What is the role of semiconductor companies in the use of renewable resources?
With conventional fossil-fuel power plants, or even nuclear plants, heat generates steam which drives a turbine. The turbine then drives a generator that directly produces AC power. No electronic conversion of power is necessary. Alternative energy technologies produce electricity in entirely different ways. A solar cell may generate only 0.7 volts of direct current. You have to combine many of these cells, and then convert the DC power to AC. It takes efficient power conversion to transform an alternative energy source into a usable 50Hz or 60Hz AC form. That power conversion and control creates opportunities for semiconductor companies. Within Intersil, what are the main drivers for Green Power? We have created new department and have a growing team of experts that are investigating green power technologies. There is a unique opportunity to grow our business, and at the same time, do something that is beneficial to the planet. We are helping to develop technologies that reduce depend
