SPACE SENSOR WORK EYED FOR AUTOMOBILE, AVIATION MARKETS
By Leonard David

An advanced sensor designed for space flight is poised to benefit automotive, energy and industrial markets.

A Space Act Agreement has been signed between NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio and INPROX Technology Corporation (ITC) of Boston, Massachusetts to develop advanced silicon carbide-based sensors.

Silicon carbide electronics can work at high heat-loads, in the range of 1,112-degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius). That’s an advance over conventional silicon-based electronics that must be packaged in a controlled environment to thwart high temperatures. Moreover, complex and often costly thermal management systems are required to beat the heat.

“The capability to embed electronics in a device without the need to provide cooling provides a substantial technological advantage for many applications in sensing and control,” points out Phil Neudeck, electronics engineer and team lead for this silicon carbide work being sponsored by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

On February 15, 2008, it was announced that ITC has entered into a Space Act Agreement with the NASA field center to further work on an advanced silicon carbide digital sensor.

Lowering the rising costs of fuel

Space missions and satellites have high temperature and radiation hardened requirements. So by reducing or eliminating balky equipment to manage temperatures, that shaves off weight while increasing the likelihood of a cost saving.

Down here on Earth, use of these sensors is being eyed for cutting-edge engine controls in automobiles as well as in commercial aircraft.

Indeed, the rising costs of fuel, both in automotive and aerospace markets -- and the drive for greater reliability at lower costs -- has the sensors and electronics market anticipating the capabilities of next generation silicon carbide electronics and sensors. These devices offer improved combustion measurement and control, attributes that can directly lead to lower emissions and more fuel efficient vehicles.

“Silicon carbide is one of the most exciting advances in electronics being developed today,” notes Derek Weber, President of INPROX Technology Corporation. Saluting the development work with NASA on advanced sensors, he sees the melding of silicon carbide electronics, enabled with the firm’s proprietary digital sensor technology, “of great significance to us, our customers and the aerospace and automotive communities at large.”

For further information on INPROX Technology Corporation, go to: www.inproxtechnology.com