Extreme Temperature, Low Loss Custom Power Switch

As naval vessels increase capabilities for carrying out various missions, overall power requirements of these vessels continue to increase. Consequently, the power conversion equipment used to supply power throughout the ship increases in size, weight, and power. State-of-the-art electronics power density, including the thermal management system (TMS) is limited to approximately 0.5 MW per cubic meter. This is a major limitation in future ship designs because naval vessels have a limited space claim for electronics, and the Navy would rather install more functional equipment instead of the electronics that power such equipment. Thus, the Navy would benefit greatly from more power dense and efficient power conversion systems. The use of Mainstreams GaN switch module, initially developed in Phase I, is but one part of the equation when it comes to making higher power density systems. While the switch allows for switching frequencies up to 200 kHz and wide operating temperatures, TMS and passive components necessary for power conversion equipment must also be shrunk while demanding that they handle higher levels of power. In the Phase II, Mainstream will manufacture its custom GaN switch module and use it to demonstrate a full-scale prototype power converter on a simulated naval power system.