High Density Capacitors for Compact Transmit and Receive Modules

Development of high-energy-density, low-loss capacitors for power conversion/conditioning systems is an enabling technology to achieve the objective of reducing size, weight, and cost of transmit and receive (T/R) modules in modern radar and electronic warfare transmitters. Among capacitor technologies available, multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are receiving more attentions. At present, however, commercially available MLCC-based capacitors suffer from limitations such as low energy densities, poor temperature stability and high power loss. Therefore this project is to develop a novel class of high-energy-density, low-power-loss, wide-temperature-rang MLCCs based on an innovative designed nanocomposite dielectrics. In addition, the proposed dielectrics and resultant capacitors can be processed through scalable cost-effective methods in good compatibility with existing industrial processing lines for potential low-cost mass productions. In Phase I accomplished, we have demonstrated the feasibility of proposed technology through material design, processing, and device prototyping. In Phase II, both material and device design/processing will be optimized, and their scaling-up using industry-scale facilities will be carried out. The prototypes of full-scale MLCCs and the associated capacitor packs will be demonstrated. These MLCC devices and capacitor packs with desired properties including high energy densities and enhanced temperature stability will be also tested in both device and system.