Some technological revolutions are flashy, and some are almost invisible. We're quite familiar with the flashy ones; they've given us powerful computers we can hold in the palms of our hands, devices that can pinpoint our locations by way of orbiting satellites, and the ability to bank and shop without leaving our homes.But none of these innovations would have occurred without the technology that delivers power to them. Over the last half century, a more subtle revolution in power electronics has provided us with compact and efficient semiconductor devices that can manipulate, regulate, and convert electricity from one form to another.
Silicon has long been the semiconductor of choice for such power electronics. But soon this ubiquitous substance will have to share the spotlight. Devices made from silicon carbide (SiC)—a faster, tougher, and more efficient alternative to straight silicon—are beginning to take off. Simple SiC diodes have already started to supplant silicon devices in some applications. And over the last few years, they've been joined by the first commercially available SiC transistors, enabling a new range of SiC-based power electronics. What's more, SiC wafer manufacturers have steadily reduced the defects in the material while increasing the wafer size, thus driving down the prices of SiC devices. Last year, according to estimates made by wafer maker Cree, the global market for silicon carbide devices topped US $100 million for the first time.
Within five years, we should see this market balloon as SiC devices find their way into power electronics for hybrid and all-electric vehicles, creating simpler and more efficient power systems. SiC power devices will also become vital in solar and wind energy creation, by reducing the energy lost as electricity is converted to a form that can be used on the power grid. Eventually, silicon carbide could remake the grid itself by eliminating the need for bulky substation transformers, thereby saving an enormous amount of energy that is now wasted as electricity makes its way from power plants and other sources to its final destination. Although the field of SiC power electronics is still relatively immature, we expect it's in for a big growth spurt.
If you want to know more about this great new material, keep reading