Powering the Future: Advanced Energy at APEC 2025

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) and with this landmark, it’s important to reflect on how the industry has evolved, and what key trends to watch out for at the show. 

 

Having been involved with APEC for many years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how power electronics has evolved to meet the growing demands of efficiency, density and precision. Indeed, this year is my 32nd APEC, and at the show Advanced Energy (AE) is bringing our latest innovations. As ever, our focus remains on delivering precision power solutions that enable customer innovation across industries, from semiconductors and industrial automation to medical applications and telecommunications.

 

Over the past four decades, APEC has transformed from a small technical conference into what is now THE premier global event for applied power electronics. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that even relatively recently, the technologies on display today would have featured in little more than theoretical future gazing: AI-driven power optimization, high-efficiency DC-DC converters, and high-voltage GaN applications. 

 

At Advanced Energy, we’ve been at the forefront of many of these advances witnessed at APEC over the years. From highly precise RF plasma control for semiconductor fabrication to multi-kW configurable supplies for industrial automation and cardiac-floating supplies for medical systems, our solutions have continuously evolved to address the industry’s most complex challenges. The growing need for higher power densities, sustainability and intelligent power management is shaping the future, and APEC remains the ideal forum to discuss these trends.

Looking ahead, several industry trends are set to shape the next era of power electronics. The rapid rise of AI is driving step changes in power ratings at rack and shelf levels. This in turn drives the need for more dense and more efficient power solutions, enabled in part by wide bandgap semiconductor devices and advanced cooling techniques, including liquid cooling.

 

Sustainability remains a key focus, as companies balance demanding processes with environmental responsibility. Advanced Energy continues to develop high-efficiency power delivery solutions that help customers meet stringent regulatory and energy-saving goals. 

 

Additionally, high-voltage and GaN-based power innovations are poised to revolutionize the industry. AE’s acquisition of Airity Technologies in 2024 strengthens its high-voltage power conversion capabilities, leveraging Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to achieve unprecedented power density and response times. These advances will enhance performance across semiconductor, medical and industrial applications.

 

And as power supplies and power systems become more dependent on digital technology, firmware and software, cybersecurity at the product level is becoming an important topic. Advanced Energy is contributing to an Industry Session (IS20 on Thursday morning) discussing the needs for cybersecurity in power supplies, converters and systems.

 

APEC 2025 takes place from March 16-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

 

AE is delighted to be part of APEC's 40-year legacy and to contribute to shaping its future. Whether you're interested in technical presentations, live demos, or one-on-one discussions, we invite you to connect with us at the show.

 

We’d love to hear about your applications and how we can help solve issues relating to power. Visit us at Booth #407. For more about our presence at APEC 2025, visit APEC 2025 | Advanced Energy.