SBIR-STTR Award

The proliferation of portable electronic devices (cellular phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, and the like), in both military an civilian applications, provides a strong incentive to develop more efficient DC to DC power conversion technologies. Power dissipation in switching transistors and conduction losses in parasitic elements continue to limit conversion efficiencies. Although presently available DC power supplies are substantially superior to their predecessors, a new approach is required to satisfy ever more demanding system requirements. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is an emerging technology in which conventional semiconductor processing techniques are utilized to fabricate mechanical components on the scale of microelectronics. MEMS offers the opportunity for a novel approach to high-efficiency DC to DC converters. Using this new technology, one ought to be able to realize converters of very high efficiency, extremely small size and weight, and low cost in volume production. A MEMS-based power converter will also enable a level of integration and automated manufacturing not possible with present generation power supply technologies.

The proliferation of portable electronic devices (cellular phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, and the like), in both military and civilian applications, provides a strong incentive to develop more efficient DC to DC power conversion technologies. Power dissipation in switching transistors and conduction losses in parasitic elements continue to limit conversion efficiencies. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offers the opportunity for a novel approach to high-efficiency DC to DC converters. Using this new technology, a converter with very high efficiency, extremely small size and weight, and low cost in volume production is possible. A MEMS-based power converter will also enable a level of integration and automated manufacturing not possible with present generation power supply technologies. Phase I research and development work demonstrated the feasibility of a micromechanical switch for use in a high efficiency DC to DC power converter. Phase II work will improve upon the switch characteristics and demonstrate its performance in a complete converter circuit.

Benefits:
More efficient power supplies are applicable to most all portable, battery powered, electronic devices, both commercial and military. Improved operating time per battery and greater functionality are anticipated along with reduced manufacturing and operating costs.