Someday, WBG may be as recognized as an acronym as WMD – but with an emphasis on energy production and delivery, not weapons of destruction.

And if WBG delivers on its potential, a Raleigh firm could be at the forefront of commercializing it.

That company is GridBridge,  an emerging player in the semiconductor space, and the NCSU spinout is generating headlines in so-called “wide band gap” technology.

According to the Department of Energy, “WBG” promises improved, more efficient energy which in turn could mean “vastly superior” electronics and optics. In part two of an interview, GridgBridge CEO Chad Eckhardt talks about his company and WBG.

“Our trajectory to hire as we grow,” he says. “GridBridge was on a great path throughout 2013, but is on an accelerated path in 2014.”

To better understand WBG and GridBridge, a little government reading is helpful to put the WBG concept into perspective. 

Here is how the DOE sums up WBG potential  (Note the chart included with this post that cites specific differences between WBG and standard silicon.):

“Smaller, Faster, and More Efficient

“WBG materials have the potential to enable cutting-edge electronic and optical devices with vastly superior performance compared to current technology. Specific energy-related benefits are …:

“Electronic devices

  • Reduced energy losses: Eliminates up to 90% of the power losses that currently occur during AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC electricity conversion.
  • Higher-voltage operation: Handles voltages more than 10 times higher than Si-based devices, greatly enhancing performance in high-power applications.
  • Higher-temperature operation: Operates at temperatures over 300°C (twice the maximum temperature of Si-based devices). This tolerance for higher operating temperature results in better overall system reliability, enables smaller and lighter systems with reduced lifecycle energy use, and creates opportunities for new applications.
  • Higher frequencies: Operates at frequencies at least 10 times higher than Si-based devices, making possible more compact, less costly product designs and opening up a range of new applications, such as radio frequency (RF) amplifiers.
  • Improved power quality: Ensures more reliable and consistent power electronic device operation.”

 This summary helps explain why the DOE is putting $160 million into the NCSU-led project of which GridBridge is a key part.

It also indicates why Cree and RFMD are partners in the project. Both North Carolina firms could benefit greatly from effective WBG technology in their own semiconductor work – as well as Cree LEDS.

The Q&A, Part Two

So back to the Q&A with Echardt.

  • Why is wide gap so hot?

Wide Band Gap semiconductors operate much more efficiently than traditional semiconductors. This covers numerous applications, some of which DOE has listed [in the DOE document cited above].

  • Are other products in the works other than those associated with new project?

Yes, we have multiple products in process that we’ve been working on for a number of years. We’re close to announcing these and plan to also highlight the progress we’ve made in conjunction with one particular major US utility.

  • Are you hiring? If so in what areas?

GridBridge has under 10 employees and is indeed planning to hire in conjunction with this program. Our primary focus for this program is technical expertise, but there is also an interest in adding core business functions. Investor funding will aid in this area.

  • Are you seeking additional funding at this time?

Yes. We are currently in a number of conversations.

Two veteran NCSU executives have provided a lot of assistance and direction for GridBridge’s development:

Dennis Kekas, a longtime IBMer who has served in a variety of executive roles at NCSU’s Centennial Campus and is a respected expert in broadband technology. The National Science Foundation-funded FREEDM networking center is the hub around much of which NCSU’s continuing research into broadband and semiconductors continues.

Terri Lomax, vice chancellor for research, innovation, and economic development who helped spearhead winning of the DOE contract.

  • How long have you known Dennis Kekas, and how has he contributed to the development of FREEDM as well as GridBridge?

We’ve known Dennis for a number of years in his role as “Associate Vice Chancellor Centennial Campus Partnerships at NCSU.” GridBridge’s offices are HQ’d on Centennial campus, so there’s obviously a great working relationship that has been forged with the help of Dennis and others at NCSU.

  • How crucial a role did Lomax played in transitioning your firm to private sector and in winning this grant?

Terri was instrumental in conversations during the early stages of GridBridge. One of the key aspects to that we had to work through was a fair and equitable way on how to handle intellectual property.

Terri’s support has enabled GridBridge to focus on commercializing technology versus struggling with contracts. This has been very appealing for investors.

You can read part one of the Q&A online.