Weekly Highlights in PowerBites: Innovations in Passive Components and Packaging Take Center Stage Alongside the Sensational "UFO" Developments
As the countdown to APEC 2026 begins, America's leading power conference is inviting proposals for technical sessions. This year's edition will focus on advanced packaging and passive components, aiming to drive innovation for a sustainable, low-carbon, electrified economy.
Boosting Power Density and Efficiency
Key developments in power solutions will be showcased at APEC 2026. The Power Compact 650-V SiC MOSFETs, for instance, are set to boost power density and efficiency in industrial equipment. Similarly, the PowerPAK 8x8SW Package offers cool-running, low-loss 80-V MOSFETs, promoting energy-efficient power applications.
High-performance gate drivers are also expected to bring an economical edge to BLDC motors, while compact auto-grade chip resistors offer high pulse capability. These advancements promise to revolutionize various industries, from home appliances to industrial applications.
The Future of Electric Aviation
The automotive industry is making strides in the production of electric passenger aircraft. After a series of "barnstorming" tours, terrestrial aircraft have provided observers with a preview of the future of electric aviation. Key players such as Bye Aerospace, Joby Aviation, and the FAA are actively working towards the integration of electric aircraft into national airspace.
Bye Aerospace is advancing its eFlyer 2 and eFlyer 4 electric trainers, with plans for a production-conforming prototype flight within 9 to 12 months and FAA Part 23 certification expected about 24 months thereafter. Joby Aviation, on the other hand, is focusing on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, with a first conforming aircraft heading to final assembly in 2025.
The FAA and U.S. government are preparing and facilitating the integration of eVTOL and electric aircraft into national airspace, with a pilot program underway slated to conclude by December 2025. International regulatory harmonization efforts are also ongoing to enable broader electric aviation operations by late 2027.
Debate on the "Green" Nature of Hydrogen Fuel
While electric passenger aircraft production is transitioning towards limited serial production, there is a debate over the "green" nature of hydrogen fuel derived from seawater and scrap aluminum. This discussion underscores the complexities and challenges in achieving a truly sustainable aviation sector.
Other Notable Developments
Other notable developments include a 1,500-V DC-rated fuse series designed specifically for photovoltaic applications, a current transformer featuring a high turns ratio with Permalloy T-Core construction, and a mini power module integrating coreless current sensing. Additionally, a high-fidelity HIL simulator speeds AURIX motor drive and xEV powertrain development, while a DC contactor supports reliable disconnects in EVs, chargers, and storage systems.
In conclusion, APEC 2026 promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the latest advancements in power solutions and electric aviation. The future of these technologies is promising, with the potential to significantly reduce aviation's carbon footprint and noise pollution, reshaping regional and urban air travel.
[1] Bye Aerospace: https://www.byeaerospace.com/ [2] FAA: https://www.faa.gov/ [3] Joby Aviation: https://www.jobyaviation.com/ [4] U.S. Air Force: https://www.usaf.mil/ [5] Electric Aviation: https://www.electricaviation.com/
- The power electronics industry is contributing to the advancement of various industries, such as home appliances and industrial applications, through innovations in power solutions like Power Compact 650-V SiC MOSFETs, PowerPAK 8x8SW Package, high-performance gate drivers, and compact auto-grade chip resistors.
- In the transportation sector, the automotive industry is working on the production of electric passenger aircraft, with companies like Bye Aerospace, Joby Aviation, and the FAA aiming to integrate electric aircraft into national airspace.
- The automotive and aviation sectors are intertwined, as electric passenger aircraft are expected to revolutionize transportation, reducing carbon footprints and noise pollution in regional and urban air travel.
- Concurrently, there is a debate over the "green" nature of hydrogen fuel, illustrating the challenges in achieving a truly sustainable aviation sector.
- Technology advancements extend to finance, as well, with a 1,500-V DC-rated fuse series designed for photovoltaic applications, a current transformer with a high turns ratio and Permalloy T-Core construction, and a mini power module integrating coreless current sensing.
- Other notable developments in sustainable living include a high-fidelity HIL simulator that speeds AURIX motor drive and xEV powertrain development, as well as a DC contactor supporting reliable disconnects in EVs, chargers, and storage systems.
