Extending the process limits of laser polymer welding with high-brilliance beam sources (recent status and prospects of POLYBRIGHT)
Alexander M. Olowinsky, Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik

Abstract:
Plastics play an important role in almost every facet of our lives and constitute a wide variety of products, from everyday products such as food and beverage packaging, over furniture and building materials to high tech products in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, white goods, medical and other sectors. The PolyBright project covers the whole process chain for laser based plastic part assembly and includes laser companies, optics suppliers, material and processing specialists as well as machine suppliers. The paper will give insight in the newest results and the next steps of this project.

Power electronics for hybrid and all electronic automobiles
Tetsu Kachi, Toyota Central Research and Development Labs., Inc.

Abstract:
Power control circuits play important roles in hybrid vehicle (HV) and electric vehicle (EV). A main motor is controlled by the power control unit (PCU), which determines the driving performance and efficiency. The PCU for the motor consists of inverter and control circuit. For EVs, a battery charge system is needed. AC-DC and DC-DC converters are used for the charge system. To improve the efficiency and the system cost, higher performance power devices are strongly required. GaN has high potential for post Si power devices. Lateral and vertical structure devices are now developing. Both structures are suitable for the automotive applications.