High Current (40 to 100 amp) Solid-State Power Control (SSPC) Technology

The goal of this SBIR Phase I project is to establish the feasibility and performance merits of an innovative high current solid-state power controller for power management and fault protection for applications in both commercial and military aerospaceelectrical power systems. An innovative high current solid state power controller can be achieved with emerging new technologies in high temperature power electronics, high temperature electronics, and advanced composite materials. Silicon carbide basedsolid state power controllers have strong commercial application potential for both military and commercial sectors. The ability to operate at higher temperatures make silicon carbide based solid state power controllers ideal for harsh environments andpotentially eliminates the need for special cooling schemes and apparatus in an aircrafts and spacecrafts. Conventional silicon based solid state power controllers generally rely on elaborated refrigerated air cooling systems due to its limited maximumoperating temperature. The elimination of special cooling schemes and apparatus offers significant positive benefits for the weapon systems (aircraft). This technology will be marketed to a number of potential customers such as the U.S. Air Force AirCombat Command, Material Command and Space Command; U.S. Navy Air Systems Command and Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command; U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Material Command, and Space & Missile Command.. Phase I results will be presented topotential customers, including commercial aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, to make them aware of the benefits and potential participation by them in Phase II for a specific application. Manufacturing and production will follow Phase II.