Episodes

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 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...

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 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 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.

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 EM...

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.

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 h...

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...

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 Po...

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 ...

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 E...

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, ...

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 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’...

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 & Europ...

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.