Integrated On-Chip Power for Harsh Environments

In this NASA SBIR program, CoolCAD is designing and fabricating a high temperature (greater than 400C) and radiation tolerant silicon carbide technology that is comprised of integrated circuits and complementary power devices. This technology is for use in power applications such as spacecraft motor drive modules for robotic science probes that can operate in the harsh environments of outer space. To achieve this, we are developing electronics made from the new wide bandgap semiconductor electronic material Silicon Carbide (SiC). By using this new material, we can fabricate electronics to operate in environments where ordinary silicon circuits will fail. The devices we are designing and fabricating include: SiC power switches for robotic science probes and instruments; SiC power switches that are high temperature operation capable; SiC CMOS integrated circuits for robotic science probes and instruments; SiC integrated circuits that are high temperature operation capable. After developing the technology at the company’s small R&D facility and a university laboratory, we are beginning to manufacture these high temperature tolerant electronics at a commercial fabrication facility. This will allow us to scale to our electronics to smaller dimensions where there can be more functionality on a single chip and higher manufacturing yield. To achieve working circuits for these new devices, design modeling will be a key part of the effort. We will be performing 2-Dimensional device simulations to design optimized transistors to be able to operate at the smaller critical dimensions. In addition, compact models will be developed for the new devices so circuits can be designed and fabricated at these scaled smaller dimensions. The SiC electronics we develop needs to be reliable for sustained operation in high temperature environments. We are also developing an experimental setup and procedure to verify the long-term reliability of the electronics we are developing.

High temperature SiC based electronics for power converters have wide applications in space (both inside and outside the spacecrafts), especially with respect to high temperature environments such as those present in and around Venus and solar probes. The high temperature operation of SiC obviates the need for significant cooling, thus offering a method to reduce the weight and volume of related electronics, leaving more room for scientific payloads and reducing the cost. Applications include actuators, motors, inverters and power supplies.

High temperature electronics is potentially a huge market. SiC can operate at temperatures in excess of 400C, which is beyond that of silicon. Applications for SiC-based electronics include furnaces, jet engines, rocket engines, and automobiles, including their exhaust systems. SiC electronics also obviate the need for large cooling systems, reducing weight and form factor.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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