[Editor's Note] Digital technology has brought us the great gift of convenience and increased productivity. It has ushered in a world where everything that happens in the digital world can be realized in the real world. To achieve this, humanity needs more stable and efficient semiconductor solutions , as well as power and sensor technologies to optimize system performance and measure and detect everything in the real world. In this field, Infineon is actively developing next-generation silicon and wide-band gap power portfolios and cutting-edge sensor products based on 40 years of know-how and deep system understanding, and recently published a white paper covering all of its power and sensor products to help developers find the solution that best suits their needs. Accordingly, this magazine has prepared a space to examine the application fields and application cases of power and sensor semiconductors based on Infineon 's ' Power and sensing Selection guide 2021 '.

■ Home appliances , intuitive_content=pssg+promo+page&utm_term=korea"> Power with a focus on sensors, quietness, and energy efficiency

The rapid rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled home appliances to become part of smart home automation networks. This requires appliance design to be quieter and more energy-efficient, with intuitive sensor-based operation, and to seamlessly connect products to form expansive digital networks with embedded intelligence and communication.

Accordingly, solutions for home appliances are focused on achieving the highest efficiency levels and smallest form factors based on the smartest power design, while significantly improving the carbon footprint of the appliances.

■ Residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require stable, smooth starting and vibration suppression.

Today's indoor air conditioning units must meet the demands of being smart, compact, powerful, and energy-efficient. Because they are used in private homes, quiet air conditioning systems are highly demanded. Features such as reliable and smooth startup, a wide range of operating speeds, and vibration suppression are essential.

Additionally, they must be easily and securely integrated with home automation networks to support remote control and condition monitoring. Designing an indoor air conditioning unit that boasts these capabilities requires everything from low-vibration components and quiet compressors to sensorless, field-based control with reliable fan control. The semiconductor solutions enabling these features must also be energy-efficient and accommodate new form factors. Our system solution offerings reduce time to market while providing proven integration, comprehensive functionality, and robust protection. Lastly, excellent price-performance is key, as are new features that support emerging smart device designs.




■Induction cooktops, focusing on safety and energy efficiency

Induction cooktops are one of the most advanced technological innovations, utilizing electromagnetic fields to enable easy and efficient cooking. Demand for induction cooktops is expected to steadily increase in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing consumer safety awareness and rapid urbanization.

Clean, sealed surfaces and concerns about energy efficiency are high on the list of requirements. Many electrical products have clear energy efficiency ratings, so many environmentally conscious consumers choose them based solely on these criteria. Induction cooking offers many advantages over alternatives. It is up to 40% more efficient than gas cooktops and boils a liter of water much faster than a gas cooktop.

Furthermore, a high level of safety is ensured by ensuring a suitable cooking vessel that does not generate heat from the beginning. Designers often face high field failure rates due to system disturbances, and the stove replacement and servicing costs are very high. On the other hand, the competitive nature of the market increases cost pressures and limits the use of protective features.




■ Refrigerator , Low noise and high efficiency

Refrigeration solutions require designing compact drive solutions that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and have lower noise and higher efficiency.

Today's consumers are increasingly concerned about more than just energy consumption and noise levels; compact designs combined with maximum storage space are also playing an increasingly important role. There's also a growing demand for intelligent devices that can be easily integrated into home networks.

From a manufacturer's perspective, the challenge is meeting stricter energy efficiency regulations while ensuring form factor and cost savings. Therefore, intelligent, compact, energy- and cost-efficient drive solutions for refrigerators and freezers meet high customer requirements.



■rea">Responsive smart speaker, listens better, hears better, and responds more intuitively

A smart speaker is a type of speaker and voice command device with an integrated virtual assistant that provides intuitive interaction and hands-free activation with the help of a single keyword or wake word.

Smart speakers, once a household novelty, are increasingly becoming the norm. This rapid adoption has led to rising user expectations, and frustration with devices that don't understand or hear commands has led to low usage and hindered the full potential of these devices. Components such as MEMS microphones, touch controllers, and new technologies such as radar are key to improving the user experience in the smart speaker segment.



■Infineon Achieves Highest Efficiency and Smallest Form Factor Based on Smart Power Design

Infineon 's components and system solutions give smart and connected appliances more intelligence, enabling them to safely sense, control and connect. Additionally, it can achieve the highest efficiency levels and smallest form factors based on the smartest power design, significantly improving the carbon footprint of the appliance.

The CIPOS™ family is the optimal solution for highly integrated compressor drives, while individual solutions are the best choice when layout flexibility and thermal performance optimization are key factors.

iMOTION™ is a dedicated motor control product. For auxiliary power supplies, CoolSET™ strengthens our power portfolio by providing improved robustness and performance.

Infineon 's discrete IGBTs are designed for induction heating applications.term=korea">PSoC® is a microcontroller for system control, AIROC™ Wi-Fi & Combos products and XENSIV™ sensors enable ultra-compact, powerful and reliable systems that consume less power and provide a rich user interface.