TDK-EPC, a group company of the TDK Corporation, has intensified its support of STMicroelectronics, one of the world's largest semiconductor companies, in the creation of tested energy-saving solutions for their customers' applications. ST just recently completed the development of the 50th joint reference design in the past year, predominantly for power supplies. These reference designs combine state-of-the-art ICs from ST and passive electronic components from TDK-EPC, an official statement noted.

A major design challenge for the IC manufacturers is the selection and qualification of the most suitable passive components, which are one determining factor for the energy efficiency of the designs. For this reason, STMicroelectronics joined forces with TDK-EPC. "We partnered with TDK-EPC because they provided access to the broadest spectrum of high quality passive components in the market," explains Ulrich Kirchenberger, Senior Market Development Manager, Energy Efficiency, EMEA Region, STMicroelectronics.