Electrical and Computer Engineering Seminar
Professor Rongming Chu
Pennsylvania State University
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 10:00-11:00 am
B02 CSL Auditorium or Online via Zoom
Title: Advancing Gallium Nitride Electronics Towards Extreme Performance
Abstract: Gallium Nitride (GaN) has emerged as a pivotal semiconductor, finding widespread applications in lighting, microwave electronics, and power electronics. However, the true potential of GaN remains largely untapped. Our research group at Penn State University is dedicated to unleashing the full capabilities of GaN electronics by pushing towards extreme performance. Our approach centers around GaN super-heterojunction device designs and integrations. This seminar will provide a deep dive into several aspects of our current and upcoming research: How to reach beyond 10 kV? What is limiting the switching speed? How to scale up the current density? How to make it more resistant to space radiation? Can it enable cryogenic power electronics? Can it enable 800 ℃ sensor electronics?
Rongming Chu is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Ph.D. in 2008 from UC-Santa Barbara, specializing in GaN microwave transistors. From 2008 to 2010, he spent two years at Transphorm Inc., contributing to the conception and implementation of the company's first GaN power switch prototype. From 2010 to 2018, Rongming Chu served as a Senior Research Staff member at HRL Laboratories LLC, leading GaN power electronics R&D.
Rongming has over 50 issued US patents and more than 70 publications on GaN materials, devices, and circuits, with many of his inventions transitioning into commercial applications. He holds senior memberships in both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Academy of Inventors. Rongming is a recipient of the IEEE Electron Devices Technology and Manufacturing Best Paper Award (1st place), the HRL's Distinguished Inventor Award, and the IEEE Electron Device Society George E. Smith Award.
