GeneSiC wins the prestigious R&D100 Award for SiC Devices in Grid-connected Solar and Wind Energy Applications

GeneSiC Semiconductor Inc, a key innovator in the Silicon Carbide based power devices was honored last week with the announcement that it has been awarded the prestigious 2011 R&D 100 Award. This award recognizes GeneSiC for introducing one of the most significant, newly introduced research and development advances among multiple disciplines during 2010. R&D Magazine recognized GeneSiC’s Ultra-High Voltage SiC Thyristor for its ability to achieve blocking voltages and frequencies never utilized before towards power electronics demonstrations.
The voltage ratings of >6.5kV, on-state current rating of 80 A and operating frequencies of >5 kHz are much higher than those previously introduced in the marketplace. These capabilities achieved by GeneSiC’s Thyristors critically enable power electronics researchers to develop grid-tied inverters, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and High Voltage DC Systems (HVDC). This will allow new inventions and product developments within renewable energy, solar inverters, wind power inverters, and energy storage industries. Dr. Ranbir Singh, President of GeneSiC Semiconductor comented “It is anticipated that large-scale markets in solid-state electrical substations and wind turbine generators will open up after researchers in the power conversion arena will fully realize the benefits of SiC Thyristors. These first generation SiC Thyristors utilize the lowest demonstrated on-state voltage drop and differential on-resistances ever achieved in SiC Thyristors. We intend to release future generations of SiC Thyristors optimized for Gate-controlled Turn Off capability and pulsed power capability and >10kV ratings. As we continue to develop high temperature ultra-high voltage packaging solutions, the present 6.5kV Thyristors are packaged in modules with fully soldered contacts, limited to 150oC junction temperatures.” Since this product was launched in October 2010, GeneSiC has booked orders from multiple customers towards demonstration of advanced power electronics hardware using these Silicon Carbide Thyristors.
GeneSiC continues to develop its family of Silicon Carbide Thyristor products. The R&D on early version for power conversion applications were developed through SBIR funding support from US Dept. of Energy. More advanced, Pulsed Power optimized SiC Thyristors are being developed under another SBIR contract with ARDEC, US Army. Using these technical developments, internal investment from GeneSiC and commercial orders from multiple customers, GeneSiC was able to offer these UHV Thyristors as commercial products.
The 49th annual technology competition run by R&D Magazine evaluated entries from various companies and industry players, research organizations and universities around the world. The magazine’s editors and a panel of outside experts served as judges, evaluating each entry in terms of its importance to the world of science and research.

According to R&D Magazine, winning an R&D 100 Award provides a mark of excellence known to industry, government, and academia as proof that the product is one of the most innovative ideas of the year. This award recognizes GeneSiC as a global leader in the creation of technology-based products that make a difference in how we work and live.

GeneSiC is a fast emerging innovator in the area of SiC power devices and has a strong commitment to the development of Silicon Carbide (SiC) based devices for: (a) HV-HF SiC devices for Power Grid, Pulsed power and Directed Energy Weapons; and (b) High temperature SiC power devices for aircraft actuators and oil exploration. GeneSiC Semiconductor Inc. develops Silicon Carbide (SiC) based semiconductor devices for high temperature, radiation, and power grid applications. This includes development of rectifiers, FETs, bipolar devices as well as particle & photonic detectors. GeneSiC has access to an extensive suite of semiconductor design, fabrication, characterization and testing facilities for such devices. GeneSiC capitalizes on its core competency in device and process design to develop the best possible SiC devices for its customers. The company distinguishes itself by providing high quality products that are specifically tuned to each customer’s requirements. GeneSiC has prime/sub-contracts from major US Government agencies including ARPA-E, US Dept of Energy, Navy, DARPA, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of Commerce and other departments within the US Dept. of Defense. GeneSiC continues to rapidly enhance the equipment and personnel infrastructure at its Dulles, Virginia facility. The company is aggressively hiring personnel experienced in compound semiconductor device fabrication, semiconductor testing and detector designs. Additional information about the company and its products may be obtained by calling GeneSiC at 703-996-8200 or by visiting www.genesicsemi.com.

GeneSiC Semiconductor Inc.
43670 Trade Center Place
Suite 155
Dulles VA 20166

This release was published on openPR.