Hi everyone,

Happy Monday. While APEC 2026 officially kicked off in San Antonio over the weekend, the show ramps up this afternoon with the plenary session (the keynotes, for the uninitiated). You can follow show coverage at the link below. I’ll be on the ground in Texas reporting on the latest trends along with editor-at-large Alix Paultre and Electronic Design contributing editor Lee Goldberg.

This afternoon, I’ll be tuning into the first keynote by Brian Heber, director of engineering, global product integrity at Vertiv, as he attempts to unpack some of the latest power developments in data centers. Predictably, the focus will be on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) distribution being pushed by NVIDIA and the like. Close behind are solid-state transformers (SSTs), and we may even see some early demos at APEC.

This transition, however, will not be simple. Protection, safety, and regulatory standards for DC systems remain complex. The supply chain is still evolving since the most critical components will likely be based on GaN and SiC to help reduce conversion losses and improve power density.

Stay tuned for more. And if you happen to spot me or any of the other editors at the show, feel free to say hello and share what’s on your mind, what matters to you, or what’s stood out around the show.

-James Morra, Senior Editor