A summary of high-temperature electronics research and development

Abstract

Current and future needs in auton,otive, aircraft, space, military, and well logging industries require operation of electronics at higher temperatures than today's accepted limit of 395 K. Without the availability of high-temperature electronics, many systems must operate under derated conditions or must accept severe mass penalties required by coolant systems to maintain electronic temperatures below critical levels. This paper presents ongoing research and development in the electronics community to bring high-temperature electronics to commercial realization. Much of this work was recently reviewed at the

Experimental and theoretical studies of a high temperature cesium-barium tacitron, with application to low voltage-high current inversion. Final report, April 1, 1993--February 28, 1994

“…In the last 5 -10 years a lot of research has gone into developing high temperature and radiation hardened electronics. A good summary of the state of the technology can be found in the work by Thome and King (1992). To avoid the problem associated with operating in a high temperature, radiation harsh environment, tube switches could be used that either operate in a vacuum or gas.…”

“…Presently, semiconductor devices (thyristors included) are used in a variety of areas; such as, well' logging, automotive, aircraft, and space industries (Thome and King 1992). The use of the thyristor in space applications will be focused on herein.…”

“…The use of the thyristor in space applications will be focused on herein. Fhyristors employ a number of different materials which include silicon, gallium arsenide, aluminum gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, and diamond (Thome and King 1992). Only silicon and ga!iium arsenide have been used commercially in thyristors, but the other materials are being studied because they have better characteristics in harsh temperature and radiation environments.…”