GaN Wine Lounge

In this episode of GaN Wine Lounge, host Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio talks with Florent Liffran, CEO of BrightLoop, about how GaN technology enables ultra-compact, high power density converters for demanding applications like Formula 1 and Formula E. They explore the transition from silicon to EPC GaN, packaging challenges, efficiency vs. density, and the future of high-voltage GaN power architectures.

In this video from APEC in San Antonio, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio sat down with Prof. Alex Huang from the University of Texas at Austin to discuss the evolution of power electronics. They talked about the transition from early MOSFETs and IGBTs to superjunction devices and the latest GaN innovations. Alex shared how GaN had already transformed AI data centers, high‑density power conversion, and emerging applications in space and fusion power, offering insights and advice for young engineers.

Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio here at the APEC conference in San Antonio, Texas, speaking with Nick Cataldo, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at EPC. In this video, we dive into the evolution of GaN technology, from its early niche applications like LIDAR and wireless power to its growing role in AI servers, automotive, drones, and motor drives. Nick shares insights from over 35 years in power electronics, explains how GaN is challenging traditional silicon and silicon carbide, and introduces EPC’s latest innovations, including the new EPC91121 motor drive board and EPC 2366 device.

In this video from APEC in San Antonio, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio interviews Professor Nihal Kularatna from the University of Waikato, a renowned expert with over 50 years of experience in electronics engineering. The discussion explores the wide bandgap revolution, highlighting how GaN devices are transforming power converter design. Professor Kularatna explains his work on supercapacitor-assisted converters, the growing power challenges of AI and data centers, and his vision for DC microgrids, DC-powered homes, and renewable-centric energy systems.

In this video, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio met Roy Dagher, Technology & Market Analyst for compound semiconductors at Yole Group, during APEC in San Antonio at the EPC booth. They discussed the evolution of the GaN power electronics market, focusing on reliability, supply chain maturity, and manufacturing challenges. The conversation covered key applications such as fast chargers, AI data centers, and automotive, and highlighted how GaN has been rapidly moving from consumer devices into high‑power infrastructure markets.

At APEC in San Antonio, Texas, the world’s leading power electronics conference, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio met with Alix Paultre, IEEE editor and veteran technology observer, for a wide-ranging conversation in the GaN Wine Lounge at EPC. Alix shares his journey from Cold War electronic warfare and signal intelligence to covering advanced gallium nitride (GaN) solutions, explaining how GaN is transforming power architectures, efficiency, and power density. They discuss EPC’s role in legitimizing GaN, where GaN will win decisively, and why power is always “personal” - from data centers and consumer devices to winemaking, plastics, and many other real-world applications.

At the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) in San Antonio - Texas, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio of Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) spoke with Lee Goldberg, contributing editor at Electronic Design, about the evolution of GaN and its growing impact on power electronics. Goldberg highlighted EPC’s pioneering role in advancing enhancement-mode GaN and helping move the industry from early uncertainty toward broader adoption beyond silicon. He also shared perspectives on sustainability, integration trends, and the enduring importance of human insight in engineering journalism during a time of rapid technological change.

In this video, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio welcomes Chaofeng Cai, COO of InnoPhy, to the GaN Wine Lounge to explore the future of GaN-based power electronics. Chaofeng shares his professional journey and how it led to the creation of Innphy, then explains why GaN technology is central to the company’s strategy. The discussion covers system-level advantages and challenges of GaN, InnPhy close collaboration with EPC, and their 48 V roadmap for AI servers, automotive, and motor drives. Chaofeng also highlights emerging innovations and offers a clear message to engineers still hesitant about adopting GaN.

In this episode of GaN Wine Lounge, Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio hosts Dan Sable, CEO of VPT, Inc. and pioneer in high‑reliability DC-DC power converters for space and defense. They explore how space power electronics evolved from conservative designs to advanced GaN-based architectures, why radiation tolerance is crucial in orbit, and how the VPT–EPC Space partnership accelerated GaN adoption. Dan also shares his vision for future power converters in mega constellations and deep space missions, where cost, reliability, and GaN will define the next era.