Power Electronics: Driving efficiency and optimization in electrification

Whether it is an electric vehicle charging station, a renewable energy system, or an industrial automation system, power electronics is the key in making sure energy is converted, regulated, and distributed in the most optimal way.

As the requirements of electronics keeps evolving and getting more complex, solutions must follow. Read more below on how power electronics differ from general electronics, and how partnering with a specialist changes the whole game concerning efficient production.

Meet new needs with advanced power electronics

It is a somewhat common belief in many industries that producing power electronics is as straightforward as manufacturing general electronics. The truth is slightly more complicated than that. Power electronics are separated from general electronics by their capacity to manage elevated power and voltage levels. Moreover, power electronics is often the key to solving many emerging issues.

“Power electronics is here to stay, but progress is constant and new solutions are needed. For example, as the demand for compact, yet high power designs increases, reducing the size of power electronic devices while maintaining or improving their efficiency remains a significant engineering challenge.”, explains Jari Takala, General Manager at Kemptron.

“As devices evolve, many overlook the critical role of effective thermal management – combining materials, design, and advanced cooling technologies. If misunderstood, this can lead to underperforming products and dissatisfied end users.”, continues Kimmo Liuksiala, Quality Manager at Kemptron.

Neglecting factors like thermal management and design optimization can result in products that do not meet performance standards. Involving a power electronics specialist is crucial, as they help optimize the production process, ensuring that products perform reliably and meet customer expectations.

The pressures of high-mix, low-volume production

Companies increasingly face pressure to produce highly specialized, technical products in lower volumes to meet niche market demands. Many devices require custom-designed components that must meet high performance needs and safety standards. Precise pre-planning is essential to avoid delays and ensure efficient production of high-quality products.

“Making changes midway in the production can be challenging and costly. It can also result in delays on top of increased expenses. These challenges can be avoided by including an experienced electronics manufacturing partner early in the game.”, says Kimmo Liuksiala.

Kemptron specializes in manufacturing power electronics and developing manufacturing specifically for high-mix, low-volume productions. However, the best kind of EMS partnership extends beyond that. With a problem-solving, collaborative, and customer-centric approach and extensive know-how, Kemptron offers uniquely valuable partnering that tackles the challenges faced in various industries.

“Our way of working is always customer first. This involves open and transparent communications, maintaining strong, sustainable supply chains, evolving innovative solutions and ways of working. We work with complex and demanding tasks, but we always see them as opportunities for optimal outcomes.”, says Jari Takala.

Partnerships are the key to success

Power electronics is a complex topic that requires specialization. Partnering with an EMS provider who has specialized experience in low-volume, high-mix power electronics is crucial for achieving quality, technical, and sustainability goals. The right partner can guide companies through optimally manufacturable design and sustainable practices, ensuring that products meet quality standards and environmental regulations.

“In short, successful integration of power electronics into production allows companies to dedicate more time to their core expertise, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.”, Jari Takala sums up.