Power Up: Recent Episodes
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The power electronics market has become a hotbed of innovation. Power ICs based on gallium nitride and silicon carbide are enabling new frontiers in electronic system performance in industrial automation, renewable energy, smart grids, the Internet of things, and other markets. PowerUP podcasts will connect with the world’s leading power electronics experts to explain how the technology is evolving, and what those changes means for every aspect of the industry.
Data centers are undergoing major disruptions with AI hardware proliferation as new processor technology is released and power consumption at the xPU increases dramatically. The conventional power distribution architecture needs to be modified to manage this increase. This discussion explores the intense power demand in these data centers, the higher-voltage DC bus required to meet the challenge, and how the Renesas power portfolio can help designers better address the demands on their systems.
Power electronics is driving major shifts like EV powertrains, AI data centers, and industrial electrification—but module performance and reliability also hinge on “behind-the-scenes” materials. Critical elements like die attach, encapsulants, and thermal interface materials can determine whether a power module withstands years of thermal cycling, high current, and harsh operating conditions. On PowerUP, you’ll be joined by Burcak Conley (Head of Application Engineering for North America & Europe at Henkel) to discuss what’s driving demand and how packaging materials are evolving to meet higher thermal and reliability needs. You’ll also explore where Henkel sees the biggest opportunities ahead in this space.
In the new AI world, reality, usefulness and human characteristics blend causing real technology challenges – especially in robots. They’ve become perceptive. They think. Robots act and engage with humans and the real world around them using predictive intelligence. With the aging population, labor shortages, and increasing labor costs, these traits are becoming increasingly useful as we search to find new ways to automate things, increase productivity, and improve services. In this podcast, we’ll explore the path of physicalizing AI in robotics with the help of hardware and software tools. We’ll also discuss the benefits and challenges of creating robots as the lines between digital intelligence and physical reality blurs.
HVAC systems are notoriously power hungry, contribution to a major portion of household electricity expenses. Modernizing these systems with wireless connectivity to enable smart remote monitoring and control is key to reducing energy usage. Furthermore, smart HVAC units can be integrated with both local energy grids to reduce energy costs and the broader smart home wireless ecosystem to encourage interoperability
In today's podcast we will discuss how Renesas' GaN offering supports the requirements of different power applications, across sectors such as AI Infrastructure, Solar OBC and DC/DC in Electric vehicles. The power conversion within each of these sectors is shifting towards more power dense, efficient, modular, and intelligent power architectures, with trends toward high-voltage buses, bidirectional energy flow, and fewer conversion stages. Today’s focus will be infrastructure, renewable energy, with a discussion of how the wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor can be a key enabling technology to drive these system-level improvements .
Today’s discussion is on one of the most important transformations happening in the automotive industry: the shift from traditional 12-volt electrical systems to modern 48-volt architectures. For decades, 12V has been the backbone of vehicle electronics, but with the rise of electrification, ADAS, infotainment, and software-defined cars, the industry is moving toward more powerful and efficient solutions.
To help us explore this exciting transition, I’m pleased to introduce our guest, Madison Ecklund, Systems Manager in the Automotive Body Electronics and Lighting Systems team at Texas Instruments. Madison brings deep expertise in automotive power management and system design, and is responsible for Zone Control Modules and Power Distribution Boxes. She holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University. She has experience in EMI/EMC compliance, 48V low voltage architectures, and automotive ethernet in-vehicle network evolution.
Robotics is moving quickly — from drones that deliver packages to humanoids and cobots designed to work safely alongside people. The design of systems is getting more complicated because each type of robot has its own needs for power, safety, and efficiency. We talk to Hirohisa Hori, Senior Manager, Power System Marketing at Renesas Electronics about how these problems are being solved. We look at the different ways that robots charge and use batteries, the difference between 48V and 400V motor drives, and why functional safety is becoming more important even outside of cars. We also look at the evolving landscape of communication protocols inside and outside robots, and why GaN technology is starting to play a central role in next-generation motor control.
As electrification expands across sectors like solar energy, electric vehicles, and smart grids, the focus is shifting toward architectures that are more efficient, more compact, and more intelligent. Trends like fewer conversion stages, higher voltage buses, and bidirectional energy flow are reshaping the design landscape. In this conversation, we speak with Marco Ruggeri, Senior Manager of the Power System Architecture Team and Pietro Scalia, the Head of System Application and Marketing for Power , both of Renesas Electronics. They share insights into Renesas’ single-stage, bidirectional GaN-based microinverter and how it could redefine the future of energy conversion and distributed power systems.
The demand for greater efficiency, density, and reliability in power delivery is driving semiconductor innovation as artificial intelligence reshapes data centers. Renesas Electronics is leveraging its expertise and expanding GaN portfolio to adapt to these changes. In this podcast, Pietro Scalia, Senior Director of Power System Marketing and Architecture at Renesas, discusses the move to AI-optimized infrastructure, the critical role of GaN in data centers and high-reliability environments, and the requirements for broader adoption across automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. We also touch on important architectural decisions and dependability.
Welcome to today’s podcast, where we explore the dynamic world of Industrial MCUs with Marijana Vukicevic, Marketing Director for Industrial MCU at Infineon.
Today’s episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Infineon.
Today, it’s a pleasure to have a special guest, Marijana Vukicevic, joining us to discuss the evolving role of microcontrollers (MCUs) in high-performance motor control and power conversion applications.
As industries shift from analog to digital power systems, MCUs are at the heart of enabling higher efficiency, faster switching, and real-time processing—critical for applications like robotics, industrial automation, and high-density power supplies for data centers. With switching frequencies increasing from 200 kHz to 600 kHz and beyond, the demand for ultra-fast, well-architected microcontrollers is greater than ever.
In this episode, we’ll explore how Infineon’s MCUs are addressing these challenges, particularly in robotics and AI-powered motor control. We’ll also dive into the role of GaN-based power systems, the increasing power demands of server racks, and what the future of MCU architecture looks like for next-generation embedded systems.
In today’s episode of PowerUp, we’re joined by Donald Wright, VP of engineering at Unico, a provider of advanced testing solutions for EV propulsion systems. With extensive experience in EV battery development, testing, and certification, Wright shares insights into the evolving landscape of the EV battery industry. We explore topics such as battery-swapping solutions, the role of testing in battery development, and industry trends for the future of electrification.
Today, we are focusing on a key challenge in modern power design: delivering higher efficiency, reduced EMI, and advanced thermal management while minimizing size and complexity. Our speaker is Anton Winkler, a systems engineer and power modules technologist at Texas Instruments, who drives the development of new processes and technologies for power modules. During this podcast, we will discuss TI’s MagPack technology, which integrates magnetic packaging to deliver good power density, reduced EMI and improved thermal performance.
Diamond is emerging as a game-changer in power electronics and quantum technology thanks to its exceptional properties like high thermal conductivity, breakdown voltage and drift velocity. In this episode, Adam Khan, CEO of Diamond Quanta, discusses the company's innovative co-doping approach that enhances charge transport and mobility in diamond. Khan also highlights significant cost reductions in lab-grown diamond production and anticipates increased industry investment and government funding to further develop diamond technologies.
In today's PowerUp episode, we discuss silicon photonics and silicon carbide innovations with Christophe Maleville, CTO and senior executive VP of innovation at Soitec. Discover how these advancements enhance EV efficiency, reduce environmental impact and integrate cutting-edge optical functions with electronic circuits for high-speed data communications. With a Ph.D. in microelectronics from Grenoble Institute of Technology and an executive MBA from INSEAD, Maleville has authored or co-authored more than 30 papers and holds 30 patents.
In today's PowerUp episode, we discuss silicon photonics and silicon carbide innovations with Christophe Maleville, CTO and senior executive VP of innovation at Soitec. Discover how these advancements enhance EV efficiency, reduce environmental impact and integrate cutting-edge optical functions with electronic circuits for high-speed data communications. With a Ph.D. in microelectronics from Grenoble Institute of Technology and an executive MBA from INSEAD, Maleville has authored or co-authored more than 30 papers and holds 30 patents.
Today, we are exploring Mears Silicon Technology (MST), Atomera’s innovative solution for improving the performance and efficiency of silicon-based devices. MST has the potential to transform power electronics, telecommunications and advanced computing by enhancing mobility, reducing leakage and boosting reliability—all while being compatible with existing manufacturing techniques. Our guest is Shawn Thomas, head of advanced logic nodes and power business at Atomera, and we will discuss how MST is enabling new possibilities in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
In our latest episode of PowerUP, we had the pleasure of speaking with Maury Wood, VP of strategic marketing at Vicor. We delve into the cutting-edge solutions that are helping to mitigate the enormous energy demands of generative AI (GenAI). Maury shares insights into the staggering power requirements of large language models and the limitations of traditional power supply architectures.
In this episode of PowerUP, Joseph Notaro, VP of global sales and marketing at Dukosi, talks about the company’s chip-on-cell technology as a solution for battery-cell monitoring.
In this episode of PowerUp, Jason Dubin, VP of Executive Search at SBT, discusses the semiconductor industry's evolving landscape, emphasizing power management integrated circuits (PMICs), wide-bandgap semiconductors and the critical need for specialized talent.
In this episode, we welcome Ivo Marocco, Vice President at Renesas, who leads the global Business Development, Systems, and Solution Marketing team for the Power Business Unit. We delve into Renesas's strategic growth and technological advancements, highlighting their expansion from automotive microcontrollers to power products. The discussion covers organizational restructuring, investments in silicon carbide (SiC), contributions to data infrastructure, AI, and the EV market, proactive measures for SiC supply stability, and the impact of key acquisitions on power technology.
Integrating precise current sensing into wide-bandgap (WBG) power converters faces challenges due to space constraints, high sensing speeds and electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this podcast with Ali Parsa Sirat and Babak Parkhideh, from the Photovoltaic Integration Lab at UNC Charlotte, we explore the limitations and new methods to enhance sensor performance in WBG converters.
In this podcast with Tim McDonald, senior consulting advisor for Infineon Technologies’ CoolGaN program, we delve into power electronics and their critical role in achieving net-zero emissions.
In this podcast, Nexperia’s Sebastian Fahlbusch, manager of the Power Product Application Competence Center, and Dilder Chowdhury, director of strategic marketing for power GaN technology, explore advancements in wide-bandgap technologies. They discuss the advantages of SiC MOSFETs and the benefits of GaN in industrial applications, as well as the main features of CCPAK packaging. They also mentioned a partnership with Mitsubishi to develop innovative power semiconductor solutions.
In this episode, top semiconductor companies at APEC 2024 delve into the world of wide-bandgap power devices.
Gallium nitride (GaN) technology is revolutionizing diverse applications, from LiDAR systems to motor control. LiDAR employs pulsed lasers for precise distance measurement, generating detailed 3D images. In this episode of PowerUP featuring Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC, we delve into an examination of the revolutionary implications of GaN technology across a range of applications, with a specific focus on motor control and LiDAR systems. We investigate its function in LiDAR, where GaN-based FETs function as efficient laser-switching drivers. We also discover how GaN transistors enhance the efficacy and efficiency of motor control components, such as those found in e-bikes.
In an era characterized by a significant surge in global energy consumption, which is anticipated to rise by 47% over the next three decades, the need for sustainable and alternative energy sources has become increasingly important. Energy harvesting is a viable option that involves the capture of energy from renewable sources, including solar, mechanical and thermal sources. In this podcast with Tristan Cool, industrial IoT product marketing manager at Silicon Labs, we will analyze the advantages and design issues with energy harvesting for low power.
In today’s episode, Philip Zuk, senior VP of business development and marketing at Transphorm, will provide insights into the latest breakthroughs in power systems and GaN semiconductor technology, as well as an exciting development from Transphorm known as SuperGaN. Transphorm and other companies, such as Nexperia, manufacture normally-off cascode devices. A primary benefit of this configuration strategy is the backward compatibility of the gate drive with silicon MOSFETs. Join us as we explore the competition between silicon, SiC and GaN, promising consumers more efficient, cost-effective systems in the tech landscape.
Imagine an energy grid in which every component, from the power source to the appliances in our homes, communicates seamlessly through a digital ecosystem. This grid operates with efficiency, adapts instantaneously to changing demands and integrates renewable energy sources seamlessly.
Our guest today is Antonello Monti, a distinguished expert in the field of energy, professor at RWTH Aachen University, group leader at Fraunhofer FIT and Technical Advisory Council chair at Linux Foundation Energy. Monti is at the forefront of the movement toward fully digitalized energy grids, a game-changing concept that promises increased flexibility, efficiency and sustainability.
Our future environment depends on renewable and sustainable energy. To maximize sustainable energy sources, energy gathering and grid integration are essential. Silicon carbide makes green energy systems more efficient and resilient. To ensure high-quality goods and system design flexibility, end-to-end vertical integration is necessary. In this podcast with Simon Keeton, executive vice president and general manager of the power solutions group at onsemi, we analyze the pivotal role that SiC solutions play in optimizing energy harvesting and efficient grid integration for sustainable energy sources. We will also introduce the next PowerUP Energy Virtual Conference, coming on Dec. 12 and 13.
Finwave, an MIT-founded startup, has been making waves with its patented 3DGaN technology, promising to revolutionize the landscape of energy-efficient 5G/6G communications, data centers, automotive, IoT and beyond. We dive deep into the world of semiconductor innovation with an interview featuring Pierre-Yves Lesaicherre, Finwave Semiconductor’s newly appointed CEO, and explore the remarkable advancements in linearity, manufacturing and applications that 3DGaN technology brings to the forefront.
Silicon carbide (SiC) is a wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor known for its remarkable advantages in power electronics. Its unique properties, such as low switching losses, high power density, superior thermal conductivity and ability to operate at high temperatures, make it an ideal choice for various industries. Furthermore, SiC’s capability to function reliably in high-temperature environments is a game-changer, ensuring system longevity. In a podcast featuring Microchip Technology’s VP Clayton Pillion and technical staff applications engineer Ehab Tarmoom, both from Microchip’s SiC business unit, we delve into the potential impact of SiC across a wide range of industries. From energy-efficient electronics to compact, lightweight solutions, SiC promises to revolutionize various sectors and drive innovation.
In today’s episode, we’re going to explore a software tool known as QSPICE. QSPICE is a free analog and mixed-signal simulator renowned for its high simulation speed, accuracy and reliability. It’s a versatile tool that empowers engineers to simulate a wide range of electronic circuits, from the simplest to the most complex. It also accurately models various aspects, such as I²C communication and dynamic register changes during the simulation, reducing errors and making circuit performance prediction more reliable. In this podcast with QSPICE creator Mike Engelhardt, we will analyze different aspects of this tool.
In this podcast with Energous CEO Cesar Johnston, we’ll explore the sector of the wireless power network industry and related partnerships. In an era when environmental considerations are paramount, how does Energous ensure its technology is green? Unlike conventional methods, the company provides both at-contact and over-the-air charging capabilities, addressing several challenges.
In this podcast with Frank Heidemann, VP and technology leader of SET at NI, we explore how OEMs are becoming more self-sufficient, how semiconductor companies are carving out new paths, and how electrification is reshaping the automotive and semiconductor industries.
In this podcast, JH Shyu, chairman of Episil; John Wei, president of Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS); and Shyh-Chiang Shen, GaN program director at VIS and professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, will talk about the challenges in terms of manufacturing, as well as devices and applications for wide-bandgap semiconductors.
By embracing smart grid solutions, communities and industries can tap into the power of renewable energy while ensuring a stable and dependable energy supply. In this podcast with Michael Bates, worldwide general manager for energy at Intel, we explore the critical importance of building a smarter grid to support reliable renewable-energy solutions.
During our PowerUP virtual conference, we had an exceptional lineup of speakers and companies. The main topics covered include wide bandgap, superjunction MOSFETs and other power design trends. In this podcast, you will hear the voices of Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC; Guy Moxey, senior director of Power Products at Wolfspeed; Victor Veliadis, executive director and CTO of PowerAmerica; Johannes Schoiswohl, business line head EPIC at Infineon; Stephen Oliver, VP of corporate marketing and investor relations at Navitas; Mrinal K. Das, senior director of Technical Marketing of Advanced Power Division at onsemi; Hubie Noto, director of marketing at Silanna Semiconductor; and Filippo Di Giovanni, innovation and key programs manager of the Power Transistor MACRO Division at STMicroelectronics. Let’s discuss power trends in different industry applications.
In this podcast with Steven Shackell, director of global supplier management at Arrow Electronics, we will introduce the upcoming PowerUP Expo agenda. The main topics to be discussed at PowerUP include wide bandgap, the next generation of superjunction MOSFETs, power management trends and applications like electric vehicles and motor control. Reserve your seat now at powerup-expo.com.
In today's PowerUp episode, Tom Truman, Vice President of Industrial and Performance Power Solutions at Renesas Electronics, will be sharing his insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of power delivery for embedded systems in industrial applications.
We must cut our emissions to zero in order to halt and reverse climate change. To do this, our energy system must be completely overhauled to produce exclusively sustainable and renewable energy. In this podcast with Patrick Le Fèvre, technology evangelist and chief marketing and communications officer at Powerbox, we will explore technology and the next step toward a renewable energy future.
PCIM was a fantastic experience. Wide-bandgap semiconductors, but also big markets, such as industrial and automotive, will see several technological advancements. In today's episode, I would like to draw your attention to the atmosphere of PCIM and in these audios you will hear the voices of:
Pietro Scalia, Senior Director, Automotive Traction Solutions Power Solutions Group (PSG), onsemi (~00:04 until 00:29)
Alex Lidow, CEO, EPC (~00:29 until 00:38)
Guy Moxey, Senior Director Power Products, Wolfspeed (~00:39 until 00:50)
Dilder Chowdhury, Director Strategic Marketing, Nexperia (~00:50 until 00:57)
Andrea Bricconi, Chief Commercial Officer, Cambridge GaN Devices (~00:58 until 01:10)
Philip Zuk, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Marketing, Transphorm (~01:10 until 01: 17)
Stephen Oliver, VP Corporate Marketing & Investor Relations, Navitas (~01:17 until 01:28)
Timothé Delaforge, Associate Professor, Bern University of Applied Sciences and Denis Marcon, General Manager, Innoscience (~01:28 until 01:36)
Mike Engelhardt, Qspice Creator, Qorvo (~01:36 until 01: 01:45)
Daniel Scharfen, Vice President Green Power Analytics at the Green Industrial Power Division. (~01:45 until 02:03)
Power electronics must improve efficiency to meet international standards and reduce power waste, making in this way products more sustainable. From mobile phone chargers to industrial SMPS, all AC-powered applications need power supplies. Cambridge startup Pulsiv emerged with their power electronics technology. In this podcast episode featuring Darrel Kingham, Chief Executive Officer of Pulsiv, we will analyze how Pulsiv is reaching this market goal with a patent solution.
Together with E-Tech, an international event dedicated to innovative electrical and electronic technologies, Fortronic has seen a lot of companies talking about power electronics. In this podcast episode, you will hear from Diego Giordani, Assodel Director, Alexey Cherkasov, Marketing Director in Leapers Semiconductor Saeed Safari, Field Application Engineer Industrial Products Broadcom, Steve Roberts, Innovation Manager at Recom, Andreas Mangler, Director Strategic Marketing – Member of the Extended Management Board di Rutronik Electronics Worldwide.
Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices have shown better switching frequencies, higher power densities, and higher power conversion efficiency with more straightforward topologies when compared to traditional silicon (Si) devices. In this PowerUP episdoe with Cem Basceri, CEO and President of Qromis, we discuss a novel strategy for expanding GaN's production capacity in a non-silicon fabrication facility (Fab) to improve its application space, enable monolithic integration, and boost wafer diameters.
Applying quantum computing to the energy sector has disruptive potential for the current energy system. The exponential increase in computing power offered by quantum computers will be crucial for constructing a new energy horizon. In this episode with Federico Faggin, an Italian physicist, inventor, and entrepreneur, we delve into the fascinating world of energy, power technologies, and quantum physics.
APEC was a great event featuring the latest news and power design aspects about wide bandgap, power supply, and electric vehicles. I report on some industry leaders' interviews and speeches during APEC in this podcast.
In this podcast, I will talk with Patrick Le Fèvre, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, Powerbox, and he will speak with us about his experience in power electronics and APEC. We announce the Call for Papers for the PowerUP June 2023 Edition!
Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are seeking efficient and cost-effective power conversion technologies. Wide bandgap semiconductors provide higher performance compared to silicon. In this special report with Filippo Di Giovanni, Strategic Marketing, Power Transistor sub-Group, STMicroelectronics, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio will discuss the main challenges and which benefits GaN/SiC can offer to the automotive industry.
Position sensors can be integral to several electrical motors' motor commutation control loops. The motor control algorithm sets the currents through the coils and the timing of those currents. The angle of the applied field has to be in quadrature with the rotor's field direction for maximum efficiency. In this podcast with Alessandro Maggioni, Senior Regional Marketing Manager in EMEA for the Advance Solution Group at onsemi, we will analyze different aspects of rotary position sensors.
Electric motors are widely used in several electronic applications; they are everywhere Market analysts estimate that 11 billion electric motors are added to the market annually and consume 45 percent of all electrical energy. In this podcast with Jose Quinones, Staff Applications Engineer at Qorvo’s Programmable Power Management Group, we will analyze the fundamental concepts every designer, maker, or student must master to face a motor control application.
The silicon carbide (SiC) industry is growing in many markets. The electric vehicle (EV) market is preparing to move toward SiC inverters, as Tesla has already done. Mercedes-Benz has adopted onsemi’s SiC technology for traction inverters as part of a strategic collaboration. In this podcast with Pietro Scalia, director of automotive traction solutions at onsemi, we will discover the phase of manufacturing of SiC solutions, design issues, and what's behind its cost.
GaN power devices should be the ideal choice for power conversion applications in space because they are more robust than hard rad MOSFETs when exposed to various forms of radiation. The electrical and thermal performance of GaN has also demonstrated superior operation in a space environment. In this podcast, Bel Lazar, Chief Executive Officer of EPC Space, will analyze the importance of GaN for the space industry. Bel Lazar brings 30+ years of experience in the semiconductor, aerospace, and defense technology fields. In addition to his role as CEO of EPC Space, Bel currently serves as COO of Efficient Power Conversion (EPC).
From Nov. 15 to 18, electronica 2022 will bring the international electronics industry together at the Munich exhibition grounds. Wide Bandgap Semiconductors, Renewable Energies, Smart Grid, and Energy Storage will be the major topics covered by the Power Electronics Forum at electronica 2022. Here is the full agenda. In this podcast, onsemi president and CEO Hassane El-Khoury, Silanna Semiconductor North America CEO Mark Drucker, and of Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) CEO Alex Lidow will introduce the Power Electronics Forum.
Power-switching transistors built with gallium nitride (GaN) are superior to those built with silicon (Si). Odyssey Semiconductor has developed a method to achieve area-selective doped regions in GaN, opening the door to the realization of vertical-conduction devices. In this podcast with Mark Davidson, CEO of Odyssey Semiconductor, we will analyze the structure of GaN for high voltages.
The anticipated global energy goals cannot be met with current clean technology. Perhaps the only clean, abundant energy source that can meet the anticipated demand gap is fusion. But for us to succeed, a lot of R&D is required. In this podcast with Todd Ditmire co-founder of Focused Energy, we will discover the current situation and the next challenges for fusion energy.
In this podcast we will analyze battery technology with Vincent Pluvinage, CEO and co-founder of OneD Battery Sciences which has developed SINANODE, a set of technologies that “supercharge” the amount of energy stored, speed of charging, power delivered to EV batteries. This proprietary and patented technology increases energy density and lifetime while reducing costs of EV batteries. Let’s talk with Vincent.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. in June saw 200,000 car enthusiasts and motorsports fans spend four days ogling over a vast array of both combustion engine and electric Formula 1 cars, supercars, hypercars, and vintage cars, as well as watching their favorite cars aim to break the record on the famous Goodwood 1.16 mile hill climb. In this podcast, Nitin Dahad, editor of embedded.com, will tell us about his experience at the Goodwood festival. He interviewed executives of some relevant OEMs, such as Lamborghini and Mercedes.
Replacing fuel combustion vehicles with electric vehicles is one of the best alternatives in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Electric mobility is a crucial driver of the energy revolution, and it is predicted to boost demand for renewable energy. Today’s biggest challenge is to recharge the battery in the shortest time. In this talk with John De Souza, president and co-founder of Ample, we will discuss the main challenges occurring in e-mobility and the next step.
PowerUP Expo is a Virtual Conference and Exhibition with the goal of envisioning the future of power electronics. It will take place June 28–June 30. The main topics are wide bandgap, low power and other semiconductors, and energy trends. Let’s listen to the voices of the speakers who are supporting us in this upcoming event!
Vehicle electrification is a key part of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport. Wide-bandgap semiconductors provide various advantages over conventional silicon alternatives, and, as such, can improve EVs and hybrids. In this podcast with Alexandre Cosneau, co-founder and CTO of FTEX, we will discover the powertrain technology and the advantages of GaN for EVs. Cosneau is finding ways of optimizing power conversions, from battery design to motor efficiency, which are paramount to FTEX technology and solutions.
PCIM has hosted a lot of companies that are playing to the sound of GaN and SiC, but not only. Semiconductors for electric vehicles, the energy revolution, all these are part of an ecosystem that is evolving at a fast speed. Let’s listen to some of the speakers I met at PCIM. Thank you for taking the time to show me your products and innovations. It has really been a pleasure to meet you all!
Power conversion systems are at the heart of every electronic device, from home appliances, laptops and data centers, but also electric vehicles. In this podcast with Thierry Bouchet, CEO of Wise-Integration, we will discover the advantages of GaN for power conversion solutions. Wise-Integration, a spin-off from CEA-LETI, is a company that develops GaN integrated solutions from TSMC to miniaturize power supplies and improve energy efficiency.
Many people from academia and industry had the chance to discuss the most recent developments in GaN and SiC during the latest edition of APEC, which was held March 21–24, 2022 in Houston. During the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with so many experts and ventured further and further into this amazing power electronics ecosystem.
Global power demand is expected to double by 2040 and could increase fivefold by 2060 as electrification expands to new applications. In this podcast, we’ll hear from Glenn Weinreb, director of the Manhattan 2 project and Dr. Neil Mitchell, former director of the ITER magnet development initiative for Fusion Energy.
Gallium nitride improves the efficiency of power-conversion stages. GaN is attractive because it has higher energy efficiency, smaller size, reduced weight, and cheaper total cost than silicon. In this podcast with Andrea Bricconi, VP of Business Development at Cambridge GaN Devices, we will analyze the latest technologies of this wide bandgap ecosystem that will drive the next improvements.
In several energy industries, the silicon carbide (SiC) industry is expanding to provide highly efficient and Silicon carbide (SiC) is expanding in several energy industries to deliver extremely efficient and compact solutions. Many companies are evaluating and investing in wafer technology because of the importance of silicon carbide in fields such as e-mobility and new energy. In this podcast with Peter Gammon, Professor of SiC Power Devices at Warwick University and Founder of PGC Consultancy, we’ll look at the cost and technology of SiC. Peter Gammon is the author of over 100 publications and patents that have contributed to the increased efficiency of SiC transistors and diodes used in today’s electric vehicles.
This contest challenges hardware designers from all over the world to develop an innovative design project for a motor control system with the Arduino Portenta H7 board. In this podcast with Anne-Francoise Pelè, Editor-in-Chief of EE Times Europe, we present the winners and the selected projects. In April, the winners will present their projects to the industry community.
GaN power devices are ideal for energy-efficient and compact power conversion systems. Vertical GaN technology could offer the full potential of GaN’s material properties as it is based on GaN substrates. Our guest is Robert Kaplar, Manager of the Semiconductor Material and Device Sciences Department at Sandia National Laboratories.
On the PowerUp Podcast: Combatting climate change will require a restructuring of the power industry. The time has come to transition from fossil fuels to carbon-neutral energy generated by renewable sources. Our guest is Glenn Weinreb, director of The Manhattan 2 Project, and author of over 18 articles for Power Electronics News about ways to combat climate change.
PowerUP Expo is a virtual conference and exhibition that envisions the future of power electronics. This PowerUp podcast includes Expo participants providing a sneak peak at keynotes, panel discussions, technical presentations, and tutorials from the event.
Electric vehicles are going mainstream as EV charging infrastructures continue to expand. According to the World Economic Forum, 215 million electric passenger vehicles will be on the road by 2030. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles over the next decade will increase the demand for EV supporting technologies. In this powerUP podcast, we discuss with Gregorio Cappuccino, Associate Professor of Electronics in the department of electronics, computer science and systems at University of Calabria – Italy, and Thomas Michael Hogg, author of "Profitable Growth Strategy - 7 proven best practices from German companies".
Going with renewable power sources is not the only way to make the grid greener. Adopting open source technologies can also contribute to mitigating climate change. In this Power Up podcast, we discuss open source innovation in the energy and electricity sectors with Shuli Goodman, founder and executive director of LF Energy, a Linux Foundation project.
Silicon carbide (SiC) has the potential to increase the overall system efficiency in electric vehicles. In the solar industry, SiC inverter optimization also plays a large role in cost savings. In this podcast with Anant Agarwal, IEEE Fellow Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University, we will discover the benefits and the applications of SiC.
Replacing batteries is onerous for many medical wearables. One solution is wireless charging. We talk with Cesar Johnston, EVP of Energous, about the company’s WattUp technology, which will relieve people with next-gen hearing aids from having to worry about battery replacement—sponsored by Energous.
The cost of electric vehicles must be lowered and their driving range extended. Both issues require improvements in battery technology, and improvements in batteries. The adoption of silicon carbide ICs is expected to help reduce battery cost and improve battery performance. In this podcast we will talk with Stephen Lambert, Head of Electrification, McLaren Applied, about using SiC to get into the fast lane toward the electrification of vehicles. With Nitin Dahad, editor-in-chief of embedded.com.
Decarbonization will require clean energy sources, and hydrogen power is becoming one of the more promising alternative energy options. In this podcast we will talk about hydrogen power with Susanné Wallner, who helps manage a testbed for sustainable technologies in Sweden, and Patrick Le Fèvre, CMO of Powerbox.
SiC technology provides superior switching and improved thermal performance compared with similar silicon devices. This translates into improved efficiency, higher power density, better electromagnetic interference (EMI), and reduced system size and weight. New SiC designs are emerging to meet growing high-power requirements for electric vehicles and other energy applications. In this podcast, Victor Veliadis will explain the role of Silicon Carbide for several applications. Victor Veliadis is Executive Director and CTO of PowerAmerica, and an ECE Professor at NCSU (North Caroline State University). He has many U.S. patents, 6 book chapters, and over 120 peer-reviewed technical publications.
Solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources are set to grow dramatically in the coming years. As distributed generation becomes more widespread, the grid will need to be increasingly flexible. Distributed energy resources are an essential part of the future of renewable energy. In this podcast, Robert L. Misback, and Adam Kabulski, will explain the future of renewable energy adoption and how renewable energy is impacting the power grid. The grid of the future is all about renewable penetration and increased electricity consumption. Power grid technology can improve energy efficiency. They will talk about the challenges of energy storage and what we expect from the future.
“The future of energies. It's cleaner. It's cheaper, and it's more flexible than it's ever been.”
In this episode, our guest is Patrick Le Fèvre, senior marketer and degree-qualified engineer with a 35-year of experience in power electronics. We speak with him about wide bandgap semiconductors for green future. A greener future has become one of the most important concerns in recent years. As the amount of people living on our planet increases, the need for a new approach on energy is pushing towards more sustainable perspectives. Power semiconductors based on GaN and SiC technologies may provide a path to efficient power supply across industrial environments, while also complementing the expansion of the renewable energy segment.
In this episode, our guest is Guy Moxey, Senior Director of Power Products at Wolfspeed, A Cree company. Guy Moxey has spent his entire career in the power semiconductor industry with various roles in applications, product marketing and product line management. We speak with him about different aspects of Silicon Carbide, in particular devices and packaging.
In this episode, our guest is Justin Kolbe, Henkel’s Director of Market Strategy for Power and Industrial Automation within the company’s Adhesive Technology business unit. A chemical engineer by training, he has extensive experience in thermal management solutions and electronic materials development and processing. We speak with him about different aspects of Power Conversion and its Thermal Management for different markets.
In this episode, our guest is Simon Wood, Senior Director of RF Product Development and Applications at Wolfspeed, A Cree company. During his caree, Simon has designed amplifiers using SiC and GaN HEMT devices. We speak with him about different aspects of Gallium Nitride (GaN) for RF applications, the main topics are GaN-on-SiC and GaN HEMT.
Power electronics has undergone an interesting change towards new Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors (WBG). Significant impact factors for the growth of the WBG semiconductor market include the growing demand for improved energy efficiency and increased demand for long-life batteries.
In power electronics, gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) wide bandgap semiconductors are used as a solution to slow down Silicon in high temperature and high power segments.
GaN device manufacturers’ rapid progress in material and process technologies has resulted in significant improvements in both performance and cost of products for several applications.
In this podcast our focus is to go in deep toward GaN with Alex Lidow, CEO and co-founder of EPC, Efficient Power Conversion, and Dinesh Ramanathan CEO & co-founder (co- faunder) of NexGen Power Systems Inc.
Wide-bandgap semiconductor materials offer devices the ability to operate at high voltages, temperatures, and frequencies. As the demand for these electronic devices is proliferating, the demand for wide-bandgap semiconductors tends to increase steadily. GaN is a high bandgap material that allows devices to operate at higher temperatures and withstand higher voltages compared to silicon.
GaN transistors are significantly faster and smaller than silicon MOSFETs. The performance of GaN shows that efficiency and performance have improved significantly, leading to several new applications that were not possible with silicon technology.
Moreover, GaN’s higher dielectric breakdown allows building thinner and therefore, lower resistance devices. Lower characteristic RDS(on) leads to smaller devices with lower capacitance. Vertical GaN devices are capable of switching at higher frequencies and operating at higher voltages.
Vertical GaNis capable of operating at high breakdown voltage which enables Vertical GaN to power the most demanding applications, like Data Center Server power supplies, Electric Vehicles, solar inverters, motors, and high-speed trains.