PESC '97 Rap Sessions

Tuesday June 24

7:00 pm

Repetitive Converter Circuit Reinvention And Its Impact On The Power Electronics Industry

Industrial controls and power electronics have been a recognized specialty for 100 years. In that time many circuit ideas have been invented, forgotten and reinvented over and over again. This process has led to a loss of useful ideas for long periods of time and to a great deal of wasted effort in the form of re-engineering and endless and expensive legal bickering. This rap session will begin by reviewing some of the more egregious examples and then go on to address the questions: does this really matter? Is it actually a problem? If it is a problem what, if anything, can we do about it. Bring your examples of reinvention and your thoughts on dealing with this problem.

Circuit Research is Dead --- the Future is in Packaging!

Converters eventually have to be manufactured and marketed at an acceptable price. Many of the small improvements and circuit variations introduced as new "features" are neither here nor there when it comes to meeting these two fundamental requirements of industry. The way in which the converter is manufactured to be price competitive largely dictates the way in which it is packaged and many of the circuit refinements may not even be feasible from this viewpoint The panel will examine the future of power converter development from this angle.

PELS Town Hall Meeting - Does the Power Electronics Society Deliver Value for Your Membership Dollar?

This RAP session is to provide an open forum for discussions that relate to the operation and function of the Power Electronics Society. Questions, criticisms, and comments are welcome. The Power Electronics Society exists to serve its members and the profession. We would like to know how we can improve our performance to help you, and in the process of discussion, illuminate procedures and opportunities for greater participation in Society activities.