Bench Talk

The invention of the humble thyristor 60 years ago ushered in a new field of electrical engineering area called power electronics. At a little over half that age, the 31st Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) continues to give prominence to what can only be described as a new industrial revolution. The demand for increased energy conservation, utility energy storage, renewable energy systems, electric and hybrid vehicles power, in addition to high-efficiency energy systems across the board – it’s enough to keep a designer awake at night.

Your intrepid reporter, a veritable APEC ingénue, felt compelled to take part in the long-held tradition at APEC: Three concurrent RAP sessions closed out on Day 1. The RAP sessions are composed of a moderator, some apparently famous power panelists, topics that foster lively (geek-bait) debates, and historically large audiences blessed with a beer on their way in. The sessions drew large crowds. (Or was it the free beer?)

If you weren’t certain by Day 1 of the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) exhibition what the running themes were, you found confirmation on Day 2. High density, low power, SiC and GaN all played out through new products, technical sessions, and papers.

The Charlotte, North Carolina Convention Center, home to APEC 2015, is a decent size. But with nearly 4500 attendees (a 10% increase over last year), hundreds of technical and industry sessions, and nearly 250 exhibitors, it certainly packed a lot into one space.

Nearly 4000 power professionals and knowledge-seekers converged at the Fort Worth Convention Center in March for the twenty-ninth annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC 2014). There was something for everyone it seemed, from hot topics such as high-density power supplies, wide bandgap semiconductors for power electronics applications, wireless charging for electric vehicles, advances in nanotechnology, energy harvesting and 3D packaging to standard subjects such as dc-dc converters, power factor correction, controls, and passive components.

I am looking forward to sharing useful information with the power electronics community in short, uncomplicated blogs. There are lots of great power devices whether new and state of the art or tried and true -- to bring to your attention. I will also provide updates on emerging technologies that either enable advancements in power electronics such as wide bandgap semiconductors, or are enabled by new power electronics, such as wireless charging systems. As new resources become available, I want to highlight where to find them. I might also write about some of the great ways to connect with others for help with your power management questions or to network with like-minded folks. I also want to give you a heads-up on important industry events, such as the Applied Power Electronics Consortium (APEC).