Objective
The key to the efficient transmission and conversion of low-carbon electrical energy is the improvement of power electronic devices. Diamond is considered to be the ultimate wide bandgap semiconductor material for applications in high power electronics due to its exceptional thermal and electronic properties. Two recent developments - the emergence of commercially available electronic grade single crystals and a scientific breakthrough in creating a MOS channel in diamond technology, have now opened new opportunities for the fabrication and commercialisation of diamond power transistors.
These will result in substantial improvements in the performance of power electronic systems by offering higher blocking voltages, improved efficiency and reliability, as well as reduced thermal requirements thus opening the door to more efficient green electronic systems. These improvements are expected to increase the efficiency of power converters by a factor of 4, yielding a 75% reduction in losses. In this context, the objective of GreenDiamond is to fabricate a 10kV transistor in a high power package, followed by a high voltage AC/DC converter based on such devices.
To meet GreenDiamond’s challenging goals, the consortium gathers experts on power device design, diamond growth and characterization, packaging and testing as well as an innovative end-user. Most of the partners are also involved in SiC or GaN technology, allowing the project to benefit from their ample experience and achievements in wide bandgap semiconductors. As far as diamond transistor structure is concerned, unlike GaN and SiC, Europe still has a significant scientific and technological advantage over non-EU competitors. It is therefore extremely important to maintain the competitive edge that will lead the development of truly green electronics in the near to medium term future.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetary geology
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energywind power
- natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivity
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsenergy conversion
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
75794 Paris
France
See on map
Participants (16)
Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
38031 Grenoble Cedex 1
See on map
Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
38058 Grenoble
See on map
75015 PARIS 15
See on map
3001 Leuven
See on map
80686 Munchen
See on map
WC1E 6BT London
See on map
CB2 1TN Cambridge
See on map
11003 Cadiz
See on map
28006 Madrid
See on map
20009 DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN (GIPUZKOA)
See on map
38000 Grenoble
See on map
13790 Rousset
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
CB3 0QH CAMBRIDGE
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
3364 Leudelange
See on map
Participation ended
41309 Sevilla
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
28108 Alcobendas Madrid
See on map