Towards a roadmap for power electronics system integration

Conventional construction technology for electronic power supplies, based on the assembly of pre-manufactured discrete components, has matured to such an extent that it has become very difficult to reduce unit costs and enhance the power density further while maintaining a competitive edge. At present, the broader power electronics technology base is drifting without direction and unless the industry and associated academic researchers can cooperate, pooling resources, it will not be possible to offer a workable alternative to the very mature existing technologies. Basically, the power industry continues to rely on the evolution of the microelectronics industry for advancements in power electronics technology. A strong common technology roadmap could change this. When applied correctly, technology roadmapping can encourage firms, R&D organisations, governments and industries to develop a shared vision of the future, explore the opportunities and pathways to achieve it and develop creative solutions to the technology issues and research needs identified. By sharing pre-competitive technologies and knowledge, firms can leverage financial and intellectual resources to achieve market success. Through the priorities identified in roadmaps, industry can pursue more advantageous collaborations and manage resources to address common technical problems.