New Materials Developments for Military High Power Electronics and Capacitors

摘要

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is currently funding the Wide Band Gap High Power Electronics Program and the Integrated High Energy Density Capacitor Program. The success of these programs depends upon the ability to integrate new materials into high power electrical system components. Power electronics* and capacitors are two of the major components that make up all solid state power distribution systems. The objectives of DARPA's programs in these areas are to increase power and energy density through materials, processing, and packaging innovations. For high-powered, hydrocarbon-fueled platforms, these programs drive the development of materials that have higher efficiencies and performance capabilities for power electronics and passive devices. This article provides an overview of some of the efforts to enhance military high power electronics and capacitors through new and improved materials.