Advanced Power Semiconductor Devices for Defence Systems

Advanced power semiconductor devices are transforming how modern defence and aerospace platforms generate, convert, and manage electrical energy. From avionics converters to electromagnetic launch systems, today’s military technologies depend on highly reliable IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs and SiC diodes capable of operating under extreme electrical, thermal, and environmental stress.

Through its portfolio of power semiconductors, United Automation supports engineers and system integrators working on mission-critical power electronics across defence and aerospace applications.

Explore the range:
https://united-automation.com/product-category/power-semiconductors-igbt-sic-mosfet-diodes/

What Are Advanced Power Semiconductor Devices?

Power semiconductor devices are the switching and rectifying components that control energy flow inside power conversion systems such as:

• AC-DC power supplies
• DC-DC converters
• DC-AC inverters
• Pulse power systems
• High-voltage control modules

In defence systems, these devices must withstand:

• High voltages and currents
• Shock and vibration
• Wide temperature ranges
• Electrical noise and surge events

Technologies such as Silicon (Si) IGBTs, SCRs, and newer Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and diodes are now essential to meet these demands.

How Power Semiconductors Work in Defence Power Systems

Power semiconductor devices act as ultra-fast, high-power switches. They regulate energy by turning current on and off thousands of times per second with extreme precision.

This enables:

• Stable avionics power supplies
• Efficient propulsion inverters
• High-energy pulse discharge systems
• Reliable onboard battery charging
• Controlled energy delivery for advanced weapon platforms

Without advanced semiconductor switching, these systems would be inefficient, bulky, and unreliable.

Core Technologies Enabling Defence Power Electronics

Advanced defence power electronics rely on a combination of Silicon and Silicon Carbide technologies:

• SiC MOSFETs & SiC Diodes – High voltage, high temperature, low loss switching
• IGBTs & SCRs – Proven, scalable silicon power devices for high current systems
• High-performance packaging – Low inductance, superior cooling, compact form factors
• Power conversion systems – Custom AC-DC, DC-DC and DC-AC architectures
• High-reliability power modules – Designed for shock, vibration and thermal stress
• Intelligent embedded power control – Secure diagnostics and resilient power management

These technologies enable compact, efficient, and ruggedised designs required in aerospace and defence.

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RIR120CDM010B | 1200V 10A Merged PiN Schottky SiC Diode

£45.90 ex. VAT

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RIR120CDM015B | 1200V 15A Merged PiN Schottky SiC Diode

£62.70 ex. VAT

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RIR120CDM020B | 1200V 20A Merged PiN Schottky SiC Diode | TO-247-2L

£82.80 ex. VAT

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RIR120CDM030B | 1200V 30A Merged PiN Schottky SiC Diode | TO-247-2L

£107.40 ex. VAT

Why SiC and Advanced Packaging Matter in Aerospace & Defence

Modern defence platforms demand SWaP-C optimisation (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost). This is where SiC devices and advanced packaging technologies make a critical difference.

Benefits of SiC Power Devices

• Higher voltage capability
• Faster switching speeds
• Lower switching and conduction losses
• Higher operating temperature tolerance
• Reduced cooling requirements

These advantages allow designers to build smaller, lighter, and more efficient power systems for aircraft, naval vessels, and ground vehicles.

Applications of Advanced Power Semiconductor Devices in Defence

Advanced power semiconductor devices are used across all military domains.

Air Force Applications

• Avionics-grade converters and inverters
• SiC SGTOs (SiC Super Gate Turn Off Thyristor) for propulsion and onboard power systems
• High-reliability DC-DC conversion

Army Applications

• Electromagnetic railgun power systems
• Directed energy weapon support systems
• Ruggedised power units for unmanned vehicles
• Smart weapon initiation electronics
• Field battery charging systems

Navy Applications

• Shipboard propulsion converters
• Hybrid Si/SiC inverter systems
• Electromagnetic launch platforms
• High-current rugged silicon modules

These applications require components that are battle-tested for reliability under severe operating conditions.

Who Needs These Power Semiconductor Solutions?

This technology is essential for:

• Defence system integrators
• Aerospace electronics designers
• Military vehicle manufacturers
• Naval propulsion engineers
• Pulse power system designers
• Government defence research organisations

Global Trust, Proven Partnerships

RIR’s credibility is reflected in its global client base, which includes defence and aerospace leaders such as:

• BAE Systems
• Champion Aerospace
• Excelitas Technologies
• General Atomics
• Lockheed Martin
• Northrop Grumman
• Office of Naval Research
• PerkinElmer
• PowerAmerica
• SAIC
• United States Army
• United States Navy

This global trust underscores RIR’s reputation for delivering performance, reliability, and innovation across borders for mission-critical defence and aerospace applications.

Benefits of Using United Automation Power Semiconductors

By sourcing IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs, and SiC diodes from United Automation, defence and aerospace engineers gain access to:

• High-performance semiconductor technologies
• Devices suited for extreme environments
• Solutions that support compact, efficient designs
• Reliable components for mission-critical systems

See the available range:
https://united-automation.com/product-category/power-semiconductors-igbt-sic-mosfet-diodes/

The Future of Defence Power Electronics

As defence systems become more electrified and energy-intensive, the demand for advanced power semiconductor devices will continue to grow. SiC technology, improved packaging, and high-current modules are shaping the future of:

• Electromagnetic launch systems
• Directed energy platforms
• High-efficiency propulsion
• Intelligent embedded power control

These innovations enable greater mission resilience, platform superiority, and energy efficiency across modern defence operations.