Mission
Although many research programs at universities have been set up
to expand our knowledge of semiconductor devices and technology for VLSI
applications, the area of power semiconductor devices has not drawn much
attention. With the widespread use of power devices in consumer
electronics, for transportation, and air-conditioning, this technology
plays an important role for improving the comfort and well being of
people around the world. They are also key enabling devices for reduction
of wasted power leading to reduction of usage of fossil fuels and the
concomitant reduction in environmental pollution. The Power Semiconductor
Research Center (PSRC) was established at North Carolina State University
in 1991 to fill this gap.
The mission statement for PSRC is:
“To serve as an international
forum for the exploration of ideas that enable improvements in power
semiconductor devices”
Since its inception, the center has received strong support by
the worldwide power semiconductor industry. Twenty companies from around
the globe have participated in PSRC providing not only monetary support
but intellectual support as well in the form of Industrial Scholars who
have performed research at PSRC in collaboration with Faculty and
Graduate Students.
The applications for the research done at PSRC are illustrated in
the charts below:
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