High Power Density, High Efficiency, Fast Transient Response Silicon Carbide (SiC)-Based Power Supplies For the Next-Generation of Radars Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-169 Topic Title: High Power Density, High Efficiency, Fast Transient Response Silicon Carbide (SiC)-Based Power Supplies For the Next-Generation of Radars Proposal No.: N082-169-1047 Firm: Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. 535 W. Research Center Blvd., Suite 209 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701-7174 Contact: Roberto Schupbach Phone: (479) 443-5759 Web Site: www.apei.net Abstract: Advances in radar systems are pushing the limits of present radar power supply technology. To enable new concepts, such as active array radar systems, significant improvements (i.e., power densities >200 W/in3, efficiency > 90%, transient response < 10 �s, etc.) in radar power supply technology is required. To achieve these goals, the volume of present state-of-the-art silicon-based power electronics systems must be cut in half, while maintaining (and in most cases improving) the efficiency of those systems. Such high power density systems will face tremendous thermal challenges since more power per unit of volume under similar efficiency requirements and electronics packaging technology means higher temperature rise. Present high power density Si-based systems are severely limited by the thermal performance of active and passive components as well as electronics packaging technology, and therefore, the achievement of the target radar power supply goals cannot be attained without a revolutionary change in radar power supply technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop highly efficient (>94%) and compact (>250 W/in3) next-generation radar power supplies utilizing the now emerging silicon-carbide (SiC) power devices. Benefits: The customers for the specific technology being developed in this SBIR program will be the Navy and the aerospace industry. The customers for SiC power electronic products are those requiring high performance systems such as: military electronics (e.g., aircraft, rockets, military weapons' platforms, combat vehicles, etc), aerospace (e.g., satellites, spacecraft, commercial airplanes, etc.), automotive (e.g., electric and hybrid-electric vehicles and subcomponents of more-electric vehicles), and petroleum and gas exploration (e.g., down-hole drilling, exploration logging tools, etc.). Hence, customers for this technology in the short-term are: (a) Federal government (US military and NASA), (b) defense contractors (Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Raytheon, etc.), (c) aerospace companies (Moog, Hamilton Sundstrand, Aerojet, etc.) and (d) energy conglomerates and exploration (Siemens, Halliburton, Conoco, and Oyo Geo Space) who provide a path to sell technology for government systems. Potential customers of this technology within the mid to long term are: (a) electric or hybrid-electric vehicle manufacturers (Nissan, GM, Toyota, Ford), (b) industrial and consumer motor manufacturers (Baldor Motors & Drives), (c) power transmission and distribution industry, and (d) consumer electronics manufacturers (Sony, Motorola, LG, Yamaha, Pioneer). Return