Book excerpt: An examination of all of the multidisciplinary aspects of medium- and high-power converter systems, including basic power electronics, digital control and hardware, sensors, analog preprocessing of signals, protection devices and fault management, and pulse-width-modulation (PWM) algorithms, Switching Power Converters: Medium and High Power, Second Edition discusses the actual use of industrial technology and its related subassemblies and components, covering facets of implementation otherwise overlooked by theoretical textbooks. The updated Second Edition contains many new figures, as well as new and/or improved chapters on: Thermal management and reliability Intelligent power modules AC/DC and DC/AC current source converters Multilevel converters Use of IPM within a "network of switches" concept Power semiconductors Matrix converters Practical aspects in building power converters Providing the latest research and development information, along with numerous examples of successful home appliance, aviation, naval, automotive electronics, industrial motor drive, and grid interface for renewable energy products, this edition highlights advancements in packaging technologies, tackles the advent of hybrid circuits able to incorporate control and power stages within the same package, and examines design for reliability from the system level perspective.