Leti’s power electronics team achieved a major milestone in 2009, with development of its technology roadmap. The 2009 - 2014 planning document lays out research areas for development of commercially viable devices than can handle high voltages and high current .

Smarter devices for better energy efficiency

Technical focuses include gallium nitride (GaN) compounds, packaging that can handle high-power environments, and design of high-temperature power-switch and power-converter drivers.

Leti researchers are refining high-k materials for the MOS contacts and passivation layers needed in power devices; they will also explore novel bonding and assembly techniques for new substrates.

Leti’s goal is to contribute actively to low-cost industrial solutions for the next generation of electric cars, solar energy, and industrial power converters.

“We are addressing a primary societal challenge – energy usage. By making better and lower cost power electronics, we can make every step in the energy supply chain more efficient.” Hughes, Metras, programs and sales coordinator at LETI.