Case Study
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The journey to net zero is driving an unprecedented demand for semiconductor devices. Critical to this transition are high power and high efficiency energy conversion systems that have long been dominated by silicon-based semiconductor devices. However, after more than 5 decades of investment and development we are rapidly approaching the limits of these devices.
Dr Daniel Haasmann and the power semiconductor team at Griffith University, comprising Dr Haasmann, Professor Sima Dimitrijev and Dr Philip Tanner, are working to develop a prototype for the next generation of Silicon carbide power transistors, a fundamental building block for energy conversion systems. Griffith’s unique design will create a device with unparalleled levels of performance in terms of both power and efficiency.
Silicon carbide has emerged as a promising candidate, exhibiting superior physical and electrical properties. While presenting new challenges in terms of manufacturing, the material is positioned to displace silicon-based devices for power applications and become the material of choice in the net zero era.
Dr Haasmann and the power semiconductor team recently delivered a proof-of-concept device and subsequently filed a provisional patent application to protect the intellectual property. They are on track to deliver a functional prototype device with the support of a Seed grant from Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA).
When completed, the new transistor will underpin several innovations that will contribute to the net-zero transition, including highly efficient renewable energy power systems, ultra-fast EV charging and extended range EVs.
“The device will eliminate the parasitic loses that have long plagued the sector and, in doing so, we are not only set to deliver a market leading device, but the new, simple fabrication process will represent a paradigm shift in the billion-dollar semiconductor manufacturing industry,” Dr Haasmann says.
Dr. Haasmann recognises the immense value of working closely with industry, understanding that technical development cannot operate in a vacuum. The research team is working with power semiconductor start-up Silvertech, created to commercialise the Griffith University transistor IP.
“We have been working hand in hand with Silvertech to ensure outputs from our technical development are used to inform the commercialisation strategy and vice versa, where Silvertech’s unique market insights guide our technical development to ensure our product meets the needs of the industry,” he says.
Concurrently with the technical development, Silvertech has been exploring the commercial opportunity, identifying high-value niches, outlining the best path-to-market strategy and building the overarching business plan for the technology.
Silvertech Director Dr Rowan Gilmore says electric vehicles, electrification of public transport and renewable energy power inverters are creating enormous demand for transistors that are cheaper and higher performing than those currently available.
“This project is intended to fulfill that promise,” Dr Gilmore says.
Both Silvertech and Griffith University recognise that the collaboration will ultimately allow an Australian start-up to lead the commercialisation of this exciting technology, contribute to the growth of the local semiconductor ecosystem, result in the creation of high-value Australian jobs and, importantly, secure Australia’s sovereign capability in a critical technology area.
AEA is a $1.6 billion Australian Government investment aimed at transforming Australia’s research translation and commercialisation landscape.
Visit the AEA website and AEA LinkedIn page for further updates.