Integrated circuits for power electronics applications

Integrated circuits are used more and more in power electronic applications in an attempt to reduce size and increase versatility and reliability. In 2006, the analog power ICs constitute about 38% of the $19B power management market. The power management market is one of the most dynamic sectors of the semiconductor industry, with around 13% yearly rises since 2001. A broad range of applications and technologies pushed many corporations to look recently into a systematic and educational approach to Power IC technologies. Despite the increasing demand for power ICs in both production volume and application expansion, there are not too many good references for study. This tutorial outlines the specifics of IC design and technology for power management devices.