The greatest advantage of the technology proposed by SET Group is its ability to be used across a wide range of applications. An immediate application of our technology is for NASA's Solar Electric Propulsion systems. The PPUs in their system convert the 300V solar array output to the 700V - 2000V input level of an electric thruster. The proposed Wide Range GaN LLC Power Converter is a great candidate for that mission. In addition, the proposed work will serve as a platform to demonstrate GaN-based power conversion technology as a viable and better alternative than the current Si-based power conversion products. SET Group's goal is to develop other units using the same technology, and thanks to its wide voltage capability, it can be retrofitted for various applications with different voltage and power requirements without major redesign efforts.
Demand for broadband internet access in remote areas, airplanes and higher data capability (i.e. 4K TV, 360o video, etc), have pushed satellite manufacturers to provide more powerful RF transponders. These transponders require higher power, increasing satellite size and launching costs, which results in more expensive satellite services for end consumers. SET Group's proposed GaN-LLC can provide satellite manufacturers a competitive edge by increasing power capabilities while reducing size, weight, and cost. In recent years, GEO satellite service providers, such as DirecTV, have been requesting more powerful satellites to handle the wider bandwidth needed to keep up with the data demand (DirecTV now offers 4K video). To meet broadband internet demand, companies have turned to LEO satellites, which due to their closer proximity to Earth, have a lower delay of signal (latency) over a GEO satellite. This is important for broadband internet given it is a two-way communication. Oneweb, a satellite manufacturer startup, will provide developing countries affordable access to internet by deploying a large constellation of LEO satellites (750 satellites) by 2020. SpaceX has also announced their own 4000 LEO satellite constellation. These satellites are small, thus reducing launching costs. A GaN-based EPS and PPU fits the equivalent capabilities of a much larger satellite into a much smaller and cost-effective one.
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