Permittivity Based Functional Composites for Enhanced Electric Field Management

The push for smaller, more efficient, and high-performance power electronics systems is fueling the rapid adoption of Wide Bandgap (WBG) and Ultrawide Bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors. Compared to traditional silicon (Si), these advanced materials allow devices to operate at higher voltages, faster switching frequencies, and elevated temperatures—all while reducing losses, making them essential for electric vehicles and power converters. However, these devices introduce complex insulation issues; the faster switching speeds generate intense localized electric fields, leading to premature dielectric failure through partial discharge and surface flashover, particularly at sharp edges and material interfaces. These problems are amplified by thermal stress, as these devices operate at temperatures up to 200°C. Thus, insulation systems for WBG/UWBG-based power modules must be designed not only for electrical performance but also for thermal stability. Unfortunately, current approaches for this are not suitable for power dense WBG/UWBG-based systems where space is limited and integration is critical.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel permittivity-based functional composites (PFC) designed to redistribute electric fields within WBG/UWBG power electronic systems. By effectively managing electric field stresses, these composites reduce partial discharge and flashover risks, enabling smaller creepage and clearance distances and enhancing system reliability. The PFC materials maintain low dielectric loss, making them especially suitable for high-frequency, high-temperature environments found in applications such as electric ships and aircraft. Compatible with existing manufacturing, this solution supports more compact, power-dense device designs without sacrificing insulation performance.

 

These innovative functional composites dynamically manage electric fields to improve insulation and power density in advanced wide bandgap power systems.