Cutting-Edge MEMS Circuit Breaker for Submarines

Menlo Microsystems, a leading technology company based in the US, has announced plans to develop a high-power circuit breaker for defense systems utilizing its innovative MEMS technology. The company is leveraging its MEMS Ideal Switch architecture to create a circuit breaker capable of handling up to 1kVDC/10kADC for US Navy electrical systems.

The project is part of a contract awarded by the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme’s Advanced Technology Innovation Pipeline (ATIP) Programme. Menlo Micro will be providing 100A building blocks that will be assembled and tested for future integration into advanced circuit breakers for the DoD.

According to the company, this new circuit breaker will offer more reliable state-of-the-art performance in a significantly smaller form factor compared to traditional circuit breakers. By utilizing Menlo Micro’s high-power MM9200 SMT Ideal Switch® and a solid-state switch, the new circuit breaker is expected to be up to 5 times smaller, 4 times lighter, and require less complicated external cooling and heatsinking solutions.

In addition to its compact size, the circuit breaker will also provide fast dI/dT switching for improved reliability, lower maintenance requirements, and a 5 times lower surge current. The use of low resistivity contacts further enhances the efficiency and performance of the system.

Commenting on the project, Russ Garcia, Chief Executive Officer at Menlo Microsystems, expressed excitement about the groundbreaking nature of the technology. He stated, “The 1kV / 10kA circuit breaker solution using Menlo Micro’s technology will be groundbreaking and the first evolution in the circuit breaker field in decades. We look forward to our partnership with the U.S. Navy demonstrating the scalability of these advanced circuit breakers.”

He further added, “Menlo Micro’s high-current solution offers vastly improved performance, protection, and reliability that will not only drastically change power control for defense ground, air, and sea vessels but will revolutionize power control in buildings, microgrids, and other energy distribution applications. We understand the greater energy efficiency goals the DoD is targeting for powering the future and look forward to supporting their initiatives.”

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) collaborates with various organizations within the Department of Defense to rapidly prototype and deploy dual-use capabilities that address operational challenges efficiently and effectively. Menlo Microsystems’ innovative approach to circuit breaker technology is poised to make a significant impact on the defense sector and beyond, ushering in a new era of power control and distribution.

For more information about Menlo Microsystems and their cutting-edge technologies, visit www.menlomicro.com.