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.
The Catapult was a key member of the SPLICE project, an Innovate UK project consortium, working as part of the National Quantum Technologies Programme, designed to bring a state-of-the-art gas-imaging system to full commercial readiness. The aim of the SPLICE project was to commercialise QLM’s revolutionary single photon quantum gas sensor through research, development, field trials and manufacturing optimisation.
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.
When CSA Catapult was set up in 2018, the first key market identified was vehicle electrification, with predicted significant growth in demand for power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD) to deliver electrification of the transport sector.
