Bench Talk

The price of Lithium has tripled since 2016 as electric vehicle batteries compete with mobile consumer electronics for the material. But the escalating price, driven by a threat of shortage of supply, is unlikely to dampen EV demand. Cobalt, another vital ingredient of Li-ion batteries, is another matter, and researchers are working hard to find cheaper alternatives, including Lithium-cobalt.

I am looking forward to sharing useful information with the power electronics community in short, uncomplicated blogs. There are lots of great power devices whether new and state of the art or tried and true -- to bring to your attention. I will also provide updates on emerging technologies that either enable advancements in power electronics such as wide bandgap semiconductors, or are enabled by new power electronics, such as wireless charging systems. As new resources become available, I want to highlight where to find them. I might also write about some of the great ways to connect with others for help with your power management questions or to network with like-minded folks. I also want to give you a heads-up on important industry events, such as the Applied Power Electronics Consortium (APEC).