s we prepare for what is expected to be a record-breaking APEC in Long Beach this coming February, PSMA's technical committees have worked diligently to curate a lineup of industry sessions.  These sessions are designed to provide the most current information from a wide range of topics and areas of interest. Notably, the appeal of these sessions extends beyond design engineers, reaching out to a diverse audience of power electronics professionals, including systems engineers, applications engineers, technical marketers, manufacturers, component suppliers, regulatory engineers, and sales, marketing, and procurement professionals.

PSMA Sponsored Workshops to be Held Prior to APEC 2024
Two workshops, organized by our committees, are scheduled to take place before the official start of APEC. While not part of the official APEC program, the PSMA workshops have become an established tradition, serving as valuable platforms for industry professionals to collaborate and exchange insights.

The first of these workshops is the "Power Magnetics @ High Frequency" Workshop, presented by the Magnetics Committee, in partnership with IEEE PELS. Returning to the site of its inaugural workshop in Long Beach, California, held in 2016, the 2024 edition aims to delve into the theme of designing optimal magnetics across diverse applications and environments. The workshop will focus on identifying the latest advancements in magnetic materials, coil (winding) design, construction, and fabrication, as well as evaluation and characterization methods. These developments aim to cater to the evolving needs of power magnetics, considering the demands posed by higher operating frequencies and emerging circuit topologies and semiconductor devices.

The workshop boasts a lineup of renowned industry experts who have confirmed their participation, promising engaging discussions, and diverse insights. The agenda is set to feature a blend of keynote presentations, lecture sessions, and technology demonstrations. Topics will span an array of subjects related to power magnetics, including design optimization for various applications, magnetics for VRM applications, and the intricacies of trade-offs between capacitors and inductors. During the provided breakfast, lunch, and networking hour, there will be an interactive session of tabletop technology demonstrations addressing specific technical disciplines and capabilities consistent with the workshop agenda.

Simultaneously, the PSMA Semiconductor Committee, in collaboration with the Airfuel Alliance, is gearing up for the inaugural "Next Generation Wireless Power" Workshop. This workshop explores the evolving landscape of wireless power technology and will shed light on various dimensions critical for the successful integration of these innovative technologies into products. The workshop's primary focus will encompass the technical foundation, innovations in power electronics semiconductor technologies, use cases, industry standards, common engineering challenges, regulatory and safety requirements, and strategies to overcome them.

For product designers seeking to overcome the constraints posed by the initial wireless power technologies, this workshop presents a valuable opportunity. It aims to foster improved spatial freedom and the ability to charge multiple devices from a single transmitter simultaneously. The workshop will encompass a diverse range of market applications, including consumer electronics, IoT devices (including those without batteries), wearable and implantable devices, personal mobility devices, and autonomous devices, among others.

The agenda is set to commence with a keynote presentation providing an overview of wireless power technologies and their key technical concepts. The workshop will provide an in-depth exploration of Magnetic Resonance and RF Harvesting technologies. Attendees will have ample opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions during each presentation and an opportunity to engage with multiple technology demonstrations.

As the landscape of power magnetics and wireless power technology continues to evolve, the PSMA-sponsored workshops stand as beacons of innovation and collaboration. They create an environment conducive to continuous learning and growth, offering participants a wealth of insights, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions. Both workshops will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Long Beach, California. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further updates as the workshops draw near.

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