Rockwell Receives Contract for Space-Based Power Electronics

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Rockwell Receives Contract for Space-Based Power Electronics
Thousand Oaks - July 1, 2000 - The Rockwell Science Center recently received a $1 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory for the development of high-efficiency, radiation-hardened power electronics for use in space.

A major objective of the program will be the development of a modular, high-density power switch made from silicon carbide (SiC). The switch is a key component that is needed for power conditioning and distribution systems in platforms such as the Space Based Laser, Orbital Transfer Vehicle and Spaced Based Radar.

Benefits of the SiC power switch include reductions in power loss by a factor of 10, as well as increases in switching speed and power density that are far superior to any power modules previously developed. These improvements will, in turn, enable a five-fold reduction in the weight and size of the total power system.

In addition to benefiting space-based systems, technologies developed from this program will have commercial applications in medical electronics, automotive electronics, electrical utilities, and aircraft ignition systems.

SPACE ELECTRONICS
Will Zero-G Make Better Semiconductor Crystals
by James E. Kloeppel
Champaign - June 5, 2000 - Crystals grown in space may be the next big step toward improved semiconductor materials for use in next-generation communication systems and advanced computers.

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