Cool Developments By INPROX For NASA

Advanced silicon carbide (SiC)-based position sensors are being developed by INPROX Technology Corporation (ITC) for future space flight as well as for turbine engine controls and automotive engine applications. These sensors are being developed under supervision of NASA under terms of a Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA Glenn Research Center located in Cleveland. Silicon carbide electronics operate in temperatures as hot as 600 degrees Celsius. They represent a significant advancement over conventional silicon-based electronics rated to a maximum of 350 C, INPROX officials say. All of today’s conventional electronics are shielded from high temperatures by often-costly cooling methods. Why develop them now? The rising costs of fuel and the drive for reliability at low costs has the sensors and electronics market anticipating the capabilities of these next generation SiC electronics and sensors. Future space missions and satellites will have high-temperature and radiation hardened requirements, company officials say—Boston, Massachusetts