Anvil Semiconductors to Develop Efficient Power Converters

Anvil Semiconductors, a new semiconductor company created by Warwick Ventures, has been launched on 1, July 2011. Warwick Ventures’ mission is to commercialize the research conducted at the University of Warwick. The company is a subsidiary of the university.

Anvil Semiconductors will use Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductor switches to develop more efficient and compact power converters. When compared to traditional silicon devices, the SiC devices are 10 times faster and have the capability to withstand higher currents and voltages. The cost factor involved in SiC devices production is 10 times more than the normal cost and is a major deterrent in adopting the material. The substrate cost is yet another deterrent.

The new technology introduced to design power converters has the potential to improve the efficiency of electric cars, the grid and renewable power generation. It may also decrease the overall energy consumption, the cost and size of devices using converters. Anvil’s technology could address the limitations in adopting the SiC technology.

Power converters are used in photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and electric cars. The global market for such types of power converters is projected at $25bn.

Professor Phil Mawby’s team at the School of Engineering in University of Warwick and Dr Peter Ward, Anvil CEO, had developed the novel technology. The company has licensed five patents from the university and will utilize the £10m semiconductor clean room. The Science City Research Collaboration had funded the clean room.

The Midven’s Early Advantage Fund has invested £25,000, and other private investors including the Midlands network of entrepreneurs, Minerva, angels and venturers, have invested £125,000.

Anvil plans to launch another funding round when it commences the production of prototype devices.