured, “Duty and salvation.” There would be no Burning Walk for Ur'zan Drakgaard, and neither would there be the Emperor's Mercy.

The machine spirit was here with him now. He could hear it greeting him in a wordless voice that was somehow his own. This would be his afterlife, if he accepted it.

For a moment, he resisted. He would not be himself if he didn't rage against the dying of the light, would he? But then, duty called. As the voices outside grew louder, Drakgaard closed his physical eyes for the last time.

When he opened his new eyes, the world was so much smaller and sharper. Information flowed through him like a breeze through a gauzy curtain. His flesh, weakened by the Black Legion, might as well have melted into the fluid it floated in, but his body was stronger than it had ever been. Where skin had once moved over black carapace, there was metal and base paint. Where blood once ran, there were cables and optical fibres. His eyes were no longer two but an array of cameras he sensed he could deploy as needed. The empty ports among the top of his back were not comm systems nor backpack support, but mounts for weapons, aching to be filled with new instruments of death.

As a techpriest swayed beside him, their robe swished against the capacitive coating on his legs. To his surprise, he felt the touch more keenly than he ever could have felt a touch upon his Captain's plate. He scented the air through an array in a vent, and the barest hormonal differences of those in the room were revealed to him. His vision, as he looked around was no longer solely in the frequencies of visible light and high infrared; he could now see through infrared and ultraviolet into the realms of high microwave and low x-ray.

The information was too much for him to process straight away. He began to panic. Nearby, a panel of lights began to flash in reds and greens. Several priests began to chant in calming tones as Apothecary Sepelius fiddled with the machine pumping chemicals into him.

Soon, he felt calm flow through his mind. The sedatives gave him the space to limit his perceptions to a reasonable level. As he tried, he felt the machine spirit - his machine spirit - protest. It did not speak with words, but it was fierce and strong-minded. Drakgaard finally reached out to it, greeting it as a Brother and hoping they could achieve a deep level of understanding.

The spirit liked that. It reached back, through the spaces between the braided fibres that made up his cables. Two became one.

A while later, Chaplain Elysius stepped into the focus of his central camera. “Brother, in the name of Vulkan and the Emperor, speak to us! Who are you?”

“I am Brother Drak'fell,” the Dreadnought replied.

Several of the techpriests pipped at each other, echoing the changed name in binharic, but Elysius stared up at him unfazed. “Who were you?”

“I was once Captain Ur'zan Drakgaard of the 6th Company. No longer. My chassis has belonged to many, but most recently, the venerable Brother Kor'ad rested within.”

“Who do you serve?”

The words thundered forth, sure and true. “I serve the Imperium of Man. I am one of the Emperor's Angels. In his name and the name of my genesire, I know no fear. Vulkan's fire beats in my breast–”

“With it, I shall smite the foes of the Emperor.” Elysius turned away, satisfied.

[leiditechelectonicpublishing]

Leiditech Recommends a TVS Diode with Low Leakage Current (100uA), Low Voltage (3.3V), and 400W Power 

Transient Voltage Suppression Diode, or TVS for short. When the two poles of a TVS are impacted by reverse transient high energy, it can switch from high impedance to low impedance in 10⁻¹² seconds, absorb surge power up to several kilowatts, and clamp the voltage between the two poles at a predetermined value. This effectively protects precision components in electronic circuits from damage caused by various surge pulses.

Electronic products require power efficiency and energy savings, so they often use low-voltage power supplies such as 3.3V, 2.5V, or 1.8V. Especially for battery-powered electronics, low voltage alone is insufficient — low leakage current is also required.

The advantage of low voltage drop and low leakage current is that the lower power loss ineffectively can improve the conversion efficiency of the power supply.

The advantages of low voltage drop and low leakage current include reduced power loss, which effectively improves power supply conversion efficiency.

The SMAJ3.3LIR can be widely used in automotive electronics, smart lighting, smart home systems, mobile phone fast-charging circuits, consumer electronics, switching power supplies, frequency converters, driver circuits, and other electronic circuits.

Leiditech’s SMAJ3.3LIR is already widely used in automotive electronics. Please contact us if you need it!

TVS Selection Tips

1. The TVS’s reverse working voltage (Vrwm) should be at least 10% higher than the maximum DC or continuous operating voltage of the protected circuit, as well as the circuit’s rated standard voltage and “high-side” tolerance. If the selected Vrwm is too low, the device may enter avalanche mode or disrupt normal circuit operation due to excessive reverse leakage current. Series connection divides voltage, while parallel connection divides current.

2. The TVS’s clamping voltage (Vc) should be lower than the damage threshold voltage of the protected circuit.

3. The TVS’s peak pulse power (Ppp) should exceed the peak pulse power that may occur in the protected circuit.

4. The TVS’s peak pulse current (Ipp) should be greater than the transient surge current in the circuit.

5. For lightning protection in data interface circuits, low-capacitance semiconductor ESD devices are recommended.

6. Select the TVS’s polarity and package based on the application: Bipolar TVS diodes are more suitable for AC circuits; semiconductor ESD arrays are more advantageous for multi-line protection

Leiditech is committed to becoming a leading brand in electromagnetic compatibility solutions and component supply, offering products such as ESD, TVS, TSS, GDT, MOV, MOSFET, Zener, and inductors. Leiditech has an experienced R&D team that can provide personalized customization services according to customer needs and offer the highest quality solutions.

If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out:

[sales16@leiditech.com]

Visit us at [en.leiditech.com]

#TVSdiode #CircuitProtection #ElectronicsDesign #Leiditech #SmartDevices #AutomotiveElectronics #3_3VProtection #LowLeakage #PowerEfficiency #SurgeProtection #ESDprotection #IoTdesign #EngineeringInnovation

[mastergarryblogs]

Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market Insights: Regional & Segment Breakdown

Strategic Overview of the Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market

The global Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor market is undergoing robust expansion, driven by surging demand in critical sectors such as automotive electronics, telecommunications infrastructure, and next-generation consumer electronics. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030, the market is expected to reach unprecedented scale, fueled by advancements in miniaturization, high-capacitance performance, and thermal stability.

Request Sample Report PDF (including TOC, Graphs & Tables): https://www.statsandresearch.com/request-sample/40341-global-multi-layer-ceramic-capacitor-market

Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market Dynamics Driving MLCC Growth

Surging Demand Across Consumer Electronics

MLCCs remain an indispensable component in compact electronic devices. Their compact form factor, superior electrical characteristics, and cost-effectiveness have positioned them as the default solution for energy storage, filtering, and decoupling applications.

Smartphones, tablets, wearables, and high-performance laptops continue to integrate more MLCCs per unit, with flagship models embedding over 1,000 MLCCs. Key drivers include the proliferation of 5G-enabled devices, the rise of IoT ecosystems, and increasing performance requirements from advanced processors and memory modules.

Automotive Electrification and ADAS Integration

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation due to electrification and automation. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) require capacitors that can withstand high temperatures, offer enhanced reliability, and operate at varied voltage thresholds.

MLCCs are now being utilized in powertrains, battery management systems, infotainment, inverters, and radar modules. Notably, X7R and C0G dielectric MLCCs are preferred in automotive environments due to their thermal stability and durability.

Telecommunications and 5G Infrastructure

The expansion of 5G networks and edge computing demands high-frequency, low-inductance passive components. MLCCs play a critical role in RF front-end modules, small cell base stations, and millimeter-wave antennas. The drive toward ultra-low latency and high throughput has catalyzed adoption of low ESL (Equivalent Series Inductance) MLCCs in telecom-grade applications.

Get up to 30%-40% Discount: https://www.statsandresearch.com/check-discount/40341-global-multi-layer-ceramic-capacitor-market

Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market Segmentation Analysis

By Capacitor Type

General-purpose MLCCs accounted for the largest share of global revenue, driven by ubiquitous use in memory boards, displays, and portable consumer electronics. As devices shrink in size and increase in complexity, the need for high-volume, low-profile components grows proportionally.

Array capacitors are gaining traction in applications requiring noise suppression and reduced board space, especially in high-speed data and audio circuits.

By Voltage Range

Low-voltage MLCCs (≤50V) dominate the global landscape with over 47% market share, attributed to their wide utility across consumer electronics and compact industrial modules. These capacitors offer high capacitance per volume, are mass-produced efficiently, and support rapid integration into small PCB layouts.

High-voltage MLCCs (≥1000V) are witnessing increased demand in industrial automation and high-energy applications, where robust voltage endurance is critical.

By Case Size

The 0603–1206 inch category led the market with over 55% share in 2022. These compact yet high-capacitance components are preferred for modern assembly lines that rely on automation, with enhanced compatibility for surface-mount technology (SMT).

As the market pushes for thinner consumer devices and tighter board layouts, manufacturers are aggressively investing in producing sub-0603 MLCCs that offer high thermal dissipation and stable capacitance.

Dielectric Trends in MLCC Design

X7R Dominance in Commercial and Automotive Applications

X7R dielectric MLCCs captured the highest market share in 2022, approximately 33.5%, due to their ability to maintain capacitance across a wide temperature range (-55°C to +125°C). They are widely utilized in decoupling, filtering, and bypass functions in circuits requiring temperature stability.

Emerging Materials and Innovations

Manufacturers are experimenting with advanced ceramic formulations such as C0G/NP0 for precision circuits and Y5V for applications tolerating higher capacitance variance. Innovations in doped ceramics and sintering technologies are expected to yield MLCCs with even higher volumetric efficiency and reliability under harsh environments.

Regional Analysis of the Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market

Asia-Pacific: The Global Manufacturing Hub

Asia-Pacific continues to lead the MLCC market in both production and consumption. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan host major MLCC manufacturers and electronic assembly plants.

China, in particular, is aggressively scaling domestic MLCC production to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, encouraged by government-backed investments in strategic electronics.

North America: Driven by Defense and Automotive Electrification

North American demand is strongly linked to sectors such as aerospace, defense electronics, and EV manufacturing. The U.S. market is experiencing rapid growth in automotive-grade MLCCs due to Tesla-led innovations and emerging EV startups.

Europe: Focus on High-reliability Applications

Europe’s MLCC consumption is aligned with industrial automation, medical devices, and vehicle electrification. The region’s stringent regulations drive the demand for AEC-Q200 certified capacitors in safety-critical environments.

Competitive Landscape and Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market Share Insights

Leading manufacturers such as Murata Manufacturing, TDK Corporation, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Taiyo Yuden, and Yageo Group command a significant portion of the global MLCC market. These players consistently invest in capacity expansion, R&D, and technology differentiation.

Key strategies include:

Vertical integration to secure raw material supply chains.

Miniaturization and low ESL product lines to cater to RF and high-speed applications.

Automotive qualification to dominate AEC-Q200 certified segments.

Mid-sized and niche players are focusing on specialty MLCCs for medical, defense, and space-grade applications where reliability trumps volume.

Future Outlook and Emerging Opportunities

AI, IoT, and Quantum Computing Expansion

The emergence of AI accelerators, quantum processors, and IoT endpoints will generate significant demand for ultra-low noise, high-density capacitors. MLCCs optimized for ultra-low ESR and high frequency performance will be critical for next-gen compute infrastructure.

Sustainability and Recycling

Given the environmental impact of ceramic processing, manufacturers are now focusing on lead-free, recyclable MLCCs. Innovations in ceramic material recovery and green sintering techniques are expected to reduce the ecological footprint.

Purchase Exclusive Report: https://www.statsandresearch.com/enquire-before/40341-global-multi-layer-ceramic-capacitor-market

Conclusion

The global MLCC market is not only resilient but also evolving at a pace aligned with the next industrial revolution. From powering electric drivetrains to enabling cloud-scale AI infrastructure, MLCCs form the silent backbone of today’s electronic revolution.

Manufacturers that emphasize advanced dielectric R&D, miniaturization, and geographic production flexibility will continue to lead the market. With sustained investment and technological innovation, the Multi-layer Ceramic Capacitor Market is poised for a decade of robust, strategic expansion.

Our Services:

On-Demand Reports: https://www.statsandresearch.com/on-demand-reports

Subscription Plans: https://www.statsandresearch.com/subscription-plans

Consulting Services: https://www.statsandresearch.com/consulting-services

ESG Solutions: https://www.statsandresearch.com/esg-solutions

Contact Us:

Stats and Research

Email: sales@statsandresearch.com

Phone: +91 8530698844

Website: https://www.statsandresearch.com

[semiconductorlogs]

Boost Charge Pump ICs Market to Reach $1.5 Billion by 2032 at 7.8% CAGR

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global Boost Charge Pump ICs Market was valued at US$ 834 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1.5 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Boost charge pump ICs are voltage-boosting integrated circuits that provide efficient power conversion without requiring bulky inductors. These compact ICs utilize capacitor-based charge pumping techniques to step up input voltages, making them ideal for space-constrained applications like mobile devices, wearables, and IoT electronics. The technology offers advantages including low component count, reduced board space requirements, and simplified design implementation compared to traditional boost converters.

The market growth is driven by expanding demand from the consumer electronics sector, particularly smartphones and portable devices requiring efficient power management solutions. Additionally, the automotive industry’s increasing adoption of electronic systems and the proliferation of IoT devices are contributing to market expansion. Recent innovations focus on improving conversion efficiency – for instance, Texas Instruments introduced a 94%-efficient charge pump in 2023 for smartphone displays. Key players like Analog Devices, Microchip Technology, and Monolithic Power Systems dominate the competitive landscape with extensive product portfolios.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Proliferation of Portable Electronics to Fuel Demand for Boost Charge Pump ICs

The exponential growth in portable electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables, is significantly driving the boost charge pump ICs market. These ICs provide efficient voltage conversion in compact form factors, making them ideal for space-constrained mobile devices. With global smartphone shipments exceeding 1.2 billion units annually and the wearables market projected to maintain a 15% CAGR through 2030, manufacturers are increasingly adopting charge pump solutions for their power management needs. The ability to operate without bulky inductors gives boost charge pump ICs a distinct advantage in modern electronics design, where minimizing PCB footprint is critical for product differentiation.

Automotive Electrification Trend to Accelerate Market Expansion

The automotive industry’s rapid transition toward electrification is creating substantial opportunities for boost charge pump IC manufacturers. Modern vehicles incorporate over 100 power rails requiring efficient voltage regulation, from infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). With electric vehicle production expected to surpass 30 million units annually by 2030, the demand for compact power conversion solutions is intensifying. Boost charge pump ICs are particularly valuable in automotive applications due to their inherent noise immunity – a critical factor in EMI-sensitive environments. Tier-1 suppliers are increasingly specifying these components for lighting systems, display backlights, and sensor arrays where traditional boost converters would introduce unwanted electromagnetic interference.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Power Density Limitations to Constrain High-Current Applications

While boost charge pump ICs offer compelling advantages for low-power applications, their inherent architecture creates challenges for higher current implementations. The capacitive nature of charge pumps makes them less efficient than inductor-based solutions when output currents exceed approximately 250mA. This limitation restricts their use in power-hungry applications such as high-brightness LED drivers or motors, where switching regulators remain dominant. As electronic systems continue demanding more power in smaller form factors, manufacturers face engineering challenges in pushing charge pump technology beyond its traditional boundaries.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Thermal Management Issues in Compact Designs

Thermal performance poses a significant challenge for boost charge pump IC adoption in advanced applications. The switching nature of charge pumps generates internal heat that must be dissipated, particularly in sealed enclosures common to modern consumer electronics. Unlike inductor-based converters where heat spreads across multiple components, charge pump designs concentrate thermal loads in the IC package. This becomes increasingly problematic as device footprints shrink below 2mm x 2mm, creating hot spots that can affect reliability and lifespan. Manufacturers are investing heavily in advanced packaging technologies and thermal-aware layout techniques to address these limitations while maintaining competitive pricing.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging IoT Applications to Create New Growth Avenues

The explosive growth of IoT devices presents a substantial expansion opportunity for boost charge pump IC manufacturers. With over 75 billion connected devices projected by 2025, the need for ultra-low-power voltage conversion solutions is becoming critical. Charge pump ICs are particularly well-suited for energy harvesting applications powering wireless sensors and edge devices, where their quiescent currents below 1μA significantly extend battery life. Recent advancements in capacitive boost architectures now enable efficient operation from input voltages as low as 0.7V, opening new possibilities for photovoltaic and thermoelectric energy harvesting implementations. Market leaders are actively developing application-specific variants optimized for these emerging use cases.

BOOST CHARGE PUMP ICS MARKET TRENDS

Growing Demand for Compact Power Management Solutions Drives Market Expansion

The global boost charge pump ICs market is witnessing robust growth due to increasing demand for compact and efficient power management solutions in portable electronic devices. These ICs offer significant advantages over traditional boost converters, requiring fewer external components and eliminating bulky inductors. Major semiconductor manufacturers reported a 15-20% year-over-year growth in charge pump IC shipments in 2023, primarily driven by smartphone manufacturers integrating these components for display backlighting and camera flash applications. The shift towards 5G-enabled devices, which require multiple voltage rails in compact form factors, has further accelerated adoption. Furthermore, automotive applications are emerging as a high-growth segment, with electric vehicle manufacturers increasingly incorporating these ICs for LED lighting and infotainment systems due to their electromagnetic interference (EMI) benefits.

Other Trends

Advancements in IoT and Wearable Technology

The proliferation of IoT devices and wearables is creating new opportunities for boost charge pump IC manufacturers. These applications demand ultra-low-power operation with minimal board space requirements, precisely the strengths of modern charge pump designs. Recent technological innovations have enabled charge pumps to achieve efficiencies above 90% even at low output currents, making them ideal for always-on sensor applications. The wearable device market, projected to exceed 1 billion units annually, represents a particularly promising segment where the size and efficiency advantages of charge pumps provide competitive differentiation for product designers.

Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory Adoption

The ongoing digital transformation in manufacturing is driving demand for boost charge pump ICs in industrial automation applications. Smart factory implementations require numerous distributed sensors and actuators, many of which need small footprint power solutions with reliable performance. Charge pump ICs are increasingly being specified for factory automation equipment because their inductorless design makes them inherently more resistant to vibration and mechanical stress compared to switching regulators. The industrial segment now accounts for approximately 20% of total charge pump IC revenue, with annual growth rates exceeding the overall market average due to accelerated Industry 4.0 adoption across major manufacturing economies.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Innovation and Expansion Drive Market Leadership in Boost Charge Pump IC Segment

The global boost charge pump IC market exhibits a semi-consolidated structure with prominent players competing through technological advancements and strategic collaborations. Analog Devices and Texas Instruments currently dominate the landscape, collectively holding over 30% of the 2024 market share due to their comprehensive portfolios spanning industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics applications.

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed aggressive growth from domestic manufacturers like Silergy Corp. and SG Micro Corp., who are gaining traction through cost-optimized solutions for mid-range applications. Their success stems from vertical integration capabilities and strong regional supply chain networks that reduce time-to-market for new designs.

Recent strategic movements highlight the industry’s dynamism. Monolithic Power Systems expanded its charge pump offerings through the 2023 acquisition of a specialty analog design firm, while Microchip Technology strengthened its position in automotive applications through partnerships with Tier-1 EV manufacturers. Such consolidation activities are reshaping competitive positioning across the value chain.

Emerging players face challenges in matching the R&D budgets of industry leaders, many of whom invest 15-20% of annual revenues in product development. However, niche specialists like ABLIC Inc. demonstrate how focused innovation in ultra-low-power designs can carve sustainable market positions, particularly in IoT and wearable segments.

List of Key Boost Charge Pump IC Companies Profiled

Analog Devices, Inc. (U.S.)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (U.S.)

ABLIC Inc. (Japan)

Torex Semiconductor Ltd. (Japan)

Shanghai Awinic Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

Southchip Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

Silergy Corp. (China)

Halo Microelectronics Co.,Ltd. (China)

Wuxi Hexin Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (China)

Meraki Integrated Shenzhen Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

SG Micro Corp. (China)

Microchip Technology Inc. (U.S.)

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (U.S.)

Qualcomm Inc. (U.S.)

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Capacitive Adjustable Charge Pump ICs Gain Traction Due to Voltage Flexibility in Compact Designs

The market is segmented based on type into:

Switching Regulator Booster Pump ICs

Capacitive Non-Adjustable Charge Pump ICs

Capacitive Adjustable Charge Pump ICs

By Application

Mobile and Consumer Electronics Leads Market Owing to Proliferation of Portable Devices

The market is segmented based on application into:

Mobile and Consumer Electronics

Industrial

Automobile and Rail Transit

Telecommunications and Infrastructure

Medical

Regional Analysis: Boost Charge Pump ICs Market

North America The North American Boost Charge Pump ICs market is characterized by strong technological adoption and demand from key sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial automation. The U.S. dominates regional revenue, fueled by extensive R&D investments from semiconductor giants such as Texas Instruments and Analog Devices. Regulatory frameworks supporting energy efficiency, such as DOE standards, drive innovation in power management solutions. Notably, the growing adoption of IoT devices and portable electronics has boosted shipments—estimated at 78 million units in 2023. However, supply chain disruptions and trade restrictions on semiconductor imports pose challenges for smaller manufacturers.

Europe Europe’s market thrives on stringent energy-efficiency mandates (e.g., EU Ecodesign Directive) and demand from automotive electrification. Germany leads in industrial applications, while France and the U.K. show growing uptake in telecommunications infrastructure. The region favors capacitive adjustable charge pump ICs for precision voltage control. Collaborative initiatives like the European Chips Act aim to reduce dependency on imports, fostering local production. Nonetheless, high manufacturing costs and competition from Asian suppliers restrain market expansion, pushing firms toward niche applications like medical devices.

Asia-Pacific Accounting for over 40% of global demand, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market, driven by China’s electronics manufacturing dominance and India’s expanding consumer tech sector. China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency push (e.g., “Made in China 2025”) has elevated domestic players like Silergy Corp. and Southchip Semiconductor. Japan and South Korea contribute through automotive and display driver applications. Cost-sensitive markets prefer capacitive non-adjustable variants, though urbanization and 5G deployment are shifting demand toward higher-efficiency ICs. Challenges include intellectual property concerns and fluctuations in raw material pricing.

South America South America remains an emerging market, with growth hindered by economic instability and fragmented supply chains. Brazil’s automotive industry, however, presents opportunities for Boost Charge Pump ICs in infotainment and ADAS systems. Local assembly plants increasingly source components from Asian suppliers due to affordability. The lack of robust semiconductor infrastructure limits high-volume adoption, though government incentives for electronics manufacturing (e.g., Brazil’s “Lei do Bem” tax credits) show long-term potential.

Middle East & Africa This region shows nascent but promising demand, primarily in telecommunications and renewable energy projects. The UAE and Saudi Arabia lead in infrastructure development, integrating charge pump ICs into solar inverters and smart grid systems. South Africa’s automotive sector also presents niche opportunities. While market maturity lags due to limited local expertise and reliance on imports, partnerships with global suppliers and gradual industrialization could accelerate growth in the next decade.

Report Scope

This market research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Global Boost Charge Pump ICs Market, covering the forecast period 2025–2032. It offers detailed insights into market dynamics, technological advancements, competitive landscape, and key trends shaping the industry.

Key focus areas of the report include:

Market Size & Forecast: Historical data and future projections for revenue, unit shipments, and market value across major regions and segments. The Global Boost Charge Pump ICs market was valued at USD 312.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 487.2 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%.

Segmentation Analysis: Detailed breakdown by product type (Switching Regulator Booster Pump ICs, Capacitive Non-Adjustable Charge Pump ICs, Capacitive Adjustable Charge Pump ICs), application (Mobile and Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Computer, Automobile and Rail Transit, Telecommunications and Infrastructure, Medical), and end-user industry.

Regional Outlook: Insights into market performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific accounted for 42% of the global market share in 2024.

Competitive Landscape: Profiles of leading market participants including Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, ABLIC Inc., and Microchip Technology Inc., covering their product portfolios, market strategies, and recent developments.

Technology Trends & Innovation: Analysis of emerging technologies in power management ICs, integration with IoT devices, and advancements in semiconductor fabrication processes.

Market Drivers & Restraints: Evaluation of factors such as growing demand for portable electronics, increasing adoption of IoT devices, and challenges related to supply chain constraints and raw material shortages.

Stakeholder Analysis: Strategic insights for component manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, and investors regarding market opportunities and challenges.

Related Reports:

https://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-pecvd-equipment-market-size.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-embedded-sbc-market-trends-and.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-encoder-chips-market-driving.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-bluetooth-audio-chips-and.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/semiconductor-ip-blocks-market-growth.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-dc-power-supply-for.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-high-voltage-power-supply-for.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-industrial-sun-sensors-market.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-consumer-grade-contact-image.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-non-residential-occupancy.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-standalone-digital-signage.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/12-inch-silicon-wafers-market-global-12.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-12-inch-semiconductor-silicon.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-extreme-ultraviolet-lithography.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-industrial-touchscreen-market.htmlhttps://semiconductorblogs21.blogspot.com/2025/06/global-distributed-fiber-optic-sensor.html

[elmalo8291]

Elmalo, let’s dive deeper into the hardware specifications that will form the foundation of Iron Spine’s sensor fusion capabilities. This detailed look will cover sensor choices, ruggedization strategies for extreme environments, and considerations for optimizing edge computing performance.

1. Sensor Choices

A diverse sensor suite is crucial for a system designed to operate across space, deep sea, underground, and more. Here are some categories and specific choices to consider:

Environmental Sensors:

Radiation Detectors:

Example: Semiconductor-based sensors (e.g., Silicon PIN diode detectors) or Geiger-Müller tubes.

Key Considerations: Sensitivity range, calibration for cosmic or deep-sea radiation, and response time.

Pressure Sensors:

Example: Piezoresistive or capacitive sensors like those used in underwater applications.

Key Considerations: Depth ratings, response time, and temperature compensation.

Temperature & Humidity Sensors:

Example: Bosch BME280 or Sensirion SHT series.

Key Considerations: Accuracy under varying environmental conditions, low power consumption, and integration ease.

Motion & Optical Sensors:

Insect-Inspired Motion Sensors:

Example: MEMS-based inertial measurement units (e.g., InvenSense MPU-9250 or similar) that capture acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field data with high resolution.

Key Considerations: Minimal latency, low drift, and high sensitivity for subtle movements.

High-Resolution Cameras:

Example: Industrial-grade camera modules (such as those designed for robotics or autonomous vehicles) that can perform in varied lighting.

Key Considerations: Frame rate, resolution, and the ability to operate in low-light or high-contrast conditions.

LIDAR/Optical Ranging:

Example: Compact, time-of-flight sensors or structured light systems.

Key Considerations: Range, environmental adaptability, and integration with visual feeds.

Acoustic & RF Sensors:

Acoustic Sensors:

Example: MEMS microphone arrays or specialized underwater hydrophones for sonar applications.

Key Considerations: Frequency sensitivity (audible versus ultrasonic), noise cancellation, and dynamic range.

RF Sensors:

Example: Software-defined radio (SDR) modules or narrow-band receivers capable of picking up anomalous electromagnetic signals.

Key Considerations: Frequency range, sensitivity, and resistance to interference.

2. Device Ruggedization

Operating in extreme environments demands that each edge device and sensor module be hardened for durability and reliability. Consider these strategies:

Enclosures & Packaging:

IP-Rated Cases: Use industrial enclosures rated at least IP67 or higher to protect against dust, water ingress, and contaminants.

Shock & Vibration Dampening: Implement mounting solutions with shock-absorbing materials (such as silicone inserts or rubber gaskets) to reduce the effects of mechanical impacts and vibrations common in harsh environments.

Temperature Control:

Thermal Management: Integrate active cooling (mini fans or heat sinks) or passive solutions (thermal conductive materials) to maintain optimal operating temperatures across extreme conditions.

Heaters or Insulation: In cold or high-altitude settings, built-in heaters or insulation can prevent sensor malfunctions and maintain performance.

Material Selection:

Robust Circuitry: Use components rated for wide temperature ranges and shock tests. Consider industrial-grade microcontrollers (like those used in aerospace) along with robust soldering and PCB design techniques.

Corrosion Resistance: For deep-sea or subterranean applications, use corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., conformal coatings, stainless steel housings) to extend the lifetime of the sensors and board-level components.

3. Edge Computing Performance

At the edge, the processing unit must handle a high throughput of sensor data in real time. Consider these platforms and configurations:

Primary Edge Devices:

NVIDIA Jetson Series:

AGX Xavier: Offers high computational power with an 8-core ARM CPU, 512-core GPU, and accelerated deep learning inference capabilities. Ideal for implementing sophisticated preprocessing and fusion algorithms.

Jetson Nano: A cost-effective alternative when power is limited, capable of running streamlined models and basic sensor fusion tasks.

Key Advantages:

Real-Time Processing: GPU acceleration and support for frameworks like TensorRT enable fast, in-situ data analysis and decision-making.

Modular Scalability: Easily integrated with additional sensor inputs and can run multiple fusion algorithms concurrently.

Supplementary Controllers:

Raspberry Pi Compute Modules & Arduino Boards:

Roles: Act as microcontroller units (MCUs) for simpler sensor tasks such as data acquisition, local filtering, or secondary processing.

Interfacing: Use standardized communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART) to easily integrate with primary edge devices.

Communication & Connectivity:

Protocols for Inter-Device Communication: Consider MQTT for lightweight messaging and LoRaWAN for long-range, low-power communication in areas with intermittent connectivity.

Latency & Bandwidth Considerations: Properly balance between local processing (minimizing transmission delays) and cloud synchronization for historical data analysis.

Power Considerations:

Energy Efficient Design: Optimize both hardware and software to balance high performance with reasonable power consumption, especially critical in remote field deployments.

Battery Solutions: Explore rugged, high-capacity battery units or renewable energy options (solar panels) for prolonged, autonomous operation.

Summarized Blueprint Table

This comprehensive hardware specification not only outlines your sensor choices but also integrates strategies for device ruggedization and robust edge computing performance—ensuring Iron Spine’s sensor network is resilient, precise, and ready for extreme, real-world applications.

Would you like to further explore specific sensor integration techniques, or do you have additional requirements or constraints—perhaps environmental limits or power consumption targets—we should account for in the current blueprint?

[addohaislam2000]

USB ESD protection, Electrostatic discharge protection, ESD protection array

RCLAMP Series 18 V 0.9 pF SMT RailClamp® Low Capacitance TVS Array - SOT-563

[industrynewsupdates]

Gesture Recognition Market: Key Trends and Growth Opportunities

The global gesture recognition market size is anticipated to reach USD 70.18 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 18.8% between 2023 and 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing digitization initiatives across several industries are key to the rising adoption rate of these solutions. The consumer electronics industry is one of the largest adopters of gesture recognition solutions thanks to their ease of adoption due to low technical complexity for end-users. Adoption of the technology has also significantly increased across other industries.

The market also benefits from the rising use of consumer electronics and the Internet of Things and an increasing need for comfort and convenience in product usage. Technological advancements and ease of use have helped the technology gain global acceptance. Increased awareness about regulations and driver safety has increased the demand for gesture recognition systems in the automobile industry. Moreover, growing customer demand for application-based technologies is boosting the market growth. Research in the field of hand gesture recognition has increased for achieving advancements in human-machine interaction.

The development of several software and hardware products for touchless digital interaction is helping drive advancements in gesture recognition technology. Several companies are investing in enhancing the technology and are introducing new products. For instance, In December 2021, Somalytics Inc., a nanotechnology sensor designing company, unveiled its capacitive sensor. It is one of the world’s smallest nano-based capacitive sensors and is made of carbon nanotube paper composites.

The market landscape is volatile and is experiencing fierce competition owing to a large number of mergers and acquisitions. The key players in the market include IT giants such as Apple, Intel Corp., Microsoft, and Google LLC. Along with these international giants, domestic players also show tremendous growth potential and are attracting big investors.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Gesture Recognition Market

Gesture Recognition Market Report Highlights

• The increasing digitization across various industries and the ease of adoption due to low technical complexity for end-users are expected to drive the market

• In terms of industry, the healthcare segment is expected to witness substantial growth with a CAGR of 23.7% over the forecast period

• In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022. The regional market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period

Gesture Recognition Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the gesture recognition market based on technology, industry, and region:

Gesture Recognition Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Touch-based

o Multi-Touch System

o Motion Gesture

• Touchless

o Capacitive/Electric Field

o Infrared Array

o Ultrasonic Technology

o 2D Camera-Based Technology

o 3D Vision Technologies

Gesture Recognition Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Automotive

o Lighting System

o HUD

o Biometric Access

o Others

• Consumer Electronics

o Smartphone

o Laptops & Tablets

o Gaming Console

o Smart TV

o Set-Top Box

o Head-Mount Display (HMD)

o Others

• Healthcare

o Sign Language

o Lab & Operating Rooms

o Diagnosis

• Others

o Advertisement & Communication

o Hospitality

o Educational Hubs

Gesture Recognition Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o Germany

o U.K.

o France

• Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o Japan

• South America

o Brazil

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

List of Key Players in the Gesture Recognition Market

• Alphabet Inc.

• Apple Inc.

• Cognitec Systems GmbH

• Eyesight Technologies Ltd.

• Infineon Technologies AG

• Intel Corporation

• Microchip Technology Incorporated

• Microsoft Corporation

• NXP Semiconductors

• Omnivision Technologies, Inc.

• SoftKinetic

• Synaptics Incorporated

Order a free sample PDF of the Gesture Recognition Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[leiditechelectonicpublishing]

Guidelines for Electrostatic Protection of CCD Sensors

The core advantages and application fields of CMOS compared to CCD

Although most civil scenarios are now replaced by CMOS, CCD still has irreplaceable advantages in professional fields with strict requirements for image quality, sensitivity, and noise:

l Scientific research: astronomical telescope imaging, particle physics detectors, spectral analysis equipment;

l Medical field: X-ray imaging equipment, fluorescence microscopes, mammography machines;

l Industrial inspection: high-precision machine vision (such as semiconductor wafer defect detection, dimension measurement of auto parts);

l Aerospace and military: satellite remote sensing cameras, infrared night-vision equipment, missile guidance systems.

Electrostatic Protection Schemes for CCD Sensors

In scenarios such as high-precision industrial vision and aerospace equipment, electrostatic surges on CCD sensors mainly intrude through the following paths: power ports: industrial power supplies (e.g., 24V) are susceptible to lightning-induced surges; data interfaces: high-speed image transmission interfaces (e.g., Camera Link, LVDS); trigger signal lines: external control signal input ports.

1. Input Power Protection

24V industrial power supplies need to consider both surge and overcurrent protection:

Surge protection: It is recommended to use the TVS device LM1K24CA (package SMB, VC=35V, low clamping voltage) with a protection level of 2kV;Overcurrent protection: SMD1812 series PTC (6–60V, 0.1–3.5A) with fast response speed and reusability; Reverse polarity protection: Schottky diode SK56C (60V/5A) to reduce the risk of damage when the power supply is connected reversely.

2. High-Speed Data Interface Protection

Camera Link interface (maximum transmission rate 2.38Gbps):

ESD protection: Use ULC3304P10LV ESD array (parasitic capacitance < 0.5pF), which meets IEC61000–4–2 Level 4 (contact discharge 8kV, air discharge 15kV) to ensure high-frequency signal integrity; Common-mode interference suppression: Series common-mode chokes to reduce crosstalk in data lines.

1. Power Rail Electrostatic Protection

CCD sensors usually require multiple sets of power rails:

Analog power supply (3.3V): ESD0321CW (DFN0603 package, 30pF capacitance, 21A discharge current);

Leiditech is committed to becoming a leading brand in electromagnetic compatibility solutions and component supply, offering products such as ESD, TVS, TSS, GDT, MOV, MOSFET, Zener, and inductors. Leiditech has an experienced R&D team that can provide personalized customization services according to customer needs and offer the highest quality solutions.

If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out:

[sales16@leiditech.com]

Visit us at [en.leiditech.com]

#CCDProtection #ElectrostaticSafety #ImagingTech #ESDProtection #IndustrialVision #AerospaceTech #MachineVision #Leiditech #TechSolutions #SensorShielding #SurgeProtection #CameraInterface #PrecisionEngineering #HighSpeedData

[teardownit]

Disadvantages of Mean Well LRS series power supplies

This post will not include information about power supply heating, ripple size, etc. Because it is all in the previous post: https://teardownit.com/posts/review-teardown-and-testing-of-lrs-150-24-mean-well-power-supply

In this post, I want to share a subjective and perhaps picky view about the LRS-200, and LRS-350 sources as a person, a user, not as a professional.

200 W

350 W

I have examined at least four revisions of these boards. The manufacturer made minor changes. Three transistor types were used at different times and in different batches (not depending on power). Thermal gaskets-caps were always used, even if the transistor body was plastic.

18N60M2 transistors. The transistors were installed in different packages (220), both in plastic and metal

6R280P6 transistors (plastic)

OSG65R290FE transistors. Package 220, plastic

I've only seen the identical diode arrays. The package is 220 metal; in the 24V version, it is metal and plastic.

Screw hole for the clamping bar screw

I think Mean Well made a mistake with the transistor clamping bar screw hole. If you try to tighten the screw any tighter, the clamping bar will turn out. Mean Well tightened the clamping bar as best they could and added a lot of thread locker. The hole should have been about 1/16" lower, and then there would not have been a problem. This also applies to the screw holes for the clamping bar screws for the diode arrays.

No second X2 capacitor

Now, about the reduced version of the input filter, namely for the second X2-capacitor absence, although a place for it is provided.

I think standardization and developers' fear of disturbing another department are to blame for this flaw :) The designer/developer made the correct diagram, but small details interfered. The diode bridge is fixed with a clamping bar, and the factory standardizes these bars and uses a bar from paired elements (transistors/diode arrays)). When the engineers started to install the board into the case, it was found that the standard diode bridge clamping bar interfered with the X2 capacitor case.

The developer needed to change the clamping bar type. But to do so, he had to contact another department, order it, etc. The developer may get a nasty remark from the manager, "Where did you look right away?" So, the engineer made a simple and ingenious decision—not to solder the second X2 capacitor at all. The cost of production was also reduced.

The power inductor

This element can be one of the hottest or the hottest on the board—up to 200F or more, depending on the power supply design.

The choke is generally made on some power supplies, with a gap with the near capacitor. This choke touches the capacitor on other power supplies (or batches). What is 200F on the capacitor?

Separation of the cold and hot board side

Now for a problem that has plagued Mean Well for several years. The manufacturer kept making changes to the boards, starting with just holes and then adding slots.

My speculation and assumptions. In 2018, developers made changes in a hurry, perhaps because of safety certification requirements or licenses to sell in some countries. Engineers made an almost continuous long slot from the input connectors to the optoisolator. In 2019, another revision of the board started to be produced.

The long slit severely weakens the board in bending and torsion; the board can break along the slit if dropped even from a low height (box in storage). The flaw was noticed by Mean Well, and after a few months, they are making changes again. The slit is getting short.

Differences between 200W and 350W versions

Different fuse rating

Different capacitance of high voltage capacitors for 200V (LELON). For 200W - 200V/330uF (18/35mm). At 350W - 200V/560uF (16/45mm). The board limits capacitors to 1 3/4" long (longer will interfere with the transformer)

Different ratings of current resistors

Different number of soldered capacitors on the output

Different number of soldered diode arrays. Except for the 24V version - diode arrays do not change with power (a surprising solution for me)

No fan in 200W version and no soldered fan assembly

‍ Soldering quality

I advise checking the soldering of diode arrays with a magnifying glass and under good light. On two LRS power supplies, I encountered poor soldering of one of the diode arrays. However, I have no questions about the transistor soldering.

[addohaislam2000]

Types of ESD protection, what is ESD protection, Circuit protection solutions

RCLAMP Series 18 V 0.9 pF SMT RailClamp® Low Capacitance TVS Array - SOT-563