Electronic systems and components are used to power implantable medical devices, hearing aids, cell phones, entertainment products and computers as well as systems used by electric utilities to transmit electric power. Power electronics are also used for industrial motor drives, hybrid vehicles, communications equipment, consumer products and many other devices. The highest power levels are reached using silicon based four layer (p-n-p-n) thyristor devices and at lower power levels typically the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) is used. Esoteric semiconductors are needed for high frequency, high power applications.
Exponent has a long history of consulting in the power electronics arena. Our consulting capabilities spans the range from semiconductor device manufacturing support to applications of these devices in products where the power levels are extremely low to the highest power and voltage levels found in electric utility systems. Our experience can be applied to a number of different topics such as: 
Semiconductor Devices
- Thyristors
- Insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)
- MOSFETs
- Solar cells
- Diodes inlcuding silicon carbide diodes
Low Power Applications
- Power supplies for computers
- Charge adapters for portable computing devices
- Cell phone power supplies and charge adapters
- Uninterruptible power supplies
Medium Power Applications 
- Variable speed motor drives in transportation and industrial applications
- Hybrid vehicles
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
- Battery storage systems
High Power Applications
- Power quality systems
- Reactive power compensation for utility systems
- Load flow control in electric power transmission systems
- High voltage direct current (HVdc) systems
Exponent’s engineers and scientists consult in all aspects of power electronic systems. Our experience includes:
- Integration of power electronic systems into a high power transmission systems
- Third-party design reviews including environmental and health impact assessment of electric and magnetic field effects, radio interference etc. related to the lines and end stations, operation, maintenance
- Failure analysis of the semiconductor devices and the conventional power equipment
We also have expertise related to fractional horsepower (hp) and large hp AC/DC motor drives, power converters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), regulators, Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), surge testing and ESD testing.
In addition to conducting failure analysis, Exponent has also been consistently in the forefront of providing research, development, and engineering services in the area of power electronics to a wide range of clients in the past 40 years. Support to clients for design and construction of power electronic electrical equipment is an important part of those services. We also are routinely performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEAs) of power supplies for all kinds of lower power applications as well as safety, and performance evaluations of such power supplies.
Exponent engineers are also well versed in how to make solar cells, and how to design the interface system for windmills, solar systems, fuel cells etc. Our services also include evaluation of intellectual property and auditing of manufacturing processes for making power supplies and components for such power supply assemblies.