High-reliability Electronics for Robust Operation (HERO)

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Power electronics is a key enabling technology in a wide range of engineering activities that are critical to the UK meeting the specific targets of the net zero carbon agenda. One of the key challenges facing engineers is the realisation of carbon neutral transport. Aerospace is one of the sectors that is subject to a range of specific challenges in terms of the need for ultra-high efficiency, highly reliable power electronic systems, that occupy a limited volume. In particular, the need for high reliability systems in aerospace prompted the development of redundancy in electrical systems. However, this approach is not optimal in the cost-conscious automotive industry, where recent shifts in standards has resulted in high-reliability systems becoming a requirement.Compounding these challenges is the emergence of wide bandgap semiconductors, including silicon carbide, which offer higher performance systems. However, the reliability of the devices manufactured from these state-of-the-art semiconductors and the effect on the resulting electrical systems is not fully disseminated within the engineering community, as the information is reported in scientific journals. As a result, engineers that are working to develop these systems are not equipped with the unique skills required.This project addresses that need, by providing training for engineers working in the aerospace and automotive industries and has been designed specifically to ensure that the UK maintains its leading position in these important fields.The training will encompass the fundamental performance advantages of wide bandgap semiconductors, focussing on silicon carbide, before describing the fundamentals of reliability and then in-depth identification of the root causes of failure in power electronic devices and systems. Case study materials will be provided by MBDA and Rolls Royce as their contribution to the project, which will cover the development of fault tolerant electronic systems, and these will be used as a vehicle to demonstrate the relevance of the concepts presented.