Power Up

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, talked 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. 

In this podcast, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio reports on speeches and interviews with industry leaders during APEC.

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!