Vision: Halving energy loss in communications and energy-exchanging systems

Energy efficiency and sustainable power electronics stand at the beginning of a revolutionary development. This development is economically driven by the growing demand for compact electronic power systems, and scientifically furthered by research into new sustainable materials and innovative electronic systems.

To effect the necessary advance in electronic power systems in Germany, existing physical constraints in silicon electronics are being transcended through the development of components made of new semiconductor structures.

Functional semiconductor structures based on materials with large band gaps such as scandium aluminum nitride (ScAIN) and gallium nitride (GaN) possess excellent electronic properties for future power electronics. Their use for processing electronic power components makes possible a considerable improvement in the electrical properties of e.g. voltage transformers and mobile communications.

This begins with the improved output density per component and continues with greater switching speeds, higher operating temperatures and lower forward resistance, which means lower switch loss and more compact systems.

The market for electronic power systems is currently growing rapidly. This is due to increasing automation, digitalization and diversification – particularly in the automotive industry and in energy technologies. According to estimates from management consultancy Roland Berger, just the market for electronics that provides electricity for engine control and enables switching from alternating to direct current will be growing globally at seven percent annually by 2020.