CMORE - heterogeneous integration

Power electronics

• GaN epitaxial layer growth
• GaN devices
• GaN device integration

Power electronics are used in advanced technology for generating and using sustainable energy. Examples are solar converters, motor drives, hybrid electrical vehicles or switch mode power supplies. In this technology, they play a key role in any form of power conversion.

Imec is working on the base technology needed to improve power electronics, using galliumnitride (GaN) as its material of choice. Next to its use in LEDs, GaN also enables high-voltage, high-power, and high-temperature electronic circuits. It has an electrical breakdown field that is an order of magnitude higher than Si. Imec's aim is to make reliable power components, reducing the cost of the GaN technology, and developing a reliable manufacturing process.