With £7.7m of funding from the Quantum Technologies Challenge, led by UKRI, the AirQKD project undertook a world-first trial of end-to-end quantum-secured communications for 5G and connected cars. Emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, mesh networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), will require brand new forms of secure communications to protect against cyber-attacks. Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses the laws of quantum physics to create and distribute secure keys to prevent data from being decrypted and hacked.
ESCAPE, a £20m project from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), brought together 12 partners to establish a globally unique and cohesive end-to-end supply chain capability for innovative SiC power electronics. Compound semiconductors – and silicon carbide (SiC) more specifically – are ideal for enabling these new technologies as they are faster and more efficient compared to standard silicon technology.
The ORanGaN project brought together Inex Microtechnology, Custom Interconnect Ltd (CIL), Viper RF and CSA Catapult to develop a new sovereign supply chain for RF-GaN products and devices to be used in 5G communications. The project was funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology as part of the Future RAN Competition. Currently, there are no commercial RF-GaN devices fully developed and manufactured in the UK that can be used in 5G applications. Developing a UK supply chain will provide more security for UK manufacturers, more export opportunities for hardware manufacturers, and will enhance 5G infrastructure and resilience within the UK, helping to grow the UK economy.
Responsible Electronics and Circular Technologies Centre (REACT) is a £5.5m project funded by UKRI to establish the UK’s first sustainable electronics centre in Scotland. REACT will drive the transition to Net Zero electronics, addressing both the environmental and economic challenges faced by the industry. The centre aims to promote the adoption of green technologies—often neglected by the electronics industry—through collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers.
Part-funded by a £15m grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), this project created a UK supply chain to support the transition of BMW SiC-based power electronics in their future generations of BEVs. @FutureBEV lays the foundation for 800v inverters, significantly exceeding the APC 2035 and further industry targets.
Clusters are vital to bringing industry and academia together to drive the compound semiconductor industry forward. CSconnected is the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, with 13 partners, including the Catapult, and is recognised as a world-leading centre of excellence in compound semiconductor research, innovation and manufacturing.
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents the opportunity to create a new and more efficient way of modelling and designing power electronic converters. In a joint study undertaken with Cardiff University, the team explored a new design method using a type of AI known as artificial neural networks (ANN), which uses algorithms and computing systems that mimic the interconnected neural networks of the human brain.
The development of compound semiconductor applications is fundamental to the effective thermal management of power electronics. It reduces electrical energy losses in devices. This is a complicated process, especially as devices such as power modules reduce in size.
In a first for both companies, the strategic collaboration between Siemens UK plc and the Catapult aims to help build the UK’s ambition to lead globally in power electronics, machines and drives. The Siemens Power Electronics Innovation Hub represents the combined dedication of both organisations to nurture innovation and champion sustainable tech progress.
In 2022, the Catapult expanded its radio frequency (RF) testing capabilities to cover characterisation and verification of devices spanning frequencies up to 67 GHz, covering 5G bands, both sub 6 GHz and mmWave, and resilient communications frequencies.
