Research topics
Integration technologies, both monolithic and hybrid, from the chip to the converter and its cooling system
The guiding principle of our investigations is the system integration, while considering the power converter's environment. Four projects are currently under study:
- Passive components integration: integrated L-C-T structures or multi functional substrates,
- Active components integration: multiple floating potential devices and associated electronic circuitries,
- Heat transfer and spreading techniques and their integration within power converters,
- Assembling and packaging of power components: interconnects optimization and coupled approach between the power component and its electro-thermal-mechanical environment.
Modeling and design tools for passive components and electromagnetic systems
Power devices electromagnetic modeling is mandatory as soon as the structure design is started. This approach guarantees the control over a maximal number of physical parameters. This modeling is done with a fine knowledge of components within the structures and through the complete system simulation. Two projects are developed:
- Magnetic components modeling (coils and transformers),
- Modeling of any electric wiring (printed circuit boards, thin wires, sheets, busbar).
Power converters design and promotion for unconventional energies and power grids
The general objective is the design of switched-mode power supplies. This research is focusing on the increasing numbers of criteria imposed on the environment, in relation with the applications. Those criteria are divided into two categories: compatibility with the converter's environment, both electrical and/or thermal, and the volume power density rise as a consequence of the integration. These researches are mainly applied to unconventional energies (fuel cells, solar cells, uninterruptible power supply) such as power converters for power grids (embedded power grids for trains and airplanes, electricity distribution networks).