Power management: enabling technology for next-generation electronic systems

All electronic systems rely on power electronics to a varying extent. However, we have entered an era of electronics that is more intimately involved with power electronics than ever before. Whether the electronic system is the latest computer, a portable wireless product or an automobile, the intelligent and efficient management of power will determine not only the operating cost and useful operating time but more and more will impact the ability to achieve overall system performance. This paper discusses the trends and semiconductor technologies for managing power in the next and future generations of desktop PCs, wireless appliances and automobiles.