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CPES' vision since the inception of the center has been
to revolutionize the synthesis of power electronics systems by using standard-cell
Integrated Power Electronics Modules (IPEMs), instead of numerous discrete
components. A distributed dc power systems for telecom and computer equipment
was chosen as demonstrative testbed for the new technologies.
In 2003, CPES successfully demonstrated for the first time a fully functional
integrated 1 kW front-end converter for internet servers with over 75%
of the energy processing functions integrated into IPEMs. The breakthrough
was enabled by the CPES research that led to the development of active
IPEM, where power semiconductor devices and electronic switching components
are integrated using embedded power technology; passive IPEM, that integrates
the energy storage inductors, capacitors and power transformers; and filter
IPEM, for electromagnetic interference attenuation and power frequency
propagation, which had been first reported to demonstrate superior characteristics
and performance in the previous years.
The success is a result of the Center’s multidisciplinary team working
together to address the intertwined issues of high-frequency power conversion,
semiconductor devices, advanced materials, and electro-magneto- thermo-mechanical
integration. This paves the way for a complete paradigm shift in the electronic
control of electrical energy to supply the needs for the very existence
of our society.
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Inside of a state-of-the-art power converter supplying 1 kW, 48
V dc power for internet servers from a 120 V, 60 Hz, ac outlet. 1.5U
(1U = 1.75in) profile, 5.8W/in3
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CPES testbed [prototype of the same converter, demonstrating six-fold
decrease in the number of components and a two-fold decrease in size.
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