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.

Plant parameters change mostly due to ageing of the plant or changes in the load. This means that PID constants are no longer optimal and need to be updated. The paper describes how a genetic algorithm could be used to update PID constants so that optimal control could be maintained.

The historical development of power electronic converters to control electrical machines is traced up to the present state of the technology. The fundamental possibilities to control average power in a switching mode are considered and the concepts switching function, converter topology and converter structure defined. A systematic approach to developing more complicated topologies and structures for singular and composite converters is discussed and application to motion control systems given. A functional classification of motion control converters is also related to the switching nature of the power processing, illustrating the fundamental dilemma of this kind of highly efficient power control. The different control possibilities of using power electronic converters with electrical machines in motion control applications (DC drives, AC drives) are reviewed systematically. The paper does not attempt to compile a comprehensive list of all possible converter circuits and variations but focusses on generic issues and technologies. The switching technology in converters and its limitations is related to snubberless, snubbed, and resonant transition-type operation, with reference also to switch drive and converter protection technology. Some future generic possibilities related to electromagnetic integration of switching converters are discussed, also in relation to a motion control application.>