Ideal Power Inc (NASDAQ:IPWR) announced the initiation of third-party automotive qualification and reliability testing for its B-TRAN devices, a key step in the company's commercialization efforts.
The developer of the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch previously completed internal reliability testing of packaged B-TRAN devices in extreme environmental conditions, including high electrical and thermal stress, at both its in-house lab and a third-party site.
All tested devices, packaged by a commercial partner, successfully passed, leading the company to engage a third-party to begin full-scale automotive qualification testing.
According to Ideal Power, the testing process will involve over a thousand packaged B-TRAN devices, which will undergo rigorous evaluations based on automotive standards. These tests include power cycling, thermal cycling, blocking voltage assessments, and shock and vibration testing under extreme conditions to demonstrate long-term reliability.
Ideal Power expects the testing to conclude in the first half of 2025.
CEO Dan Brdar called the testing a “significant milestone” in the company’s commercialization roadmap.
“Demonstration of compliance with automotive standards, the most stringent reliability standards for power semiconductor devices, is expected to accelerate the adoption of B-TRAN with large industrial customers as well as automotive OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers," Brdar said.
B-TRAN technology is designed to improve efficiency in applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and power conversion.