In 2025, the Power Sources Manufacturers Association (PSMA) and the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) both celebrate a remarkable milestone\u201440 years of driving innovation, collaboration, and education in the power electronics industry. From their shared roots in the rapidly evolving electronics landscape of the 1980s to their current leadership roles in shaping the industry’s future, both PSMA and APEC have been instrumental in powering progress. As the industry gathered in Atlanta for APEC 2025, the joint anniversary was more than a celebration of longevity\u2014it was a testament to a thriving ecosystem that continues to foster technical excellence and global impact.<\/p>\n
Founded on November 15, 1985, PSMA emerged during a pivotal moment in power electronics history. The transition from bulky, inefficient linear power supplies to compact and efficient switched-mode power systems\u2014driven by the rise of personal computing\u2014created an urgent need for standardization, education, and collaboration. PSMA answered that call.<\/p>\n
One of its first initiatives was the Handbook of Standardized Terminology for the Power Sources Industry\u2014a foundational text that brought clarity to a rapidly advancing field. A few years later, PSMA co-sponsored the Power Electronics Conference (PEC), a precursor to its enduring partnership with APEC. In 1991, PSMA joined forces with IEEE PELS and IAS to become a technical and financial sponsor of APEC, cementing its leadership role within the community. Over the decades, PSMA has launched and supported numerous technical committees, strategic reports, and educational programs that continue to shape the industry.<\/p>\n