Research Focus

LZE-Stecker-Themen-Leistungszentrum-Elektroniksysteme-LZE-Fraunhofer

Electronic systems for digital change

The megatrend of digitalization and the associated speed of change is a major challenge for many companies. This requires new business models and new technologies. The four lead projects in LZE Phase II cover a complete range of technical aspects for implementing digital change with the help of complex electronic systems: For low-loss switching, basic materials and component technologies are being developed in order to be able to meet the technical requirements resulting from comprehensive digitization at all, e.g. through lower energy consumption and higher performance.

Power Electronics

In the future, energy supply will not be possible without the use of state-of-the-art components and systems based on power electronics. These include highly-efficient power converters, storage systems, renewable energy sources connected to the grid, high-performance switches for high voltage DC transmission systems, components for DC networks in buildings or management systems for local sub-networks. Even in the area of drive train technology, power electronics are vital components in electric vehicle systems such as the electric drive trains, storage solutions, vehicle electrical systems and charging infrastructures.

In the next step, intelligent power electronic hardware components enable comprehensive statements as well as a novel, active control of the entire system. This is supported by significantly improved communication technologies for IoT nodes in personal area networks, which are characterized by a high range, reliability and versatility. Finally, in the area of application, the optimized integration of manual production steps into complex digitized production processes using cognitive hand tools will be considered.

Low-Power Electronics

When it comes to grid-independent systems, energy efficiency is currently the greatest challenge when developing electronics technology. This is especially true for daily electronic accessories, such as so-called wearables. Low-power solutions are in particularly high demand not only for consumer sports and fitness applications, but for industrial environments as well. Examples include cyber-physical systems (Industry 4.0) that benefit equally from energy-saving circuits and energy-efficient communications protocols.

Mit dem LZE hebt die FAU ihre gemeinsame Forschungsstrategie mit den lokalen Fraunhofer-Instituten auf eine neue Ebene.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Hornegger, Präsident der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)

These technologies are highly pertinent to the five fields of application that offer the greatest potential for the German economy: energy-efficiency, smart grids, medical technology, electromobility and Industry 4.0.
LZE projects demonstrate the region‘s extensive expertise, form the basis of innovative solutions for addressing industry-relevant issues.
Furthermore develops the LZE together with partners new models for strategy cooperation, such as the innovative excellence program ENETLZE for high potentials in research and development.