Power electronics in the 1990s

Historically, the major advances in power electronics have been driven by innovations and improvements in power switching devices. It is pointed out that this will likely remain true in the future. The most significant new device in the 1990s is expected to be the MOS-controlled thyristor (MCT). Improvements in magnetic and capacitive components have been less dramatic, but the needs become more critical as the switches approach their limits. It is noted that converters having better performance and lower cost will expand the number and range of applications in 1990s