NASA looks to INPROX Technology to develop advanced SiC-based position sensors

BOSTON, 27 Feb. 2008. Engineers at INPROX Technology Corp. (ITC) in Boston are developing advanced silicon carbide (SiC)-based position sensors for future space flight, turbine engine controls, and automotive engine applications.

INPROX is developing the sensors under supervision of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Washington under terms of a Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

Silicon carbide electronics operate in temperatures as hot as 600 degrees Celsius, and represent a significant advancement over conventional silicon-based electronics rated to a maximum of 350 C, INPROX officials say. All of today's conventional electronics are shielded from high temperatures by often-costly cooling methods.

"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," says Phil Neudeck, electronics engineer and team lead for this silicon carbide work sponsored by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Glenn Research Center.

The rising costs of fuel and the drive for reliability at low costs has the sensors and electronics market anticipating the capabilities of these next generation SiC electronics and sensors. Future space missions and satellites will have high-temperature and radiation hardened requirements, company officials say.

For more information contact INPROX Technology online at www.inproxtechnology.com.