The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) introduced ULIS, an Ultra-Low Inductance Smart power module featuring silicon carbide semiconductors to improve how electricity is converted and delivered. Housed in a compact, disk-shaped package, the 1,200-volt, 400-amp module delivers record power density while wasting less energy, making it suitable for data centers, grids, microreactors, and heavy-duty platforms. Its design enables smaller, lighter, and more efficient equipment across multiple sectors.
ULIS achieved its performance gains through a flattened octagonal architecture that minimizes parasitic inductance by 7–9 times compared with leading silicon carbide modules. The team bonded copper to a flexible Temprion polymer instead of rigid ceramics, reducing weight and enabling lower-cost manufacturing with standard tools. A pending patent covers its low-latency wireless control protocol, which lets the module operate and be monitored without physical cables.
For consumers and industries, ULIS matters because it helps extract more usable electricity from existing infrastructure, easing pressure on power grids strained by AI workloads and electrified transport. Its rugged, self-monitoring design supports mission-critical uses in aviation and defense, where early failure detection is vital. By combining ultra-fast switching, modular integration, and future-ready compatibility with new semiconductor materials, ULIS sets a benchmark for next-generation power electronics focused on efficiency, reliability, and scalable deployment.
Ultra-Dense Power Modules
NREL ULIS Silicon Carbide Module Boosts Efficient Power Conversion
Trend Themes
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Silicon-carbide Advancements — With its superior thermal and electrical properties, silicon carbide is setting new standards in power efficiency within electronic devices.
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Ultra-low Inductance Design — Innovative architecture in electronic modules minimizes inductance, potentially revolutionizing compact and high-performance power solutions.
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Wireless Control Protocols — Introducing low-latency wireless communication for power modules opens avenues for remote monitoring and reduces dependency on physical connections.
Industry Implications
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Power Electronics — Power electronics benefit from new materials and designs that enhance efficiency and energy conversion rates, crucial for modern technology applications.
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Data Center Infrastructure — Utilizing advanced power modules can significantly cut energy waste and heat production, enhancing data center performance and sustainability.
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Aviation and Defense — Mission-critical sectors like aviation and defense gain reliability and safety through self-monitoring and ultra-efficient power solutions in their systems.