From electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to data centres and industrial automation, modern society increasingly depends on efficient power electronics. At the heart of these technologies are power semiconductor devices that control and convert electrical energy with high precision and efficiency. As demand for higher performance and lower energy consumption keeps growing, conventional silicon-based technologies are gradually reaching their physical limits. This is where Wide-Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors are opening a new era of innovation.
Wide-Bandgap semiconductors, particularly Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), offer significant advantages over traditional silicon devices. Their unique material properties enable operation at higher voltages, higher switching frequencies, and elevated temperatures, while substantially reducing power losses. As a result, electronic systems become smaller, lighter, more reliable, and considerably more energy efficient.
Today, WBG technologies are transforming numerous industrial sectors. Electric vehicles benefit from longer driving ranges and faster charging times. Renewable energy installations achieve higher conversion efficiencies, while advanced industrial power converters and aerospace applications gain improved reliability under demanding operating conditions. These materials are also becoming essential components of modern smart grids and future sustainable energy infrastructures.
Education for Tomorrow’s Semiconductor Engineers
The rapid adoption of WBG technologies is driving increasing demand for engineers with specialised expertise in power electronics, semiconductor devices, and advanced measurement techniques. Addressing this growing skills gap is one of the key objectives of the CHIPS of Europe project, co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme.
As one of the project partners, Brno University of Technology (BUT) plays a significant role in expanding education related to Wide-Bandgap semiconductor technologies. New educational content has been integrated into the new study programme “Chip Design and Modern Semiconductor Technologies”, while specialised lectures and laboratory exercises introduce students to modern SiC and GaN devices, their physical principles, applications, and design methodologies.
From Theory to Practice
A key strength of semiconductor education at Brno University of Technology is the strong connection between theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
Students not only learn about the operation of modern power semiconductor devices but also gain hands-on experience with advanced experimental equipment used for their characterisation and evaluation. Laboratory exercises allow students to investigate switching behaviour, efficiency, thermal performance, and reliability of modern power devices under realistic operating conditions.
An important research and educational activity focuses on testing power semiconductor chips and power electronic systems, including comprehensive Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) measurements. As switching frequencies continue to increase in modern power converters, electromagnetic interference becomes an increasingly important design challenge. Understanding EMC principles and applying appropriate mitigation techniques are therefore essential competencies for future semiconductor engineers.
By combining education with practical testing, students become familiar with industrial measurement procedures, modern laboratory instrumentation, and engineering methodologies widely used in semiconductor development and qualification.
Building Europe’s Semiconductor Future
The European semiconductor industry is currently undergoing rapid expansion, driven by the European Chips Act and increasing demand for advanced electronic systems. At the same time, Europe faces a significant shortage of highly qualified semiconductor professionals.
Projects such as CHIPS of Europe contribute directly to addressing this challenge by strengthening cooperation between universities and industry while modernising engineering education across Europe.
Through curriculum innovation, laboratory training, industrial collaboration, virtual learning environments, and international cooperation, the project helps prepare a new generation of engineers capable of developing the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s digital society.
Wide-Bandgap semiconductors represent one of the most exciting technological developments in modern electronics. By investing in education today, Europe is building the expertise needed to design more efficient power systems, accelerate the green transition, and maintain technological competitiveness on the global stage.
