Electromagnetic energy propagation in power electronic converters: toward future electromagnetic integration

Historically, it came about that the analysis and design of the power electronic converter center around currents and voltages in the circuits. During the last decade, the electromagnetic character of power electronic converters became more important due to the noise that the switches generate, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards have been put in place to control the electromagnetic noise levels. In this contribution, it is argued that coming to grips with the electromagnetic operation of switch-mode power conversion presents a barrier of knowledge that will have to be crossed in order to achieve future meaningful innovation in switch-mode power conversion. Rigorous electromagnetic analysis using realistic parameters are used to indicate important issues relating fundamental limits and technological paths for future generations of power electronic converters. Electromagnetic integration in three dimensions creates new possibilities to increase power densities.