Technology headlines are dominated by terms like artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, “big data” and other trendy elements of the “digital revolution”. But under the surface, the hardware that enables these technologies places ever increasing demands on power circuitry: Your cell phone is expected to charge in an hour and last for days. Power dissipation is a limiting factor in computer server density. And the countless bucks, boosts, and linear regulators in your vehicle have to run over extreme temperature ranges, with high efficiency, and do their job quietly, meeting stringent electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements. This talk will discuss trends in modern power electronics and how these challenges are being addressed. Practical application examples will be shown, as well as a bit of history and helpful hints for your own projects.

Mr. Mark Thoren joined Linear Technology (now a part of Analog Devices) in 2001 as an applications engineer supporting precision data converters. He's since held various roles in mixed-signal applications including evaluation systems, training, technical publications, and customer support. Mark recently joined Analog Devices' System Development Group, where he works on reference designs and developing educational material for the Analog Devices University Program. Mark has a BS in Agricultural Mechanical Engineering and MSEE, both from University of Maine.