High-Level Overview
The Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC) 2013 was the 28th annual IEEE-sponsored event focused on the practical aspects of power electronics, held March 17-21, 2013, at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.[2][4][5] It featured peer-reviewed technical paper sessions on topics like ZVS DC-DC converters, PV inverters, and high-performance devices; industry sessions on emerging technologies; professional development courses; and a large exposition showcasing products from companies such as Cree, ON Semiconductor, Transphorm, and Renesas in areas like SiC MOSFETs, GaN devices, and energy-efficient power solutions.[1][2][3][4][6] APEC served power electronics professionals, researchers, manufacturers, and engineers seeking knowledge on ac/dc power, motor drives, inverters, and related fields, fostering networking and innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.[2][3][9]
Origin Story
APEC began as an IEEE initiative in the late 1980s, with the 2013 edition marking its 28th year, evolving from a niche technical gathering into the premier global event for applied power electronics.[3][4] The 2013 conference built on prior success by expanding its scope to include cutting-edge research presentations, such as the paper "Generalized DC-Link Voltage Balancing Control Method for Multilevel Inverters" by researchers from MERL and others, alongside industry exhibits from leading firms.[1][4] Pivotal moments included growing exposition participation—later events like APEC 2026 already had 280 exhibitors—and sessions chaired by experts from Delta-Q, Emerson, Siemens, and Transphorm, reflecting its maturation into a hub for academic-industry collaboration.[2][3][4]
Core Differentiators
- Technical Depth with Peer-Reviewed Content: Offered lecture and poster sessions for in-depth discussions on research like multilevel inverters and PV micro-inverters, distinguishing it from purely commercial events.[1][3][4]
- Industry-Focused Exposition: Featured live demos of next-gen tech, including Cree's SiC modules, Transphorm's 600-V GaN HEMTs, and ON Semiconductor's LED/motor control solutions, enabling hands-on evaluation.[2][6]
- Balanced Programming: Combined plenary talks by leaders (e.g., MIT's John Kassakian), professional courses, and presentation-only industry sessions for practical, accessible learning without formal papers.[3][8][9]
- Networking Ecosystem: Attracted engineers, executives, and academics for business connections, as praised by attendees from Magna-Power and QorTek for its knowledge-centric value.[3]
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
APEC 2013 rode the wave of power electronics advancements critical to electrification trends, including renewable energy (PV inverters, smart grids), EVs (motor drives, SiC/GaN semiconductors), and efficient consumer electronics (dc/dc converters).[2][3][4] Its timing aligned with SiC and GaN commercialization—e.g., Cree's production-ready modules and Transphorm's HEMT milestones—amid rising demand for compact, high-efficiency systems in LED lighting, white goods, and UPS equipment.[2] Market forces like energy efficiency mandates and renewable integration favored APEC's role in bridging research (e.g., voltage balancing for inverters) with industry demos, influencing the ecosystem by accelerating tech adoption and standards.[1][3][7]
Quick Take & Future Outlook
APEC 2013 solidified the conference's status as the "Mecca" for power electronics stakeholders, setting the stage for its ongoing dominance with annual iterations drawing global leaders.[3] Looking ahead, APEC will shape trajectories in wide-bandgap semiconductors, AI-driven power systems, and grid modernization, evolving its influence as electrification scales—much like 2013's GaN/SiC previews became industry standards. This enduring platform continues empowering professionals to tackle tomorrow's efficiency challenges, echoing its foundational mission in applied innovation.[3]