Article

Menlo Micro and Microchip validated a 1000-V/500-A Hot-Switched Power Panel in the 10 MW Advanced Circuit Breaker Development Program for the US Navy. This is the first validation of a MEMS-based 0.5 MW Hot-Switching relay panel for marine applications in the US.

Menlo Micro demonstrated the performance and scalability of its 'Ideal Switch' technology during the program. The final validation tests were conducted at Microchip Technology's power electronics test lab. The 'Ideal Switch' relays offer a metal-to-metal connection, significantly reducing resistance losses and heat generation compared to conventional semiconductor switches, thus enhancing power density and system efficiency.