Traco Power is a renowned company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality power conversion products. Their portfolio includes DC/DC converters, AC/DC power supplies, and associated solutions. Serving a diverse range of industries such as medical, industrial, transportation, and telecommunications, Traco Power is known for its commitment to performance, reliability, and safety. With several decades in the industry, the company has established a reputation for delivering products that meet rigorous standards and requirements. Traco Power has around 130 employees with subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany, the US, Irland and France.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Traco Power: We primarily focus on the following main areas of activity:
DC/DC Converters: Traco Power designs and manufactures a wide range of DC/DC converters suitable for various applications and industries.
AC/DC Power Supplies: We produces high-quality AC/DC power supply solutions that cater to different voltage and power requirements.
Medical Power Solutions: Traco Power has a specific line of products tailored for the stringent requirements of the medical sector, ensuring safety and reliability.
Railway and Transportation Power Solutions: We provide power conversion products specifically designed to meet the challenges of the transportation industry, including railway applications.
Industrial Power Solutions: Traco Power delivers power conversion products that cater to the diverse needs of the industrial sector, ensuring robust performance and longevity.
These areas represent the core strengths and focus of Traco Power in the realm of power conversion solutions.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Traco Power: We launch annually around 25-30 new series of DC-DC Converters and AC/DC Power Supplies for various vertical markets. They all share certain benefits: ultra-high efficiency and reliability, very high availability (we have our own warehouses around the globe), and top-notch specifications.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Traco Power:
1. DC-DC Converters from 1- 300 Watt: These are used to convert a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another.
2. AC-DC Power Supplies from 5 – 850 Warr: These convert electrical power from AC to a DC voltage.
3. Industrial Power Supplies: Specifically designed for industrial applications, often emphasizing ruggedness and long-term reliability.
4. Medical Power Supplies: Designed for medical applications and typically compliant with medical safety standards.
5. Railway Converters: Power supplies specifically designed for railway applications, which have to meet stringent requirements for reliability, safety, and environmental conditions.
6. Fully customized Power Supplies: for various markets, up to 40kW
7. Modular and Configurable Power Supplies: These allow users to configure the power supply to meet specific requirements.
8. Enclosed and Open Frame Power Supplies: Different physical configurations of power supplies, either with an enclosing case or as an open electronic assembly.
9. DIN Rail Power Supplies: Designed to mount on standardized DIN rails typically found in industrial settings.
10. Accessories for all the products mentioned above
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Traco Power: The stage of the electronic component market can vary over time due to technological advancements, market demand shifts, geopolitical events, economic conditions, supply chain challenges, and other factors.
1. Mature Yet Evolving: While the electronic component market is mature, it’s continuously evolving with the introduction of new technologies, materials, and innovations.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions: The market faced significant supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted manufacturing and logistics globally.
3. Rise in IoT and 5G: The demand for components for IoT (Internet of Things) devices and 5G-related equipment has been increasing, driving growth in certain segments of the component market.
4. Automotive Demand: The push towards electric vehicles and more advanced automotive electronics has driven demand for specialized electronic components.
5. Technological Advancements: There’s been a growing demand for components for AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning, and cloud computing infrastructure.
6. Market Consolidation: Some areas of the component market have seen consolidation, with mergers and acquisitions becoming common to strengthen market positions.
7. Geopolitical Factors: Trade tensions, especially between major players like the US and China, have influenced the market dynamics and supply chains.
8. Sustainability and Environment: There’s a growing emphasis on creating sustainable and eco-friendly electronic components, driven by both regulations and consumer demand.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Traco Power: The electronic component market, especially the segment focused on power conversion products, has seen various trends emerge due to technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, and the drive for greater energy efficiency. As of my last update in January 2022, here are some of the prominent market trends in power conversion products:
1. Miniaturization: There is a continuous push to make power conversion products smaller without compromising performance. This is driven by the demand for compact devices in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.
2. High Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a priority, with products aiming for minimal energy loss during the conversion process. High-efficiency power converters not only reduce energy costs but also heat generation, extending the life of devices.
3. Wide Bandgap Semiconductors: The use of wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) is increasing. These materials offer higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and better thermal performance compared to traditional silicon.
4. Digital Power Management: Integration of digital technologies allows for better monitoring, control, and optimization of power conversion processes. This leads to smarter power management solutions, improved reliability, and adaptability.
5. Green and Renewable Energy: With the global shift towards renewable energy sources, there’s a growing demand for power conversion products that can efficiently manage energy storage and distribution for solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
6. Automotive Electrification: The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles necessitates advanced power conversion solutions, from on-board chargers to power management systems.
7. Advanced Packaging: To deal with the challenges of miniaturization and heat, innovative packaging technologies are being adopted for power converters to improve their performance and reliability.
8. IoT and Smart Devices: With the proliferation of IoT devices, there’s a need for power conversion solutions that cater to a wide range of power requirements, from low-power sensors to high-power industrial equipment.
9. Customization: Industries are looking for tailor-made power conversion solutions that cater to their specific needs, leading to a trend towards more customized and application-specific products.
10. Supply Chain Resilience: After disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical factors, companies are focusing on building more resilient supply chains, potentially diversifying suppliers and increasing inventory.
11. Safety and Regulations: With the proliferation of electronic devices in all aspects of life, adherence to safety standards and regulations has become paramount. Power conversion products are no exception and must meet stringent safety and quality standards.
It’s important to note that while these trends provide a general overview, the specifics can vary based on regions, industries, and individual company strategies.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
Traco Power: The following products from our product range, are the most innovative one from your point of views (which have been launched within the past 12 month):
- TEP 150UIR & TEP 200UIR Series for railway and ruggedized application
- TEL 15(WI)N and TEL 15(WI)N-HS Series ultra compact 15 Watt DC/DC converters (DIP-16) for industrial applications
- THL 30WI series Traco quality in a cost-efficient design – 30 Watt DC/DC converter