Switching Power Converters, 2nd Edition

1	Introduction to Medium-and High-Power Switching Converters

1.1    MARKET FOR MEDIUM- AND HIGH-POWER CONVERTERS

1.1.1    TECHNOLOGY STATUS

Power electronic converters have been one of the fastest-growing market sectors in the electronics industry over the last 40 years [1]. Power electronic devices are at the heart of many modern industrial and consumer applications and account for $18 billion per year in direct sales, with an estimated $570 billion through sales of other products that include power electronic modules.

The main application areas for power electronics are in power quality and protection, switch-mode power conversion, batteries, and portable power sources, automotive electronics, solar energy technology, communications power, ...