In recent years we are seeing an increasing trend to introduce new technologies and to pay more attention to the integral design of power electronics systems. The applications market asks for higher power densities, improved reliability and lower costs and in response some new concepts and technologies are being developed. These objectives can not be met by using alternative circuit topologies or better semiconductors devices. We need integrated power electronics. Power electronics does not only involve electrical circuits, but also includes mechanic issues, thermal management and electromagnetic
components. We need to integrate a complex system and therefore we talk about system integration instead of circuit integration. System integration may also include functional aspects such as power management since it affects the overall design. In mobile and automotive applications functional system integration is a technology driver for energy storage.

Power electronics technology, as we know it today, is changing. In this ECPE seminar we are presenting some of these trends including emerging technologies and new design approaches. The goal of the seminar is to offer high level education and information. The presentations include tutorials, where some new issues are discussed in detail, and shorter technical papers that convey state-ofart technical information.

All presentations and discussion will be in English.