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Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) 2025 Showcased Technologies
The Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) is a premier event focused on the practical and applied aspects of the power electronics industry, offering something of interest to anyone involved in the field. It brings together equipment OEMs using power supplies and DC-DC converters, designers of power supplies, motor drives, inverters, and other power electronic systems, as well as manufacturers and suppliers of components and assemblies. APEC also attracts manufacturing, quality, and test engineers working with power electronics equipment, along with marketing, sales, and business professionals. Additionally, it serves compliance engineers who are responsible for testing and qualifying power electronics equipment or systems that incorporate these technologies.
March 20, 2025
The Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) 2025 came and went in the blink of an eye, just as the technology it showcased continues to evolve at an incredible pace. This year's conference highlighted rapid advancements in power electronics, with a strong emphasis on wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies, motor control systems, energy management, and high-efficiency power conversion. Key innovations driving these demos included cutting-edge SiC and GaN semiconductors, efficient power conversion techniques, and advanced motor and battery management systems. Leading companies like Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, ON Semiconductor, Nexperia, and Renesas Electronics were at the forefront, demonstrating how these technologies are transforming industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial automation.
Here's a quick overview of the technologies at the forefront of APEC 2025:
Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors (SiC and GaN):
Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology is a key player in many demos, particularly in power switching, motor control, and high-voltage applications. SiC enables higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and improved thermal performance, which are critical for electric vehicles, industrial power systems, and renewable energy.Power Conversion and Management:
Power conversion technologies, such as DC-DC and AC-DC converters, are central to most demos. These converters efficiently manage energy flow between various sources and loads, making them essential for EV chargers, motor control, and battery management.Motor Control Technology:
The motor control demos (ranging from 350W to 10 kW) rely on advanced algorithms and power electronics to optimize electric motor performance. These systems are crucial in electric vehicles, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics, where efficiency is key.Battery Management Systems (BMS):
Demos like the High-Voltage Modular BMS focus on managing lithium-ion batteries, integral to EVs and renewable energy storage. These systems use precise monitoring, balancing, and protection algorithms to ensure battery efficiency, lifespan, and safety.Digital and Smart Technologies:
USB Power Delivery (PD) for smart charging and Smart Street Lighting systems highlight the integration of digital control, cloud connectivity, and remote monitoring. These technologies improve efficiency and automation, providing more intelligent and flexible power solutions.Thermal Management Solutions:
Power electronics often generate significant heat, especially in high-power applications like EV chargers and power modules. Demos on PSMT packaging and power module evaluations showcase innovations in thermal management, ensuring devices operate efficiently and reliably at high power levels.Energy Harvesting and Automation:
The Smart Street Lighting demo, among other energy-efficient solutions, demonstrates the growing use of energy harvesting and automation. These systems leverage cloud-based control, real-time data, and advanced analytics to optimize energy usage and system performance.
In summary, the core technologies driving the demos at APEC 2025 encompass a combination of wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC and GaN), power conversion and management, motor control, battery management systems, digital control technologies, and thermal management. These advancements enable more efficient, scalable, and intelligent power systems across various sectors, including electric vehicles, industrial automation, and smart infrastructure. Leading companies at the forefront of showcasing these technologies demonstrated innovations in automotive electrification, industrial automation, smart grid solutions, and energy-efficient power management. Their focus on wide-bandgap semiconductors, intelligent power management, efficient motor control, and battery technologies is revolutionizing industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and consumer electronics.