The 40th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC 2025) convened from March 16 to 20, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This milestone event celebrated four decades of advancements in power electronics, with around 5,500 attendees and more than 325 exhibitors.

The conference program was the most extensive in APEC’s history, featuring 750 technical presentations and 18 professional education seminars. It featured Professional Education Seminars, peer-reviewed Technical Sessions, and industry-led presentations (Industry Sessios). The Plenary and Debate Sessions provided extensive insights into emerging trends and sparked engaging discussions on key topics. With the 40th anniversary of APEC and PSMA, we saw an extra flair in the students’ job fair as we also conducted an extended students’ mentorship program. The response was extraordinary, and the student community (aspiring engineers) loved it.

Key topics and themes addressed at APEC 2025, from power electronics perspective, included vehicle electrification, alternative (renewable)  energy sources, battery technologies, high-efficiency power conversion for datacentres, innovative semiconductor solutions blended with deep dive discussions, presentations and illustration on wide-band gaps products (SiC and GaN), innovative low and high power supply solutions (including HVDC), sensor technology, wearable electronics, and last but not least on emerging wireless power technology and energy harvesting.

The Focus on AI-driven Datacenters

While the event featured many key announcements across several applications, the spotlight was on bottlenecks and challenges in powering AI-driven datacenters. Infineon Technologies came fully geared up at the AI datacenters expo; it introduced battery backup unit (BBU) solutions from 4kW to 12kW. Infineon also laid out its roadmap to achieve the first 12kW topology–they have combined several 4 kW power converter cards utilizing their PSOC microcontrollers, 40V and 80V OptiMOS, and EiceDRIVER Gate Drivers. Due to the prevalence of AI, specifically LLMs, there were inevitably more power solutions centered over AI-driven datacenters at APEC 2025, some (and not all) listed below:

• Navitas’ 8.5 kW OCP power solution, featuring 98% efficiency with GaNSafe ICs and Gen-3 Fast SiC MOSFETs, as well as its 4.5 kW ultra-compact power supply, optimized for AI GPUs needing 3x more power per rack, with 137 W/in³ power density;
• Advanced Energy demonstrated high-power shelf systems like CRPS and MCRPS modules supporting hyperscaled datacenters demands, delivering up to one megawatt per rack with high-voltage distribution architectures (400V and 600V DC). Advanced Energy also unveiled the NeoPower series, high-efficiency power supplies designed for industrial and medical applications with a power density of 18 W/in³ and up to 4,000 W output power
• Alpha and Omega Semiconductor introduced advanced controllers for AI servers and GPUs–AOZ73016QI Controller. It is a 16-phase, 2-rail controller designed for high-performance GPUs and SoCs. It features programmability via PMBUS and AVS bus compliance, enabling efficient current monitoring and balance while minimizing external components;
• AmberSemi announced 50VDC to 0.8VDC converter, which delivers power straight to higher density and efficiency AI chips on server motherboards;
• Empower Semiconductor introduced its Crescendo platform, which features a vertical power architecture that integrates power components into a single device. This innovation allows for a fivefold reduction in the size of AI-based power supplies while improving efficiency and responsiveness, addressing the growing power;
• Even ST Microelectronics came to the expo with its GaN-based offline power supplies featuring integrated solutions like MasterGaN half-bridge modules and STACF01 ACF controllers for improved efficiency. They also displayed several other AC-DC and DC-DC PSUs for servers and telecom.
• Texas Instruments also unveiled a product for AI datacenter use case–an industry first 48V integrated hot-swap eFuse with power-path protection

The focus on AI-driven datacenters was heavy, thanks to these startling metrics: the power demands of generative AI-based applications like large language models (LLMs) are projected to increase global datacenter energy consumption from 2% to 7% by 2030. This is inevitably pushing for higher voltage systems 250–350 kV three-phase AC stepped down to 400 VDC. To find out more about the implications and key trends related to this market segment, please contact us.

While AI-driven energy optimization took center stage at APEC with machine learning (ML) models, companies showcased edge AI-based solutions for predictive maintenance, dynamic load balancing for renewable energy, and adaptive cooling technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Power Supply Innovations for Automotives Unveiled at APEC 2025

Another focal point at the APEC 2025 was Electric Vehicles. Here are some announcements/exhibits we found to be interesting:

• Navitas came up with something innovative with a production-ready 650V bidirectional GaNFast power IC. Unlike traditional SiC-based two-stage designs, Navitas enables single-stage topologies that eliminate bulky PFC stages and large DC link capacitors.
• Nexperiahighlighted robust high-power solutions for automotive systems at its booth. Innovations included wide-bandgap power FETs and advanced semiconductor packaging technologies designed to optimize power density and miniaturization.
• Infineon also introduced a new product line for automotive applications: Power PROFET + 24/48V Switch Family, a new switch family to support the transition to 48V power systems in hybrid and electric vehicles, enhancing efficiency and functionality.
• TDK showcased components for high-performance Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and xEV systems (electric vehicles), including telematics, battery management, chip-embedded DC-to-DC power modules (POL), wireless power transfer solutions for wide applications including automotive ‘in-cabin’ applications and others.
• SemiQ unveiled its next-generation silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs, including automotive-qualified options (AEC-Q101). These devices are designed for ultra-efficient, high-performance applications in electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial systems. They also displayed their 1200 V Gen3 and 1700 V SiC families, featuring improved performance, smaller die sizes, and lower costs.
• ROHM Semiconductors announced its partnership with Mazda over GaN-based power modules for automotive application with the goal of optimizing design. Although the companies haven’t revealed more than that, ROHM had also displayed TRCDRIVE pack™, a 2-in-1 SiC molded module for EVs, along with the REF66004 reference design featuring the scalable BD96801Q12 PMIC suitable for automotive SoCs.

WAWT’s SME Chaired The Industry Session

Amidst the buzz over AI-driven automotive electrification, our Subject Matter Expert (SME) got the opportunity to chair the session set up by PSMA’s Transportation Electrification Committee titled “Advanced Power Electronics & System Designs to Accelerate Transportation Electrification.” The session featured presentations from seven distinguished professionals, including Dr. Burak Ozpineci from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, John M. Wolgemuth from InductEV, Felipe Jung from Typhoon HIL, Inc., John Kisacikoglu from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Andy Schroedermeier from EATON, and Matthew Honickman from Mission Power Corp. As a part of this session, WAWT’s SME, Dinesh Kithany, had the pleasure of shedding light on the technology landscape of Wireless EV Charging (WEVC) at an industry session on 19th March at APEC 2025.

Here are the snippets of it in case you missed it:

Wireless charging has evolved quite a bit – be it advancements in low-frequency magnetic resonance-based wireless power solutions to the emergence of multi-frequency-based hybrid solutions that are reshaping power classes and standards. WAWT, a leading analyst and consulting firm specialising in wireless power and power supplies, was honoured and privileged to get the opportunity to speak on the WEVC (Wireless EV Charging) technology landscape, current ‘on-going’ projects, and its expected adoption in the future. Feel free to contact us in case you missed the session and want to learn more. Some of the highlighted projects include (but are not restricted) the following:

• FAW’s HongQi E-HS9, which autonomously parks and charges, made possible through collaboration with WiTricity’s licensee VIE.
• ElectReon has constructed an electrified road in Detroit, allowing EVs to charge while in motion as part of the state’s first pilot program.
• In Sweden, InductEV has initiated pilot projects to wirelessly charge Volvo XC40 Recharge models, demonstrating practical application in consumer vehicles.
• Additionally, FinePowerX has entered into a licensing agreement with WiTricity to enable an automatic wireless EV charging system, while WiTricity’s collaboration with YuTong Bus is driving the deployment of wireless charging for autonomous e-buses in China.
• European efforts are also underway with ABT e-Line and WiTricity planning to introduce wireless charging for vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4.

These projects, along with strategic investments from companies such as Siemens and advancements in standardization led by SAE – including technical reports and new alignment methodologies – underscore a broad, multi-regional push to validate and scale wireless charging solutions for both light as well as heavy-duty vehicles.

Simultaneously, AI-powered simulation tools and digital twins are slashing design cycles, enabling engineers to prototype virtually and improve reliability before building physical models

Another hot topic was TLVR (Trans-Inductor Voltage Regulation) and Hybrid Switched Capacitor (HSC) topologies for VRMs and IBCs. These are now key players in tackling board space and transient load challenges.

Advancements in Power Electronics for Industrial Applications at APEC 2025

APEC 2025 also had some interesting products presented for industrial applications, some of which are stated below:

• Advanced Energy’s Neopower, as mentioned before, also has automotive applications. Advanced Energy also displayed the NCF150 and NCF660 series power supplies for industrial and medical applications. The NCF150 series are CF-rated products for critical medical applications needing low leakage current, while the NCF660 series are CF-rated, medically approved AC-DC power supplies that have output overvoltage, short circuit, and overload protection.
• ROHM showcased a high-efficiency Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuit using 650V GaN HEMTs from their EcoGaN series, targeting industrial power supplies like communication base stations and energy storage systems.
• EPC demonstrated enhancement-mode GaN-based motor drives and other solutions for industrial applications, including motor drives and power tools. EPC also displayed GaN-based modules for AC/DC server power and 48 V DC-DC GPU power applications.
• Power Integrations released compact flyback converters or the TinySwitch-5 Family, designed for industrial systems, delivering up to 175W without a heatsink while achieving high efficiency (92%) and low standby power consumption.
• Indium Corporation showcased high-reliability soldering solutions that enhance thermal management and energy efficiency in industrial electronics. (Fluxless Assembly Solder Technology or FAST).
• Wolfspeed highlighted its next-generation SiC semiconductor technology, which offers improved performance and efficiency in high-demand industrial applications, such as high-frequency switching and reduced system size. Wolfspeed was also quite active in the industry session, which caught my eye.
• ITECH Electronics demonstrated a versatile platform–the IT7900 series– for advanced testing scenarios in industrial environments. It supports AC, DC, and mixed modes with regenerative capabilities to improve energy efficiency during testing.
• Danisense launched a significant upgrade to its metrology-grade current sensors with the addition of TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) functionality. Going beyond the IEEE 1451 standard, these sensors embed model-specific performance data such as offset drift, gain error, phase shift, and calibration limits directly in the sensor.
• REXGEAR’s IT6600C Bidirectional DC Power Supply is a compact 42kW bidirectional DC power supply ideal for renewable energy R&D, battery emulation, and powertrain development. It supports parallel operation up to 10MW.

The Three Grand Debates At APEC 2025

Irrespective of the application of the power supplies, the larger contest at APEC 2025 was over the selection of the semiconductor material–GaN or SiC. While GaN is increasingly dominating low- to mid-voltage applications (up to 650 V) due to its superior switching speed and efficiency, SiC remains the preferred choice for high-voltage applications (900 V and beyond) like electric vehicles and industrial power supplies. This was a focal point of one of the 3 grand debate sessions which were in great demand and overly attended with jam-packed conference rooms at APEC this year, which included industry experts such as Alex Lidow (EPC), Thomas Neyer (Infineon), Mrinal Das (onsemi), and Kevin Speer (Microchip), who shed some valuable light on answers. This debate session was excellently moderated and chaired by Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio of Aspencore. WAWT hopes to give a reliable insight on it soon, so please stay tuned.

Another grand debate was on the ongoing “tug of war” between magnetic and capacitive components in power supply design. The debate underscored how advancements in one component often necessitate compromises in the other, emphasizing the need for balanced design approaches to achieve optimal power density and efficiency. This debate was chaired by George Slama, Senior Application and Content Engineer at Würth Elektronik; Panelists included Jim Marinos, Executive VP of Engineering at Payton Planar Magnetics; Charlie Sullivan, Professor at Dartmouth University; Peter A. Blais, Senior Director at Yageo; and Jerry Zhai, President of MaxEpic.

Meanwhile, in the session “The power or peril of AI-driven designs – Will they light up the power supply landscape or will they go up in flames?”, chaired by Robert Pilawa, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, panelists included Grant Pitel, CTO of Magna-Power Electronics; Babak Fahimi, Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas; Dragan Maksimović, Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado – Boulder; and Laszlo Balogh, Distinguished Member Of Technical Staff at Texas Instruments. This discussion centered on the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence in power systems design, evaluating its impact on design optimization, system reliability, and the foundational skills of new engineers. The enthusiasm of all the attendees over these debates was quite evident from the queues in the halls.

Innovative Wireless Power Coil Technologies At APEC 2025

APEC continues to witness growth in a greater number of wireless power companies participating at the event – be it in the form of industry presentations, paper presentations, or product demonstration/exhibition. WAWT witnessed

Quite a few players like TDK Corporation, Wurth Electronics, Infineon, LinkCom, Superworld Electronics, EPC, BT Coil, and others exhibiting their innovative wireless power coil technologies as well as innovative solutions. WAWT also came acrossa wide range of Technical Papers presented by aspiring engineers (students) on wireless power solutions across application markets.

The APEC 2025 provided a platform for in-depth discussions on pivotal topics in power electronics, not only through the debate sessions but all the other programs as well. These sessions, programs, and exhibits not only highlighted current challenges and advancements but also fostered critical discourse on the future direction of the industry. Please feel free to contact our SME, Dinesh Kithany, for the latest trends and insights on the latest innovations on wireless power and power supplies.

Footnote

WAWT (Wired & Wireless Technologies) has endeavored to capture as much news, trends, and insights on the wireless power and power supply market through its full presence and a lot of meetings with companies across the ecosystem at the APEC 2025 and by engaging with industry associates before and after this key event. Similarly, WAWT covers around 15 trade shows and industry events and conferences across the year to provide authentic and reliable market data, insights, and intelligence to companies across the ecosystem. No one covers the market extensively and in as much detail as WAWT.

Please note that the above-listed news and trend items are not a complete and exhaustive list but represent the profile of news and announcements at APEC 2025. Additionally, the news items listed above are not presented in any specific order or hierarchy. WAWT would like to take this opportunity to give due credit and thank the participating publications and external sources for their help in compiling this comprehensive list of news and insights related to APEC 2025.

We would appreciate your feedback on the above insight report from WAWT covering APEC 2025. More details related to such news, trends, and insights and their impact on the total wireless power and power supply market size are covered in WAWT’s subscription-based research services  “Power Supply Intelligence Service” and “Wireless Power Intelligence Service”. Our next updated comprehensive report, which is part of “Wireless Power Intelligence Service,” is scheduled to be published next month, so please get in touch if you want to grab the most reliable market insights on the wireless power market. Also, stay tuned for WAWT’s most comprehensive Global AC-DC and DC-DC Merchant Power Supply Report scheduled for July 2025.