2021 was a tough year for us all, but a number of industries faced extra challenges in the face of a global shortage of microchips. This led to turmoil in the consumer electronics and automotive industries as manufacturers struggled to meet customer demand for everything from mobile phones to automobiles.

While lithium-ion batteries have long since used graphite as an anode material, its lack of density is a problem for next-gen high energy applications like electric vehicles. One potential replacement material is silicon, and significant research efforts are underway to commercialize so-called lithium-silicon batteries.

In the race to achieving net-zero, power electronics is the technology that will help us to make the transition to green energy and widespread electrification. At PCIM Europe 2022, Professor Ichiro Omura of the Kyushu Institute of Technology explored three areas where it will have the greatest impact.

At PCIM Europe, Dr.-Ing. Robert Plikat from Volkswagen discussed the latest trends in automotive power electronics and how things could be shaping up for the future.

Electric mobility is on the rise and different cell types such as lithium-ion battery cells, hydrogen fuel cells and other cell types must be produced safely and efficiently by manufacturers so that they can keep up with the rapid market development. The MES/MOM specialist iTAC Software AG supports the optimization of battery manufacturers' production processes with the iTAC.MOM.Suite.

Austrian rail passengers are set to take part in a trial of a hydrogen fuel cell train. If it’s successful, the rollout of this technology could well change the way that public transport systems are powered and operate in the future.

From 3 July, researchers can submit their abstract on a wide range of topics in the field of power electronics and thereby apply as a speaker at the PCIM Europe Conference 2024. If accepted, speakers have the opportunity to present their research topic to a qualified audience from 11 – 13 June 2024 in Nuremberg.

Ansys multiphysics solutions have been certified by global semiconductor foundry UMC to simulate its latest 3D-IC WoW stacked technology, which will improve the power, efficiency and performance of edge AI, graphic processing, and wireless communication systems.

ROHM has developed power stage ICs with built-in 650V GaN HEMTs and gate driver - the BM3G0xxMUV-LB series. The devices are ideal for primary power supplies inside industrial and consumer applications such as data servers and AC adapters.

Not only could IBM's relatively new battery technology enable faster recharging, but it could also alleviate environmental concerns by avoiding the use of heavy metals in battery manufacturing.