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Distribution


How innovative electronics can contribute to efficient energy use


features. Look at renewables where i.e. intelligent electronic systems for voltage conversion and grid infeed, for integration of energy storage systems and for assuring grid stability play a key role. Or take the automotive industry and think of power electronics in the form of electronic battery management systems, intelligent wiring systems and control units, as well as highly integrated electric drives that increase the range of electric cars.


Andreas Falke T


he transition to renewable energy supply is the great challenge of our time. The key to success is the


(further) development of technologies in all areas of renewable energy, as well as the development of high-performing yet energy-efficient systems - innovative electronics will be a key driver in achieving that. Andreas Falke, managing director of the FBDi German component distributors’ association, explains how component distributors can help to tap new potential based on their experience with products and applications.


What is the role of innovative electronics in energy efficiency? Wherever electric power is needed it has to be distributed, converted or controlled. That is precisely where energy-efficient microelectronics and power electronics come into play. Intelligent power and control electronics optimised for reduced energy consumption will be the determining factor for energy-saving devices with the same or even improved


Does that mean everything depends on microelectronics? It’s not only about microelectronics, but it can make significant contributions, as even a small gain in efficiency in a single device can multiply into a large saving in the overall system: The use of state-of-the- art power electronics in power converters alone can reduce energy consumption in the EU by around 16 TW/h per year, thereby avoiding around 3.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions - roughly equivalent to the annual output of a large nuclear power plant.


Today's highly developed electronics systems are reaching their limits in terms of miniaturisation. Is a further reduction in energy consumption possible? There is potential, e.g. through new circuit design concepts, and by increasing integration density. This is all with a view to “More than Moore” development, including the coupling of microelectronic systems with sensor and actuator functions. New materials in power electronics are expected to provide a further boost: away from silicon semiconductors towards materials with large band gaps. For instance, functional semiconductor structures based on gallium nitride exhibit higher performance than silicon at higher voltages, temperatures and switching frequencies.


This enables higher energy efficiency and more compact systems.


What contribution can component distributors make? Consider systems that control and switch electrical energy with electronic components. High-current power supplies, current and voltage sensors or control units are often added. For companies to develop highly available, highly reliable and energy- efficient systems or devices, all these components must work together smoothly while achieving maximum efficiency. Often it is not the energy consumption of individual components that is decisive, but their interaction. I'd call it a system view: To ultimately achieve a defined performance value, the components must all match each other optimally. This cannot be achieved with components from a single manufacturer. And that is precisely where distribution with its comprehensive product know-how about components, the overall applications and particular demands of the spedific market comes into its own.


What does the future hold for component distributors? A decline has just been reported, and major manufacturers are beginning to turn their backs on them. In my opinion, that is a short-term view. I am convinced that this trend will prove not to be permanent, and that distribution will regain its former strong position. It's no secret that people in Germany are talking down the mood, rather than encouraging a rethink! Where is the awareness of our own qualities and abilities? Yet that's exactly what we need in order to open up new markets. Over recent decades, distributors have become specialists in their target markets. Today they are manufacturer-independent advisers to buyers and developers, and offer market-specific know-how and technical expertise which is crucial for manufacturers’ development. Let us be honest, what manufacturer can offer such in-depth expertise in system design?


So there is every reason to believe that the component market will recover?


Distributors’ service portfolios - ranging from components and availability, EoL, traceability, through to logistics - will also be vital for future markets. This knowledge is bundled in the FBDi which, together with its members, disseminates specialist knowledge through workshops, serves as a platform for constructive interchange on key topics, and supports compliance with standards and ecodesign regulations - including on the basis of the FBDi Environmental and Conformity Compass. The new EU directives, in particular, are increasing demand for innovative concepts. I believe there is enough potential for distributors to play a driving role in this future market based on their expertise.


fbdi.de www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics March 2020 23


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