The Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC 2022), being held March 20-24, will host its series of RAP Sessions – a perineal favorite at the conference – on Tuesday evening, March 22nd, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Houston Convention Center. Each RAP Session consists of a moderator and two expert panels that espouse opposing approaches to a key design topic. Each panel advocates their position and, afterward, the moderator directs questions to the panelists with input from the audience. Always exciting and sometimes contentious, RAP Sessions offer a fun way to learn alternative perspectives from professional peers.
Here is a quick summary of the three APEC 2022 RAP Sessions:
RAP Session 1: Switch Capacitor vs. Inductor Based Topologies
In the search for higher power density, higher efficiency, and lower cost, power supply designers have pursued a wide range of alternative topologies. The panelists for this session will contrast different topologies that are centered on either switched capacitor structures or inductors.

RAP Session 2: Challenges and Potential of “AI Based Design” vs. “Conventional Design”
The past few years have seen a remarkable growth in artificial intelligence in many applications. The panel will discuss aspects of power electronics design that AI can improve or at least provide keener insight, and where traditional design methods remain superior or necessary.

RAP Session 3: Magnetics in IC vs. Magnetics in PCB
As the journey to miniaturize the power supply and quest for higher efficiency continues, integration of magnetics creates new challenges and opportunities. Come join the panel of experts in a spirited debate to get your questions answered, learn about the state of the art and explore the future of Magnetics integration!
All attendees to APEC 2022 – those with full conference passes and those with free exhibit-only credentials – are invited to participate in RAP sessions. To create a collegial environment, attendees can avail themselves of complementary snacks and beverages and bring to them their seats in the conference room.

For more information about the Rap Sessions, please go to: http://apec-conf.org/conference/sessions/rap/. To register for the APEC 2022 conference and exhibit, please go to: apec-conf.org/conference/registration.