Accelerated Technologies for Future Electric Vehicles (@FutureBEV) aims to develop a UK supply chain for future generations of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
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.
5G Open-RAN (open radio access networks ) offer more open and accessible network architecture, which will improve the UK’s competitiveness, network flexibility and reduce costs. More network operators and enterprises are choosing Open RAN 5G networks as it avoids them being locked in to using large vendors who currently offer highly proprietary solutions.
Methane leaks are posing a major societal and environmental problem for the oil and gas industries. Leaks can not only cause a serious public health hazard but are significant contributor to climate change. As the main component of natural gas, methane is nearly 100 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, accounting for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Catapult is playing a critical role in the development of supply chains for electric vehicles in the UK and across the globe. That market comprises power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD).
The vision for this project was to develop and provide a supply chain for high temperature operation Hall effect sensors. These detectors can measure high frequency electromagnetic field switching for electric motors and drives, using a completely innovative Hall sensor element made from graphene.
