Arkansas Power Electronics International successfully demonstrates SiC inverter 250 °C Operation Silicon Carbide Inverter Modules

On September 30th 2008, Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. (APEI, Inc.), the University ofArkansas at Fayetteville (UA), and ROHM Co., Ltd. revealed the first 250 °C silicon carbide (SiC) power electronic inverter prototype modules for electric vehicle motor drive applications at the Cutting Edge IT and Electronics Comprehensive Exhibition (CEATEC) in Makuhari, Japan. CEATEC is Japan's premiere electronics show featuring exhibits in information technology and electronics, and is a place for
international technology exchange and developing new product demand. A total of 804 companies and organizations exhibited in 3,121 booth spaces, including 289 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions around the world. The exhibition drew 196,630 registered visitors in the five days it was open.

Power electronics are utilized in the majority of the world’s electrical and electronics systems, including:driving motors in electric and hybrid vehicles; converting energy from renewable sources (solar, wind, etc.); powering computers, mainframes, and telecommunications equipment; recharging consumer electronics such as mobile phones, MP3 players, etc.; igniting fluorescent lighting; and protecting equipment in the global power utility grids. More than 30% of electricity usage today is processed by
power electronics and motors systems, and the energy usage of these systems totals more than $300 billion annually.

SiC electrical properties allow the power electronic systems to operate at higher temperatures, obtain higher electrical efficiencies, and reach faster switching speeds. These properties enable the system to be compact and lightweight. SiC modules (like the one revealed at CEATEC JAPAN) used in all-electric vehicles will significantly reduce pollution and save energy. Due to the higher efficiencies that are achieved, energy losses of power electronics systems can be reduced by as much as 90%, enabling a huge impact at the global level towards reducing energy usage. The 250 °C silicon carbide inverter prototype modules revealed at CEATEC will revolutionize the hybrid/all-electric automotive industry as well as the power electronics industry.

APEI, Inc. is a small business based out of Fayetteville, AR with globally recognized leading expertise in the design and development of silicon-carbide based high temperature power electronics systems. The University of Arkansas has expertise in electronics packaging and has excellent facilities that include a high voltage test facility (the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission) and an electronics packaging research facility (the High Density Electronics Center). APEI, Inc. and UA are
currently in negotiations with ROHM for a new phase of this project in which commercial motor drive products will be delivered for all-electric and hybrid vehicles.

ROHM Co. Ltd. was established in Kyoto, Japan in 1958 and has annual revenues in excess of $320 million. ROHM designs and manufactures semiconductors, integrated circuits and other electronic components. These components find a home in the dynamic and ever-growing wireless, computer, automotive and consumer electronics markets. Some of the most innovative equipment and devices use ROHM products. For years, ROHM has been the unseen force expanding into some of the most innovative products on the market. ROHM offers a broad range of semiconductor solutions: audio/video ICs for advanced infotainment systems, wireless audio links for MP3 players and more, ICs for CDquality ring tones in mobile phones, printheads and image sensors for multifunction printers, the best noise protection discretes, memory products with double-cell technology, energy-efficient power management components for small handhelds, and the brightest LEDs.

For more information, please contact:
For: APEI, Inc.
Mrs. Sharmila Mounce
(479) 443-5759 ext. 8120
smounce@apei.net