Power Electronics

In the Power Electronics Research Division, we develop high-performance, efficient, and exceptionally compact power converters for the key drivers of our time: the energy transition, mobility, and digitalization. Our expertise ranges from system and circuit design to modern control concepts and algorithms, and extends to multidisciplinary system optimization—electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal. This is complemented by expertise in heterogeneous integration and packaging, electromagnetic compatibility, reliability, and condition and fault monitoring.

Wir entwickeln und nutzen einzigartige Werkzeuge zur domänenübergreifenden Optimierung und setzen auf moderne, modellbasierte Entwurfsmethoden, um kundenspezifische Komponenten- und Subsystemmodelle sowie deren Funktionen gezielt zu unterstützen. Die Verifizierung unserer Prototypen erfolgt in unserer hochmodernen Laborinfrastruktur, die mit neuesten Messgeräten und Prüfsystemen ausgestattet ist. Hauptforschungsthemen:

Fortschrittliches Multi-Domain-Design und -Optimierung für Hochleistungs-Leistungswandler

...,die die Grenzen moderner Wandlertechnologien durch innovative Designansätze erweitern:

Multi-domain modeling technologies for components and systems with increased accuracy
Multi-domain and multi-objective optimization technologies for components and systems
Advanced design platforms to significantly accelerate the development process
High-performance control algorithms and rapid design and verification approaches

Hochpräzise multidomänenbezogene Charakterisierung und
Modellierung leistungselektronischer Komponenten und Systeme

...mit dem Ziel, Wandler mit hoher Leistungsdichte durch multikriterielle Optimierung zu entwickeln, ergänzt durch erweiterte Funktionen wie:

Forecasting, Diagnosis, and Parameter Estimation
In-situ Monitoring and Condition Assessment to Optimize Cost-Effectiveness
Reliability and availability have a direct impact on overall safety
3D System Integration Using Innovative Cooling Technologies

Model-based design for EMC in power electronics

...ermöglicht eine ganzheitliche Steuerung des Entwicklungsprozesses – unter Berücksichtigung von Funktionalität, Baugröße und Kosten von Filtern sowie weiterer Einflussfaktoren auf elektromagnetische Störungen (EMI), inklusive gezielter Optimierungen.

Simulation and Verification of Conducted EMI up to 100 MHz
Simulation and Verification of Radiated EMI up to 300 MHz
Novel EMI modeling techniques, including machine learning approaches
Valid model extension at the system level

For us, sustainability in power electronics

...unter Einsatz heterogener Integrationstechnologien sowie umfassende elektrische, thermische und thermomechanische Analyse und Prüfung

Die-Bonding and Sintering Technologies
Wirebond-Free Interconnection Technologies
System-in-Package Solutions Based on Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging
Reliability of Enclosures

Packaging and characterization of power devices

...steht bei uns im Zeichen von Zuverlässigkeit, Zustandsüberwachung und multikriterieller Umrichteroptimierung.

Physics-Based Fault Models for Accurate Prediction of Stress on Power Devices During Inverter Operation
Further Development of HCM Toward Estimating Remaining Service Life and Self-Healing Approaches
Advanced multi-criteria inverter optimization—going beyond efficiency, power density, and device technology—for designs that sustainably reduce resource consumption, emissions throughout the entire life cycle, and waste

Advanced operation and control strategies for the energy transition and electrification

... unterstützen den Übergang von fossilen zu erneuerbaren Energien durch die gezielte Optimierung leistungselektronischer Systeme. Im Fokus stehen modulare Umrichterarchitekturen im MW-Bereich sowie Gleichstrom-Mikronetze, die eine höhere Systemeffizienz ermöglichen.

System Simulations of Interconnected Inverter Systems
Distributed Control Strategies for Ensuring System Stability
Advanced Operating Strategies for Reducing Low-Frequency Grid Emissions and Managing Fault Conditions
Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHiL) and machine test benches for emulating renewable energy sources, supplemented by laboratory-scale hardware demonstrators for verifying operating conditions and protection mechanisms

Units

Coexistence & Electromagnetic Compatibility

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a crucial design criterion. If compliance to certain standards is not given, products cannot be placed in the market. EMC issues frequently disrupt project progress, causing delays and additional costs.

The solution to this problem is to incorporate EMC at the beginning of the design process – before prototype hardware is manufactured - by simulation of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and immunity.

We master the general EMI simulation, the modeling process and the connection between all the different model categories, from circuit models over 3D models to mathematical & behavioral models up to surrogate models. AI and machine learning are employed to reduce simulation times vastly and enable global optima search.

In addition, measurements in accordance with applicable standards and for modeling are part of our validation processes. Our main technology fields are power electronic as well as wireless and wired communication and wireless power transfer.

Heterogeneous Integration Technologies

Heterogeneous Integration refers to the integration of separately manufactured components into a higher-level assembly that provides enhanced functionality and improved operating characteristics.

The research unit focuses on wafer level packaging, Multiphysics simulation from chip to package, photonic packaging, chip-package characterization, flexible hybrid electronics as well as interconnects & packaging materials.

Architecture & Topologies

Our Architectures & Topologies Research Unit is dedicated to developing high performance power converter systems for various automotive and industrial applications, with efficiency and/or power density beyond state-of-the-art technologies. Research topics cover different aspects of power converter system design and magnetics design, including advanced theoretical analysis, simulation and design methodologies, and practical design issues.

Advanced design approach based on multi-domain modeling & multi-objective converter optimization for high-performance power converter systems:
- Pushing the design limits of for power converter topologies and magnetic components based on advanced design technologies
- Multi-domain modeling technologies for components and systems with improved accuracy
- Multi-objective optimization technologies for components and systems
- Advanced design platform to significantly accelerate the design process
- High-performance control algorithm and fast design & verification approach
- Sustainability analysis and life cycle assessment for power converter topologies
Power converters with a rating of several Volt and Watt up to 1500V and 200kW for different AC/DC or DC/DC application
Modelling and control design of individual converters up to whole systems such as DC microgrids and verification with power hardware in the loop

System-Level Integration Technologies

System-Level Integration Technologies focuses on the increasing integration of PE modules and systems, high fidelity characterization and modelling of power electronic components as well as on optimized and very compact integrated power converter systems with integrated enhanced functionalities (e.g., prognosis, diag-nosis, advanced measurements, parameter estimation, gate driving, and state-of-health monitoring). Integration of enhanced functionalities and "intelligence", empowered by machine learning approaches, is a new development direction towards the digitalization of PE systems.

Infrastructure

Labs & Equipment

Prototyping & Testing

Design Simulation & Characterization

Pilot Lines & Chip Services

SAL MicroFab & Cleanrooms

Projects

From fundamental research to industrial application, our projects drive innovation and create solutions for the technologies of tomorrow.

Indspeed

The INDSPEED project is developing a new ultra-precise magnetic encoder system based on TMR sensors and SmCo pole wheels.

Opal

OPAL focused on the development of SAL's first integrated optical phased array system for LIDAR applications. Special attention was paid to the selection of the optical photonics platform to achieve low-loss operation with high bandwidth….

CoRaLi-DAR

Im Rahmen des von der EU finanzierten CoRaLi-DAR-Projekts wird ein kostengünstiges, stromsparendes und zuverlässiges, fortschrittliches Sensor- und Entfernungsmesssystem als Plattform für den Automobilmarkt und darüber hinaus entwickelt. Ziel des Projekts ist es, sowohl funk- als auch lichtbasierte Sensorik in einem Modul zu vereinen und dabei die hochauflösenden Fähigkeiten von LiDAR sowie die hohe Zuverlässigkeit von RADAR unter widrigen Wetterbedingungen zu nutzen. …

Services

We offer services across the entire power electronics value chain—from the development and characterization of individual components to comprehensive system design, including packaging, control software, and EMC optimization. We provide targeted support to help you achieve high power density, efficiency, and reliability in your products. Learn more about our services in our comprehensive portfolio in the field of power electronics.

News & Events

Latest news, inspiring success stories, and upcoming events: Get a glimpse into our research, partnerships, and activities at our locations in Graz, Linz, and Villach.

News

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6. October 2026

ONLINE TRAINING | Magpylib: Magnetic Simulation in Python

Event

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06.10.2026

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08:00

Auditorium SAL Villach | Europastraße 12 | 9524 Villach Austria

SAL CPO Alliance Summit 2026

News

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16. July 2026

SAL and SHINCRON join forces to establish first-of-its-kind European platform for lithium-niobate-based thin films

News

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13. July 2026

Project 5G-aNTeNna KICK-OFF

Contact

Business Development

Peter Rechberger MSc

Business Development Power Electronics

Graz

+43 664 78067356

peter.rechberger@silicon-austria.com

Head of Research Division

Detective Inspector Alfred Binder MSc

Head of Research Division Power Electronics

Graz

+43 664 88 200 115

alfred.binder@silicon-austria.com

Computing & Embedded Intelligence