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GENERAL INFORMATION Applied Power Electronic Conference and Exposition March 14 - 18, 1999 Adam's Mark Hotel Dallas Dallas, Texas, USA General Information Download this Document as: Professional Education Seminars PDF File Registration Forms Zipped MS Word File Rap Sessions RTF File Conference At A Glance

The Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC) focuses on the applied aspects of power electronics, ranging from circuit design to components development to manufacturing to marketing. For the past several years, APEC has attracted more than 100 exhibitors and about 1,000 people from more than 35 countries. APEC has become the preferred venue for the practicing power electronics professionals to gather the latest information and to announce new technologies as well as products.

APEC'99 will be the fourteenth annual gathering. The APEC'99 Conference Committee has been working hard to bring you another best APEC to date. APEC'99 will offer 120 vendor exhibits, 191 technical papers in 5 parallel sessions, 15 professional educational seminars, 5 rap sessions, the micro-mouse contest, and a social gathering. Both the exhibits and technical program are the largest in APEC history. The newly expanded Adam's Mark provides a comfortable venue for both exhibitors and attendees.

On behalf of our sponsors (the IEEE Power Electronics Society, the IEEE Industry Applications Society, and the Power Sources Manufactures Association) and the Conference Committee, I invite you to come to Dallas and to participate in APEC, the annual premier event in applied power electronics.

F. Dong Tan
General Conference Chairman



  REGISTRATION

ADVANCE & ON-SITE

Professional Education Seminars

Technical Sessions

ADVANCE REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY February 12, 1999 ! AFTER THIS DATE, REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND YOU MUST REGISTER ON-SITE!

Payment of the Professional Education Seminars fee includes access to all seminars on Sunday and Monday morning, the Seminar Workbooks which contain the presentation material of all seminars, and admission to the Exposition.

Payment of the Technical Sessions fee includes one copy of the Conference Proceedings books and CD ROM, admission to all technical sessions held Monday afternoon through Thursday, the Exposition and receptions, Exhibitor Seminars, Rap Sessions and the Wednesday Evening Buffet.

A registrant who registers for both classifications is entitled to admission to all Professional Education Seminars and all Technical Sessions as well as the Exposition, all social events, Rap Sessions, plus one copy each of the Seminar Workbook and the Conference Proceedings books and CD ROM. The fee for registering for both classifications is the sum of the separate fees for the Professional Education Seminars and the Technical Sessions.

Student Option: Full time students at accredited institutions are eligible to register at the student rate. Identification will be required.

For Advance Registration, complete the Advance Registration Form and return with remittance of the appropriate fee by February 12, 1999 to:

Registrar
APEC'99
2000 L Street, NW
Suite 710
Washington, DC, 20036 USA

For Advance Registration, payment must accompany your form. Remittance should be made payable to APEC'99 by personal or corporate check, or by Visa or MasterCard. Note: We cannot accept American Express. Checks must be drawn on a U.S. Bank and payable in U.S. dollars. Returned checks will be charged a $15 service charge. You are encouraged to register for APEC'99 in advance. Confirmations for registration will be mailed. Your registration material will be held for you at the Advance Registration Desk. ALL ADVANCE REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 12, 1999! You must register on-site after this date.


REGISTRATION CENTER:
The Conference Registration Center will be located outside the Grand Hall in the Adam's Mark Conference Center and will be open as follows:

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
Please note, your advance registration fee, fees for additional printed material, or Reception tickets are not refundable after February 12, 1999. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to the APEC'99 Office, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC, 20036, PRIOR to February 12 ^th . Sorry, no phone cancellations accepted. Refunds, less $25.00 service charge, will be processed after the Conference is completed.

 ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
A block of rooms has been reserved for the APEC'99 participants at The Adam's Mark Hotel Dallas. The Adam's Mark Hotel will be the center of APEC activity, your conference experience will be enhanced if you stay in the conference hotel. To make a reservation, please complete the hotel form, located in the back of this program, and mail with one night's payment to:

The Adam's Mark Hotel
400 North Olive Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Tel: (214) 922-8000, Fax: (214) 777-6632

HOTEL RATES:  

Current city and state taxes are additional.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BEFORE February 12, l999. After February 12, l999, reservations will be confirmed only on a space available basis.


AIRLINE DISCOUNT PROGRAM
American Airlines will be the official airlines for APEC '99. They are offering a number of travel discount fares for APEC attendees traveling to DFW—Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport. To take advantage of these low fares use the APEC '99 identifier number, A0939UE , please give this identifier number to your travel agent or call American Airlines at their special Meeting Services Desk Toll Free Number—1/800-433-1790!


GROUND TRANSPORTATION
The Super Shuttle will bring you to the Adam's Mark Hotel Dallas from Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport for $11.00 one way, or $22.00 round trip.. To access this shuttle, simply board one of the Supper Shuttle courtesy buses at the lower level Shared Ride pickup stop for an express trip to Super Shuttle's Departure Area (located at 3E lower level gate 29). Departures are every 30 minutes—so the wait should not be long.


CAR RENTAL
AVIS will offer APEC attendees a special conference rate from 3/8/99-3/25/99. These rates will be available from both the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. To take advantage of this special rate, call the AVIS Meeting Reservation and Information Desk at : 1/800/331-1600 and identify yourself as eligible for the APEC rate by giving the following identification code: J947125.


EXPOSITION
A comprehensive trade show exhibiting the latest advances in components, equipment and services will be featured March 15 through March 17. Registration is free but you must register for a badge on-site at the conference. Visit the Exposition in the Grand Hall and see the products and services of many of the power electronics industry leaders including:

ABB CEAG Power Supplies 
AI Technology Inc.
Allegro MicroSystems.
AlliedSignal.
All Star Magnetics.
AMP Incorporated.
Analog Devices.
Analogy, Inc.
Anderson Power Products.
Ansoft Corporation.
Artesyn Technologies.
ASC Capacitors.
Ault.
Autotest.
AVX Corporation.
The Bergquist Company.
Cableco Technologies.
Celestica.
Ceramic Magnetics, Inc.
CET Technology.
Cherry Semiconductor Corporation.
Chomerics.
Coilcraft, Inc. 
Coiltronics Inc. 
Collmer Semiconductor, Inc.
Cornell Dublier
C.P. Clare.
Darnell Group.
Eastern Components.
EBG, Inc.
ECI/Electronic Coils.
Elcon Products International.
Eldre Corporation.
Electronic Concepts.
Electronic Devices.
Elisra Gan Ltd.
Elna Ferrite Technologies.
ELTEST.
Ericcson Components.
ERM
ETRI, Inc.
Fair-Rite Products Corp.
TSC Ferrite International.
Filter Concepts, Inc.
Flat Transformer Technology Group.
Harris Semiconductor.
Industrial Midwec Capacitor Corporation.
International Rectifier.
International Power Devices.
Intusoft.
Isotek Corporation.
ITW Paktron.
IXYS Corporation.
Kaschke USA, Inc.
LEM U.S.A.
Linfinity Microelectronics Inc.
Lodestone Pacific.
Lucent Technologies.
Magnetics, Division of Spang & Co.
Magsoft Corporation.
Mega-Power Inc.
Methode Electronics.
MH&W International Corporation.
Micrometals, Inc.
Miles-Platts Inc.
New England Electric Wire Corporation.
Ohmite Manufacturing Company.
Omnirel.
Onan Power Electronics.
PCIM/Power Quality Magazine.
Pearson Electronics, Inc.
Philips Components.
Power Design Tools, Inc.
Power Integrations.
Powerex Inc.
Preamble Instruments.
RELTEC.
Sanrex Corporation.
Schaffner EMC.
Semikron.
SGS—Thomson Microelectronics.
Shindengen America Inc.
Siemens Microelectronics.
Steward.
Thermacore.
TOCOS America.
Toko America.
Unitrode Integrated Circuits.
Venable Industries, Inc.
Voltage Multipliers, Inc.
Wakefield Engineering, Inc.

If your company is interested in joining this Exposition or future ones, please contact:

Pam Wagner
APEC '99
2000 L Street, NW
Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 973-8664
Fax. (202)331-0111

EXPOSITION HOURS
The Exposition, located in the Grand Hall of The Adam's Mark Hotel, will be open as follows:

RECEPTION AND REFRESHMENTS WITH THE EXHIBITORS
The Opening Reception will be held Monday, March 15 from 5:00pm-8:00pm in the Grand Hall . Join us for hors d'oeuvres while visiting with the Exhibitors and conference participants.

Light refreshments will also be served in the Grand Hall on Tuesday, March 16 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., providing additional opportunities to visit with Exhibitors and to relax after the technical sessions.


LUNCHEONS IN THE EXHIBITION HALL
On Tuesday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 17, enjoy your lunch in the Exposition Hall . Tickets are $8.00 each and are available through Advance Registration or at the Conference Registration Desk. Only a limited number of lunch tickets are available and must be purchased 24 hours in advance.


EXHIBITOR SEMINARS
On Tuesday afternoon, March 16, 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., several of the companies participating in the Exposition will offer technical seminars. Descriptions of the Exhibitor Seminars will be listed in the Exposition Directory which will be available at the Conference.


  CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS


KEYNOTE ADDRESS

As part of the Plenary Session at APEC'99, Dr. Raymond F. Askew, Special Advisor to the International Space Station, will make a keynote address entitled "Keeping the International Space Station up to Date
Technologically".

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest and most ambitious construction project ever undertaken. When completed it will be a true research laboratory, one where science, engineering, technology, and application research can be carried out in the same manner as on the earth but in the space environment. The research capacity of the ISS will be determined by the availability of several key resources, including power and power quality, thermal management, and up and down link data rate capacity. The system design was fixed well in advance of the beginning of hardware development, thus the levels of technology included in the system under construction are not necessarily the current state of the art. At the same time the system design is very modular to allow the insertion of newly developed technologies over the lifetime of the ISS. NASA has initiated a program to identify and, where appropriate, develop newly maturing technologies for use as upgrades to the ISS. A major area of emphasis is to increase the power capacity of the ISS at the earliest possible time. This will also require improvements in the thermal management system. A key factor in these efforts will be participation by industry.


PLENARY SESSION

As we approach the beginning of a new millennium, this year's plenary session will focus on the past, the present, and the future of power electronics. The first paper, "The Evolution of Power Electronics" by Tom Wilson, Sr., will take a look back at developments in power electronics during this century. Alex Lidow of International Rectifier will then discuss future developments in power semiconductors. The third paper will examine the current status of power electronics packaging for power supplies. Intel is leading an effort to standardize the chassis and power systems for server systems. The Server System Infrastructure (SSI) will be discussed in the fourth paper. The plenary session will conclude with a presentation on the current status of and future developments in the rapidly growing area of AC
motor drives.


APEC WEB PAGE
New this year, APEC is now on the web! Point your browser to www.apec-conf.org to get all the latest information on APEC '99 and even some early information on APEC '00. Also on the APEC web page is a bit of the history of the conference—from its founding in 1986 as a replacement for POWERCON, through the incorporation of the Industry Applications Society and Power Sources Manufacturer's Association as sponsors, up to the roaring success of today's APECs. Be sure to add the APEC webpage to your bookmarks as new information will be appearing frequently. See you on the net!


PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEMINARS

This year's Professional Education Seminar program offers a full compliment of topics to enhance the knowledge and skills of power system designers working in a broad range of disciplines. This program offers topics from the basic fundamentals of power system design and analysis techniques, all the way to detailed circuit design subjects such as snubbers, gate drives, planar magnetics, cross-regulation, synchronous rectification, and EMI suppression. There will be a series of motor control topics as well as discussions on the electronic environment, system packaging solutions, and intellectual property controls.

The presenters of these seminars are all leaders in power electronics and include renowned experts. APEC's Seminar program is the best ever at any power electronics conference. And, unlike other conferences which charge a large fee for each seminar, APEC offers your choice of fifteen different seminars for one low fee which includes admission to any and all seminars and a three-volume set of notebooks that contains the teaching materials from all 15 topics.

There are three sessions of seminars, each with five topics being presented simultaneously. Each session is three and one-half hours including time for questions and a break. The seminar times are: Sunday, March 14 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, and on Monday, March 15 from 8:30 AM to Noon.

Descriptions of the Professional Education Seminars are in the Technical Section of this Advance Program. Advance Registration is strongly encouraged to guarantee that you receive a copy of the Seminar Workbook. Seminar attendees are welcome in the Exhibit Hall, the Exhibitor Seminars, the Micro-Mouse Competition, and the Rap Sessions.

RAP SESSIONS
Four informal Rap Sessions are planned on Tuesday evening, March 16, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. These "off-the-record" sessions feature a panel moderator, two teams of industry experts debating their opposing viewpoints and lots of audience participation. Come to hear and be heard. This year's topics include:

Profit Margins – The Power Supply Industry Game of Limbo

Where is Power Electronics Technology Going and Who'll Take Us There?

Is APEC Serving The Needs of It's Constituents and Living Up To It's Name?

Power Talk!--The Very First APEC Call-In Radio Show (except it's in person)t

The topics are profiled in the technical section of this advance program.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MICRO—MOUSE CONTEST

APEC is proud to sponsor this thirteenth annual test of engineering ingenuity. Contestants from around the world and the United States are expected. As a special guest this year we have Sterling Mouse from the UK, the very first mouse to get to the center of a maze at a competition (1980). Cheer on your favorite entry Monday evening at 8:00pm in Dallas Ballroom B. For further information contact Cecile Phillips at APEC '99, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20036.



WEDNESDAY EVENING BUFFET

APEC '99 will offer a "Fantasy Train Trip through Texas," including props and food to highlight five of the diverse cities of the Lone Star State. Highlighted will be San Antonio, Amarillo, Galveston, Austin and Dallas. The Fiesta Bar will be open beginning about 7:00 p.m. in the Dallas Ballroom of the Adam's Mark Hotel. Among the activities that evening will be a Country Western Band, Line Dance Instruction and the Longhorn Steer Photo Opportunity. Incredible food stations will be set in each Texas Town, so prepare for a traditional Texas experience.




SPOUSE HOSPITALITY
Spouses are invited and encouraged to attend the APEC '99 Conference. On Monday morning from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. we will offer a Continental Breakfast so that accompanying wives or husbands can gather and make plans for the upcoming week. An information person from the Dallas Convention and Visitor's Bureau will be available to answer questions about the area. APEC has arranged a tour of Dallas on Tuesday, March 16 ^th for those who are interested. All spouses are invited to this breakfast whether or not they wish to take part in the tour. Please ask at the conference registration desk for the location of the Spouse Hospitality Room.


SPOUSE TOUR – "Discover Dallas" and "The Sixth Floor"

A perfect beginning to a Dallas visit, this invaluable, get-acquainted tour will do much more than just show the sights of the city; the program will enable the guests to truly discover Dallas as the city with a unique, can—do spirit.

You will visit the Kennedy Museum, now known as The Sixth Floor. This educational and historical exhibit chronicles the events leading up to Kennedy's assassination. Situated on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald worked and allegedly perched from a window to aim at the motorcade below, the museum includes photographic enlargements, films, graphs, charts and a glass encased "sniper's perch" near the window. Tasteful commentary will reflect the event's effect on Dallas

Guests will drive by city hall, Farmer's Market, the Reunion project and the Arts District. Then tour participants will stroll through two of Dallas' most distinctive sites: Thanks-Giving Square and the Hall of State at Fair Park. Thanks-Giving Square is Dallas' answer to Central Park. The Hall of State at Fair Park was built to commemorate the Texas Centennial in 1936 and is one of the most fascinating sites in the Lone Star State.

The price of the tour will be $26/person, and will leave the hotel at 9:30am, Tuesday, March 16 ^th .




CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS AND SEMINAR WORKBOOKS
Extra copies of the Conference Proceedings and the Seminar Workbooks can be purchased by conference registrants through Advance Registration. A LIMITED NUMBER of copies may also be for sale to Conference Registrants on Wednesday, March 17 , at the Conference Registration Center. The cost of the Proceedings, if ordered through Advance Registration or on-site, is $70.00, while the Seminar Workbooks is $65.00. Both may be purchased for $120.00. Advance registration for extra copies of the Seminar Workbooks is strongly encouraged because no workbooks are available after the conference. Proceedings are available after the conference by writing to: IEEE Single Copy Sales, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA. Sorry, no phone orders accepted by IEEE.


SPONSOR MEMBERSHIP DESK
A Membership Desk will be in operation during registration hours with information on the IEEE POWER ELECTRONICS SOCIETY, the IEEE INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS SOCIETY and the POWER SOURCES MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.


MESSAGE CENTER
A conference Message Center will be in operation at the Registration Center during registration hours. Please advise any callers who wish to reach you during the day to ask the hotel operator for the IEEE APEC'99 Message Center. APEC attendees are requested to check the message board periodically for messages.


SACK SITTERS
Sacksitters will be on site Monday - Thursday, March 15 ^th —March 18th, to offer packaging and shipping of proceedings and other conference materials to any destination. Sack Sitters will be located near the main registration area and hours of operation will be posted at the Conference.


BADGES
Badges are required for admission to all seminars, technical sessions, rap sessions, and the Exposition. Please wear your badge at all times so that you will not be delayed at the entrance to an event.


RECRUITING
IEEE Policy #10.18 prohibits recruiting at IEEE sponsored conferences. Consequently, recruiters and recruitment advertisements will not be permitted in the APEC'98 hotel space, meeting facilities or Exposition Hall.


DISTRIBUTION OF COMMERCIAL MATERIAL
Distribution of commercial material by organizations not participating in the Exposition is prohibited in the APEC'99 hotel space, meeting space and Exposition Hall.


The Adam's Mark Hotel's EATING FACILITIES AND HOURS

PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:

Cecile Phillips or Pam Wagner
APEC'99
2000 L Street, NW
Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
Tel (202) 973-8664
Fax (202) 331-0111
email: APEC@courtesyassoc.com

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEMINARS
APEC '99 features 15 professional education seminars with a broad range of topics ranging from electronic environments, passive lossless snubbers,, and planar magnetic design, to power electronics for the non-specialist, and intellectual property for power electronic engineers. As always, APEC seminars offer a practical mix of theory and real-world applications for the power electronics industry professional as well as the practicing engineer. And, unlike other conferences that charge a fee for each seminar, one low fee gains you admission to any and all seminars, along with the notes of every seminar. Whether you want to review an important topic area, broaden your understanding of a neighboring discipline, or take advantage of the practical experiences of experts in the field, the APEC'99 seminars are a must for every conference attendee.

Please note the room assignments listed are tentative and subject to change. Please check with the registration desk at the conference for the latest information.

Professional Education Seminars - Session One
Sunday, March 14, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

S.1 "An Introduction to Power Electronics for the Non-Specialist"
David A. Torrey, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Dallas Ballroom B

This seminar is intended for those who are relatively new to the field of power electronics. The seminar is presented in four parts: distinguishing features of power electronics; circuit analysis examples; control techniques; and, practical issues. The attendee should leave with an understanding and an appreciation for the underlying principles of power electronics, thereby enabling either more effective project management or increased comprehension in more advanced seminars and technical sessions. The seminar starts with a discussion of how power electronics differs from information electronics. This leads to the development of semiconductor and passive component models. We will then consider the circuit and signal analysis fundamentals used to analyze electronic power converters through consideration of simple rectifiers, phase-controlled rectifiers, common dc/dc converters, inverters, and resonant converters. With an understanding of common converter topologies operating in the periodic steady state, we turn our attention to control issues. Beginning with an examination of the concept of time scales, we will examine pulse-width modulation and ways of modeling converters to support controller development. We conclude the seminar with a discussion of some practical issues, such as the need for snubbing, controlling circuit parasitics, thermal management, and magnetic components.


S.2"Electronic Environments"
Art Brockschmidt, Boeing Defense and Space Group
Dallas Ballroom C

Power electronics are often subjected to hostile electrical environments that can result in failure or performance degradation. This seminar is a three-hour expansion of the APEC'98 plenary session paper "A checklist of what can Zap your power electronics".

One of the basic tenets of electrical design is to design for the worst case environment. This seminar reviews these environmental conditions and by knowing the electrical threats which can exist, the power electronics engineer can address independent study to enhance the robustness of his system.

This seminar provides first hand experience of the effects of some of these environments through the use of demonstrations and illustrations of case histories of their effects, along with a summary of protection methods.

In addition to the descriptions of the basic electrical environments, this seminar will also: 

• Provide an overview of the definitions and acronyms of electrical environments.
  
• Review electrical safety considerations.
  
• Present typical analytical methods of evaluation.
  
• Utilize demonstrations to reinforce analyses.
  
• Provide actual hardware illustrations of damage.
  
• Distribute source material and references.
  
• Use anecdotal stories to highlight experiences.
  

S.3 "High Efficiency Rectification Techniques for both Low and High Output Voltage Applications "
Ionel Dan Jitaru, Rompower, Inc.
Dallas Ballroom D1

This seminar will present a comprehensive overview of rectification techniques for low and high voltage outputs designed to increase the efficiency and power density in power converters. The presentation will be highlighted with design guidance and worked-out design examples from telecommunications and electric vehicle applications. Experimental hardware realizations will include 3.3V output levels with efficiencies above 90% and power densities of 120 W/cu in.

Low voltage subjects will include:

• • Circuit techniques to reduce rectifier voltage.
    
  • Schottky versus Synchronous rectification.
    
  • Synchronous rectification driving techniques.
    
  • Fast transient VRM converter solutions.
    

High voltage subjects will include:

• • Power loss due to reverse recovery.
    
  • Circuit techniques to reduce rectifier recovery losses.
    
  • Applications in Power Factor Correction circuits.
    
  • High output voltage converter applications.
    

S.4 "How to Select and Apply an Adjustable Speed AC Drive"
Prasad Enjeti, Texas A&M University; and Victor R. Stefanovic, V-S Drives
Dallas Ballroom D2

Adjustable speed AC drives have become the preferred choice in many industrial applications where controlled speed is required. At the same time, the maturing of the technology and the availability of fast and efficient solid state power semiconductor switches (IGBTs) has resulted in voltage source, PWM controlled inverters becoming a standard configuration in the power range to 800kW. While high frequency PWM control represents the most advanced drive concept, when inappropriately applied, it also generates adverse side effects.

This course provides a comprehensive methodology for specifying and selecting an ASD for a particular application. Use of this methodology in several typical industrial applications is illustrated, with a particular emphasis given to energy saving use of ASDs. Common problems, encountered in the application of modern ASDs are explained and analyzed, following which, several practical solutions are outlined. Finally, line harmonic problems, caused by the input diode rectifier are also described and several low cost solutions selected to meet IEEE 519-1992 are presented.

This seminar will be useful to PWM inverter/motor manufacturers, system designers, adjustable speed drive application engineers and users.


S.5 "Power Electronics Packaging"
Douglas C. Hopkins, State University of New York
Dallas Ballroom D3

This seminar introduces the power electronics designer to power packaging issues that influence electrical circuit design, performance, and cost in both 'chip and wire' and board level packaging. The designer will become familiar with nomenclature, types of materials, material characteristics, and packaging processes to aid in working concurrently with thermal and mechanical designers. In particular, an understanding of packaging characteristics that limit current and voltage, and cause magnetic and capacitive couplings will be given along with methods to calculate these parameters. A case study of a commercial power module will demonstrate an electrical/physical circuit design and will be used to identify the critical packaging issues and electrical design influences. A rule-of-thumb handbook for determining electrical and thermal characteristics will be provided at the session.


PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEMINARS -
SESSION TWO

Sunday, March 14, 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM

S.6 "Power Converter Design Using Power Semiconductors"
Krishna Shenai, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dallas Ballroom B

In power converter design, a strong coupling exists between device, circuit, and packaging parameters which dictate the overall system performance, reliability, and cost in many applications including power supplies, industrial drives, UPS systems, motor and engine control, residential and commercial appliances, automotive electronics, lamp ballasts, and electric utilities. The next generation of power converters/inverters need to be optimized at the application level where tradeoffs among critical circuit and device performance and reliability parameters are essential. The prime objective of this half-day short course is to provide an understanding of the nature of such interactions and tradeoffs among various power electronics circuit and system components in both hard- and soft-switching power converters.

This course will help a design engineer to optimize a converter/inverter design by providing the basic understanding to make a proper selection of components and circuit topologies prior to assembly and qualification. It will also be useful to device manufacturing engineers to make proper selection of material and device design parameters on order to develop optimum technology for a given application. Important details on how a given device technology can be deployed in several applications with minimal changes in manufacturing and design parameters will also be included.


S.7 "Avoiding the EMI 'Accident' - How to Paper-Train Your Power Supply"
Bruce Carsten, Bruce Carsten Associates, Inc.
Dallas Ballroom C

Power converter EMI can be dramatically reduced in the first design iteration if given full consideration from the beginning of the design cycle, typically with significant overall time and cost savings compared to after-the-fact 'band aid' fixes.

In a switchmode supply, only about one third of the components affecting EMI are shown on a schematic diagram and the bill of materials; another third are the parasitics associated with the components you build or buy; while the final third are generated by the physical design, PC board layout, and/or component mounting.

This advanced design seminar focuses on the reduction of EMI by design. Sources of conducted and radiated EMI in switchmode supplies are identified and numerous practical approaches to minimizing their impact are presented.


S.8 "Cross Regulation Mechanisms in Multiple-Output Forward and Flyback Converters"
Bob Erickson and Dragan Miksimovic, University of Colorado
Dallas Ballroom D1

In development of a multiple-output power supply, design of the transformer typically requires substantial engineering effort, and can represent the largest risk to success of the project. There is a need for increased understanding of the mechanisms that govern behavior of multiple-output converters.

This seminar focuses on the effects of magnetics on cross regulation in forward and flyback converters. The extended cantilever form of the transformer model will be described, including laboratory measurement methods and experimental examples. This model is used to describe observed waveforms of multiple-output flyback and forward converters. It leads to a qualitative explanation of cross regulation mechanisms, including peak detection, discontinuous conduction mode, and the effects of voltage-clamp snubbers. Approximate analytical expressions for voltage variations and mode boundaries can also be obtained, together with models suitable for computer simulation.

Attendees will learn how to measure and model multiple-winding transformers, and will gain an understanding of cross regulation mechanisms. The seminar will be presented at an intermediate level. Knowledge of basic single-output forward and flyback converter operation will be assumed.


S.9 "DSP Control of Advanced Motor Drives"
M. Ehsani, Texas A&M University; and M.S. Arefeen and I. Panahi, Texas Instruments, Inc.
Dallas Ballroom D2

Cost sensitive motor drive applications like White Goods (washing machines, freezers, etc.) and HVAC equipment have seen many improvements over the years but, in most cases, the motor drives still employ relatively simple design and implementation. Until now, these simple implementations failed to capitalize on the benefits of advanced algorithms and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) controllers were avoided as both too costly and lacking the appropriate mix of motor control peripherals.

Today, however, the prices of DSPs have dropped from hundreds of dollars to approximately five dollars, and they can now integrate a variety of sophisticated peripherals suitable for motor drive implementation. The goal of this tutorial is to demonstrate the many benefits offered by these newer generations of DSPs.

We will first identify the architectural benefits of a DSP, particularly with respect to the difference between a common DSP and one defined as control application specific. Major on-chip power electronics peripherals will be discussed along with typical digital techniques to implement various software building blocks. These building blocks will include Pulse Width Modulation, Analog-to-Digital conversion, Speed sensing, etc. The tutorial will end with case studies of two complete implementations using the TMS320F240 (A fixed point DSP controller from Texas Instruments.)


S.10 "Practical Considerations for MOSFET Gate Drive Techniques in High Speed, Switch-Mode Applications"
Laszlo Balogh, Unitrode; and Jim Walker, Walker Technology
Dallas Ballroom D3

This seminar will be an informative collection of topics related to high speed gate drive circuits offering a 'one-stop-shop' from simple to complex problems which will be of interest to power electronics engineers at all levels of experience. An overview of MOSFET technology and switching operation will be given in order to understand the subsequent concerns in switching applications. Commonly used drive circuits will be described with an emphasis on performance under transient and extreme operating conditions.

Topics covered will include a description of the dynamics of MOSFET switching, critical parameters for turn-on and turn-off at high speed, particularly with respect to ZVS and ZVT switching. Both ground referenced and floating, or high-side, drive circuits will be described, including the implications of high-voltage level shifting. AC and isolated gate drives will be covered describing both capacitive and transformer coupling techniques, and optimum circuits for synchronous rectification will also be introduced. Several circuits will be illustrated with detailed, step-by-step design examples to compliment the discussion.


PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEMINAR -
SESSION THREE

Monday, March 15, 8:30 AM - 12:00 Noon

S.11 "Using Computer Aided Algebra for Power Supply Analysis & Design"
Richard M. Bass, Georgia Institute of Technology; and Jian Sun, Rockwell Collins
Dallas Ballroom A1

This seminar is intended for an audience which has little or no previous experience with computer aided algebra (CAA) or symbolic computation (SC) software, however, some
previous power supply design experience is recommended. The use of computers for symbolic computation in power electronics is not widespread, and the purpose of this seminar is to introduce the basic principles and scope of application for CAA systems and to demonstrate their utility in power electronics. An electronic copy of all examples used in the seminar as well as additional application programs will be distributed to the attendees.

Symbolic computation tools, such as Mathematica and Maple, first came into widespread use in the late 1980s. Today, several general purpose CAD programs, such as Matlab and MathCad, have also incorporated symbolic capabilities. Commercially available CAA software packages will be surveyed. Examples which highlight the utility and power of symbolic computation and its limitations will be presented.

Specific examples will be presented in the context of switching power supply design. A program which automatically generates a state space model from a netlist will be presented. Automatic generation of averaged models, small-signal models, and transfer functions will be demonstrated. An analytical approach to control loop design will also be presented along with case studies.


S.12 "Passive Lossless Snubbers for High Frequency PWM Converters"
Sam Ben-Yaakov and Gregory Ivensky, Ben-Gurion University
Dallas Ballroom A2

The main difficulty of operating PWM converters at high frequencies is the increase of switching losses which are approximately linear with switching frequency. Lossless snubbers can reduce switching losses by shaping the turn-on and/or turn-off transitions to be of a zero-voltage or zero-current nature. Much attention has been directed in recent years to active, dual switch snubbers which are indeed highly effective in reducing switching losses. However, economic consideration calls for simpler and more cost effective solutions. Consequently, passive lossless snubbers become again a viable design choice.

This seminar covers the theoretical aspects of passive lossless snubbers for switches and diodes. Starting with the main causes of switching losses such as the finite rise and fall times, leakage inductance and reverse recovery problems, the seminar covers both 'classical' and new snubber topologies. The main body of the seminar concentrates on the practical aspects of the design including resonant components and analysis of the limitations that the snubbers impose (e.g. minimum duty cycle). Special attention is paid to the Boost converter operating as an active PFC front-end. A specific design example of a snubber for a 1 kW Boost converter is discussed in detail and experimental results are presented.

This seminar covers both fundamental and advanced topics. As such, it could be of interest to novices as well as experienced designers. The latter group may find special interest in the analytical treatment of key design issues such as magnetic components and the new experimental verifications that will be presented.


S.13 "The ABC's of Planar Magnetic Design"
Ed Bloom, e/j BLOOM Associates, Inc.
Dallas Ballroom A3

In a concerted effort to reduce the profile of power magnetic components, many power supply designers are turning to the use of planar, or flat, construction methods, involving the use of low height ferrite core structures and windings implemented in printed-circuit formats. Planar construction approaches have many advantages over conventional 'hard-wired' techniques, including (a) Precise control of parasitic leakage inductances and winding capacitance values, (b) Lower cost of fabrication and assembly and (c) no need for wiring bobbins.

This seminar has been structured to provide basic information on the design and development aspects of planar power magnetics. Topics to be covered include general guidelines for core selection, modification, plus optimal custom core design approaches. Rules of thumb for printed-circuit windings design will also be discussed, with emphasis on planar winding construction to minimize resistance and associated copper losses. Some innovative applications of planar magnetic components will also be presented, including low-cost means for control of leakage inductances for coupled-inductor designs and new multi-chambered planar magnetics structures which permit transformer and inductive elements of switch mode systems to be easily combined with subsequent savings in core material.


S.14 "Understanding the Basics of Vector-Controlled Induction Motor Drives"
Ned Mohan, University of Minnesota
Dallas Ballroom D1

This tutorial is intended for professionals who wish to get a clear understanding of AC drives in using and/or designing them for efficient and high performance applications. The educators will be able to teach electric drives as a first course, without the prerequisite of electric machine theory.

The electric drives market is growing at a healthy rate of 25% per year as users discover the benefits of adjustable speed operation. However, understanding their operation and design is impeded by old-fashioned approaches which are better suited for line-fed AC motors. In this tutorial, a new but tested approach is presented wherein the explanation of space-vector theory is simplified and then applied from the very beginning of the discussion. Tutorial attendees will gain the following benefits:

• A physical and fundamental understanding of torque-production and voltage-induction in AC motors for their control in efficient and high-performance applications. And,
  
• Continuity to much more sophisticated concepts of vector control and voltage-space-vector pulse-width modulated inverters in AC motor drives.
  

This tutorial is designed for an entry-level audience. However, even those with advanced understanding of drives will find this tutorial very useful.


S.15 "Patents, Prior Art Searching, and Intellectual Property for Power Electronic Engineers"
Rudy Severns, Springtime Enterprises, Inc.
Dallas Ballroom D2

The work of an engineer is not limited to the product that goes out the door. Of even greater importance are the concepts, ideas, design innovations, and manufacturing processes that make a product possible. We live in a world where these products of the engineers work and imagination have great value and are actively sought by other practitioners. It is of key importance that the practicing engineer and the organization for which he or she may work, know how to protect these resources and also to not transgress on the protected work of others. In a world where engineering labor is expensive and in short supply it is also important to not waste time reinventing, again and again, the same ideas.

This seminar is intended to provide an overview of these subjects for the practicing engineer and includes:

• • The concept of intellectual property
    
  • A short history of the basic concepts underlying the technology of power electronics
    
  • Examples of sequential reinvention
    
  • How to locate earlier relevant work
    
  • What is a patent
    
  • How does the patent office actually work
    
  • How and why should you obtain patents for your work
    
  • How do you conduct a patent search
    
  • What are trade secrets
    
  • What are trademarks
    
  • How to discipline yourself to document proof of invention
    
  • Creation of an in-house intellectual property protection plan
    

RAP SESSIONS

Profit Margins – The Power Supply Industry Game of Limbo

Moderator: Doug McIlvoy

Power supply companies do not generally come to mind when considering investment options based on profit growth. Indeed, PC makers such as Dell and Compaq reap significant profits and command impressive market valuations even though they are in one of the most price competitive electronics businesses on the planet. Why doesn't the power supply industry follow suit? Is there anything that anybody can do to make this a more profitable business? Can the PSMA play a role? Come share your misery and your views in what's sure to be a lively discussion.

Where is Power Electronics Technology Going and Who'll Take Us There?

Moderator: Doug Hopkins

Throughout the 70's, 80's and early 90's, technology advances could be measured by increases in switching frequencies and power density. These advances were made possible by numerous advances in component, material, circuit, assembly, etc., technology, but frequency and density were the de facto gauges of technical superiority. These two venerable measures seem to have fallen by the wayside of late and may no longer be valid. On which battlefields will future technological wars be fought? Recent publications suggest that the new frontier isn't really electronic at all – it's the packaging and (gasp!) mechanical design. Will new manufacturing techniques be necessary? Don't be afraid to prognosticate with the rest of our panel of experts in this session.

Is APEC Serving The Needs of It's Constituents and Living Up To It's Name?

Moderator: Ed Bloom

APEC was started with the express intent of providing the practicing engineer with practical information which can be readily Applied in the workplace. With this mantra, APEC has grown into what some call the premier annual event of the power electronics industry. But there are critical voices as well who are rightly concerned about several issues. Have we lost the Applied flavor that we seek to provide? Are we as friendly as we could be to guests, spouses and other casual participants? Is the conference content what it needs to be? Does the format still work? In this unique session, we take an introspective look at APEC itself, not so much to identify areas of weakness and concern, but to have a public debate on positive recommendations that can be presented to the APEC 2000 committee for possible action.

Power Talk! – The Very First APEC Call-In Radio Show (except it's in person)

Moderator: Craig Smith

Talk radio has swept the nation. A host of syndicated call-in radio talk shows offer the public a ready forum for expressing their views and adding to the national conversation. Why not apply the idea to APEC? So, got a problem that you need some advice with? Some nagging issue hanging around that you can't quite seem to beat? Want some free advice (and worth every penny)? Then this is the session for you! We've assembled a panel of 5 industry experts from a variety of backgrounds to field any question on any power electronic industry related topic that you can think of. Topology, application, pricing, international tariffs, components, you name it, we'll have an opinion (but of course). If we remain true to the talk radio form, you may wind up getting the best advice from audience members. Don't miss this zany discussion.

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