Abstract:
Magnetic components, including inductors and transformers, are often the largest contributors to the size and loss of power converters, and can be a key limiting factor in achieving improved performance. This talk describes emerging approaches in the design of power electronics that seek to address the twin challenges of miniaturization and performance. Architectures and topologies that minimize magnetic energy storage and utilize it more flexibly can overcome magnetic component limitations, leading to smaller, higher-performance systems. Likewise, designs operating at greatly increased frequencies can facilitate miniaturization and improved bandwidth, and can enable new applications of power electronics. Examples are provided illustrating the opportunities provided by such approaches towards higher performance systems.
Bio:
David Perreault received the B.S. degree from Boston University and the S.M. and Ph.D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, all in Electrical Engineering. He is presently the Joseph F. and Nancy P. Keithley Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. His research interests include design, manufacturing, and control techniques for power electronic systems and components, and in their use in a wide range of applications. Dr. Perreault is a Fellow of the IEEE and is the recipient of numerous awards including the IEEE R. David Middlebrook Achievement Award for his work in power electronics. He has co-authored twelve IEEE prize papers in the area, and co-founded startup companies Eta Devices (acquired by Nokia in 2016) and Eta Wireless, Inc.
