Podcast4Engineers

In this episode of the Podcast4Engineers, host Kelsey Markl invites Marijana Vukicevic, MCU Product Marketing Director at Infineon, to explore how microcontrollers are transitioning power from analog to digital. They discuss the benefits of digital scalability, faster processing, and how digital MCUs like the PSOC™ Control family are ideal for GaN-based systems, enabling smaller designs and groundbreaking energy efficiency in data centers.

In this episode of Podcast4Engineers, our guest, Richard Kunčič, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Power System division, discusses how AI's increasing power requirements will drive a substantial change in rack power distribution architecture. He will dive into the pros and cons of transitioning to a 400 V architecture, and the evolution of the server power supply. Lastly, he will give an overview of Infineon's investment in quantum computing; a technology which has the potential to unlock new possibilities in the AI space and boost efficiency to unprecedented levels, especially for specific types of AI model training.  Learn more about Infineon's data center solutions.

In this episode of Podcast4Engineers, host Peter Balint sits down with Davide Chiola, VP of Systems Solutions at Infineon, to explore the critical role of thermal management in AI data centers. They discuss innovative cooling techniques, design challenges, and emerging trends like liquid cooling and superconductivity, shaping the future of high-performance computing. Learn more about Infineon's data center solutions here. Have a question or topic suggestion for our next episode? Email us at wepowerai@infineon.com. 

Advancements in GPUs and the transition to higher voltage architectures in AI servers are driving the need for robust protection integrated circuits (ICs). In this episode of Podcast4Engineers, our application expert, Nitish Agarwal, explores the critical role of hot swap controllers in managing inrush currents and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of AI data centers. Additionally, he will address future trends and challenges within the semiconductor industry. Have a question or topic suggestion for our next episode? Email us at wepowerai@infineon.com  

In this episode of Podcast4Engineers, host Peter Balint explores the intricate demands of powering AI with guest, Fanny Bjoerk, Director Global Application Marketing for Datacenter Power Distribution. They discuss the exponential rise in power requirements of hyperscale data centers driven by the AI revolution, and the critical role of renewable energy in meeting these demands sustainably. The episode delves into the challenges and solutions for integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and the importance of energy efficiency and reliable power delivery for the future of AI infrastructure. Learn more about Infineon's solutions for renewable energy. Do you have a question or topic suggestion for our next episode? Email us at wepowerai@infineon.com

Today, we will examine the critical role played by battery backup units in keeping AI servers running smoothly, even in the event of power outages. Our guest, Filippo Rosetti, Application Marketing Manager at Infineon, shares his expertise on effective battery backup hardware strategies that ensure uninterrupted power supply to AI systems. From process continuity to seamless power switchover, we'll explore the importance of reliable battery systems in powering AI. Learn more about Infineon's battery management systems. Do you have a question or topic suggestion for our next episode? Email us at wepowerai@infineon.com

In this episode of Podcast4Engineers, we look at the role of predictive failure in the AI data center arena. How can we accurately predict which components will fail and when? Our conversation with Infineon System Architect, Christian Bernhardt will shed some new light on trimming the costs of ownership for hyperscale data centers. Learn more about Infineon's power system reliability solutions or email us with your questions or topic suggestions for our next episodes at wepowerai@infineon.com

How can we make sure our chips work reliably for decades without having decades to test them? In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of silicon carbide (SiC) reliability testing with our expert guest Paul Salmen.  Be sure to check out the training Paul mentions to learn more about gate oxide reliability for CoolSiC™ devices.

In this episode, we talk to Konrad Schraml and Caspar Leendertz again about their nomination for the Deutsche Zukunftspreis. Listen to learn about the technical challenges the team from Infineon and TU Chemnitz overcame to create the world's first 3.3 kV SiC MOSFET with a vertical channel and innovative copper contacting.

We've been nominated for the prestigious Deutsche Zukunftspreis, the German Federal President‘s Award for Technology and Innovation! In this episode, we talk to Konrad Schraml and Caspar Leendertz about their submission: the world's first 3.3 kV SiC MOSFET with a vertical channel and innovative copper contacting. Listen in to learn how it can cut energy losses by 90% in rail, solar, and wind applications, and is already making an impact worthy of the Deutsche Zukunftspreis.

The sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. So how can we save our green energy for the times we can't produce it? In this episode, our expert Marco Werr explains how battery energy storage systems (BESS) help harness the energy from renewables, so it is there when we need it.

How do USB connectors help machines 'see' and work smarter? In industrial automation, machine vision plays a crucial role in enabling machines to 'see' and interact with their environment. High-speed USB data transfer is the backbone of this technology, facilitating the rapid transmission of image data from cameras to processing units and allowing real-time analysis, precise quality control, and efficient decision-making. In this episode, our expert Jimmy will guide you through the advantages of USB as a connector and give you a first look into the future of USB data transfer, introducing peripheral controllers for USB 10 and 20Gbps.

To solve some of the industry's biggest challenges, it takes players both big and small. In this episode, our Julian Haslberger and special guest Jack Herring from Jiva Materials explain how they came together to address electronic waste with recyclable PCBs as part of Infineon's Co-Innovation Program.

Electronic waste is rapidly growing, but is there a more sustainable option to just throwing away electrical components? In this episode, our expert Andreas Kopp and special guest Jack Herring from Jiva Materials dive into how both companies are coming together to make recyclable PCBs that not only reduce waste but also withstand the demands of the semiconductor industry.

What are the main trade-offs to consider when designing a server power supply? When is it better to use unregulated topologies over the regulated ones? Find the answer and delve into the different 48 V topologies and applications with the expert guidance of our Principal Engineer Roberto Rizzolatti in the sixth episode of the "We Power AI" podcast series.

Why are robustness and quality so important when it comes to data centers? In this fifth episode of the “We Power AI” podcast series, our expert Danny Clavette, Distinguished System Architecture Engineer, will provide some very interesting insights and examples on the server rack structure and failure rates in data center components, highlighting how Infineon solutions can support a better reliability in the GenAI world. Learn more about Infineon's offering for data center and computing here. Request a topic for our next episodes or drop any questions at wepowerai@infineon.com Stay tuned and don't miss our next episode on July 30th!

How can we improve power conversion efficiency, especially at the AC-DC stage? In this fourth episode of our “We Power AI” podcast series, Gerald Deboy, Fellow and Head of the PSS Innovation Lab at Infineon, dives into the different stages of power conversion and explains why data centers should embrace a combination of Si, SiC and GaN semiconductors to support GenAI requirements.

How is genAI impacting power design? In this third episode of our “We power AI” podcast series, Carl Smith, Senior Director of Information & Communication Technologies application explains how data centers' infrastructures are shifting from the traditional 12 V power distribution architecture and lateral core rail power delivery to more efficient and high-density 48 V architecture and vertical power delivery.

Is power becoming a bottleneck in AI servers? In this second episode of our “We power AI” podcast series, Athar Zaidi, Senior Vice President and Business Line Head of Power ICs and Connectivity Systems at Infineon's Power & Sensor Systems Division, explains how data centers' infrastructures shall adapt to sustain the increasing power requirements of GenAI, outlining different strategies to boost efficiency.  

Everybody talks about AI, but what are the consequences of such data generation and processing surge? Our expert Adam will dive into what GenAI means in terms of power requirements and environmental impact, introducing possible solutions. Learn more on Infineon solutions for data centers here.

Edge devices are rapidly evolving to take on more complex tasks, which require more compute power. Machine learning offers a solution. Our expert Omar Cruz explains how PSOC™ Edge, Infineon's machine learning (ML)-enhanced sensing, low-power, secured, and advanced HMI high-performance microcontroller (MCU) family, enables designers to deliver unmatched end-user experiences for next generation devices. For more information on PSOC™ Edge, please click here.

Insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) have been around for decades, but the 7th generation finally brings a much-awaited revolution. Our expert Blaž explains what the new IGBT7 technology means for silicon-based designs and what five “values” make it unique.

In this episode, our expert guests Dirk and Christoph explain “10 kWh for 100 km” and discuss how semiconductors not only enable decarbonization in eMobility, but also ensure the “fun-to-drive” factor.

The industry no longer looks at silicon carbide (SiC) as it did just a few short years ago. In this episode, EBV's Milan Ivkovic and Infineon's Peter Friedrichs discuss how the two companies have been working together to accelerate the adoption of SiC in a variety of applications.

Over the past three years, EBV and Infineon have been working closely together to make the transition to silicon carbide (SiC) smoother for our customers. In this episode, EBV's Slobodan Puljarevic and Infineon's Pierre-Yves Ferrard discuss how their partnership has evolved to achieve success – even in turbulent times.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a precious resource, so how do we make the most of it? Join us as Vice President SiC Peter Friedrichs explains how a new technology called Cold Split is helping us get nearly double the number of wafers out of a SiC boule.

Our world is controlled by industrial drives – from the simple pump that brings water to your faucet to the advanced robotic arm that assembles your new car. Our experts Wolf-Dieter and Andreas discuss the role semiconductors play in making these industrial drives more efficient.

Energy regulations and air quality concerns are driving the demand for smart commercial HVAC. Listen as our expert Lara explains what makes these systems smart and how they are becoming even smarter with semiconductors.

Solar power is essential for decarbonization, but what happens when the sun isn't out? Listen as our expert Suresh explains how hybrid inverters bridge this gap by combining energy generation and energy storage.

How is industrial automation, fueled by data and advanced semiconductors, revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape? Listen as our expert Ingo delves into the transformative impact of automation on factories and the power of semiconductors behind it.

We're pulling out the crystal ball for silicon carbide! Join Vice President SiC Peter Friedrichs as he looks ahead to explain what the future holds for SiC and what trends are driving us there.

With great power comes great responsibility – or perhaps just great designs! Listen as our expert Ainhoa talks about how SiC in power modules has evolved over the years and what considerations are important when choosing a module for your power electronics design.

Great things come in small packages… especially when it's silicon carbide! In this episode, our experts Edward and Giuseppe talk about the different discrete package options for SiC and what we can expect in the future.

Who needs diamonds, when you have silicon carbide? In our latest episode, Christian explains what SiC and diamonds have in common and how new device technologies are pushing SiC designs even further.

No longer just an innovation for the next generation of power semiconductors, silicon carbide (SiC) has arrived. Listen as Eva explains how SiC has already transformed many applications like EV charging and photovoltaic and what design engineers should consider when switching to SiC.

In this episode, our application managers Torsten Klemmer and Daniel Makus discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both DC and AC charging designs for electric vehicles.

With hydrogen energy growing in importance, we look at how it's produced – through electrolysis. In this episode, our experts Varun Raghunath and Nils Przybilla explain what hydrogen electrolysis is and how power electronics help make it possible.

Trial-and-error has been (and still is) the most-used method for validating a power system's design. But what if simulation could digitalize this process – and save you hours of testing in the lab? In this episode, Jaime shares how new simulation tools like IPOSIM could make trial-and-error obsolete.

Grey, green, blue… Who knew hydrogen could be so colorful? In this episode, our technical experts Nils Przybilla and Varun Raghunath explain why hydrogen is everywhere right now and how green hydrogen could change the way we think about energy.

Same-day delivery, groceries at your doorstep, worldwide shipping... Our shopping habits have filled the streets with more and more commercial vehicles, so making them more efficient is top of mind. Join Luciana as she compares the advantages and disadvantages of battery and fuel cell in CAV.

Solar power is opening up new doors when it comes to energy independence and self-consumption, but panels would be useless without the inverters behind them. Join expert Elisabeth Preuss as she discusses the technology and trends in photovoltaics.

If you've been using older technologies in your industrial drives designs, it's time to switch! Our expert Andrea Piccioni explains why IGBT7 is the best choice for designers seeking powerful, efficient, and reliable systems and what role wide-bandgap technologies play in the application.

In modern building projects, heat pumps are on everyone's mind. In this episode, our expert Dominic Bruellmann explains why heat pumps are becoming more and more popular and how power semiconductors can make them more efficient.

In this podcast episode, our application manager Daniel Makus and host Fabian Schiffer talk about the new opportunities bi-directionality is opening up in EV Charging and other applications.

IPOSIM Lifetime Estimation lets engineers design systems that can grow old with confidence. In the industrial sector especially, these kinds of simulations are very complex and require high levels of expertise. Listen to Aleksandar Josic and Jaime Zapata-Amores explain how Lifetime Estimation can help solve these issues and ensure designers select the best products for their design. Find more information on IPOSIM Lifetime Estimation.    

In this episode, our application manager Katrin Glashauser talks about our 22-kW board for industrial drives and how reference designs can help engineers design their next project.

In the first episode of our podcast series on industrial drives, you will get a general overview of industrial motor drives and learn more about regional and global trends shaping this application. You will also learn about Infineon's approach to structuring this huge application and get first insights into the two important technologies IGBT7 and CoolSiC™. Our expert Lara will guide you through the essential key questions to find the right product for your solution.

Whether making factories more efficient or your office complex more comfortable, commercial HVAC systems are enabling smarter buildings. In this episode, our application manager Lara discusses some of the market drivers and opportunities in the world of C-HVAC.

They may have started out as a simple metal box with motor in it, but in the last century, our home appliances have come a long way. In this episode, our application manager Jens takes a look at how big trends like electrification and smartification are driving innovation in home appliances and what future designs we can expect to simplify and connect our daily lives.

In this episode of our podcast, our application manager Elisabeth Preuss and host Fabian Schiffer discuss the current trends in fast EV charging and the way the application is evolving thanks to new technologies.

The megatrend electrification isn‘t just for passenger vehicles. Listen to our expert Marlene discuss the shift to eCAV and take a dive into the Infineon solutions that meet the application‘s unique demands.