Digital Power & Smart Control: The Role of MCUs in Robotics & Server Power Supplies
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 heart of enabling higher efficiency, faster switching, and real-time processing—critical for applications like robotics, industrial automation, and high-density power supplies for data centers. With switching frequencies increasing from 200 kHz to 600 kHz and beyond, the demand for ultra-fast, well-architected microcontrollers is greater than ever.In this episode, we’ll explore how Infineon’s MCUs are addressing these challenges, particularly in robotics and AI-powered motor control. We’ll also dive into the role of GaN-based power systems, the increasing power demands of server racks, and what the future of MCU architecture looks like for next-generation embedded systems.
--------
31:10
Driving Innovation in EV Batteries
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.
--------
22:01
Efficiency and Performance in Modern Power Design
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 EMI and improved thermal performance.
--------
16:07
Diamond: The Future of Power Electronics and Quantum Technology
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 to further develop diamond technologies.
--------
15:16
Energy-Efficient Innovations: Silicon Photonics and SiC
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 more than 30 papers and holds 30 patents.
The power electronics market has become a hotbed of innovation. Power ICs based on gallium nitride and silicon carbide are enabling new frontiers in electronic system performance in industrial automation, renewable energy, smart grids, the Internet of things, and other markets. PowerUP podcasts will connect with the world’s leading power electronics experts to explain how the technology is evolving, and what those changes means for every aspect of the industry.
Ireland