Power Management Integration (PMIC)
The Power Management Integration Center (PMIC) is developing next-generation technologies for integrated power electronics.
Power electronics technologies are increasingly important for a wide range of applications, from handheld consumer electronics to renewable energy and electric vehicles. Almost anywhere electrical energy is used, power electronics — which convert electrical power from one form to another — offer improved efficiency and control. From advanced electrical and electronic systems to a single chip, nearly all power systems require more control, better management, and enhanced efficiency. Therefore, the need for improved power electronics is growing.
PMIC is developing component, circuit, and system technologies to enable higher performance and new applications of power electronics, aiming for innovations to process and control energy efficiently and cost effectively. Advances in power converter topologies, integrated circuits, and passive components are integrated at the level of single chips, packages, and larger systems to achieve higher efficiency, smaller size, and reduced cost. Considerations are made for system reliability, robustness, and performance in a diverse range of industry sectors and applications including consumer, industrial, and automotive electronics.
Research and development efforts span multiple levels in power electronics to support a variety of industry-sponsored projects and train the next generation of engineers in critical areas. In particular, PMIC explores new circuit architectures and design techniques that leverage high-level integration to expand the boundaries of efficiency and power density.
PMIC emphasizes passive component innovation and integration, magnetic materials and component design, and new high-density resonant structures for power delivery. At the system level, PMIC explores new control techniques, novel circuit operation, and integration strategies that can improve performance and robustness while reducing size and cost. PMIC research focuses on innovations in power electronics in areas relevant to industry, including:
New circuit topologies, power management integrated circuits, and discrete power converters that can achieve high power density and high efficiency.
Next-generation passive components including inductors, transformers, and resonant structures that can operate efficiently at high frequency while reducing size and materials cost.
Integrated passive components for high-density power management that leverage available semiconductor foundry process capabilities and next-generation magnetic materials.
System design, optimization, and control for a variety of converter architectures that leverage small passive components to operate at high frequency or in resonant modes.
Aspects of reliability and robustness in power electronic circuits including design in high temperature, harsh environments, and electromagnetic interference.
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