SPEC conducts vertically integrated power electronics research, meaning that the research starts from the fundamental technology such as power semiconductor devices and power ICs, toward higher level power electronics systems, and then towards large electric power systems.

1) Power Semiconductor Devices (PSD)

Utilizing the advanced cleanroom fabrication capability and design capability at NCSU, and through strategic collabroation with industry leader in the field, the device development at SPEC is currently concentrating on developing new generations of SiC and GaN based power devices. Current initiatives include developing a 15 kV SiC based thyristor device. 10 kV class MOSFET and diode. SPEC is also developing new power electronics applications bade don emerging SiC and GaN devices. Device technology suitable for very low voltage and high current applications is another area of interest. Technologies integrating high voltage (>600 V) with low voltage (5 V) circuitry on silicon and non-silicon substrate are being developed.

2) Power Management Microsystems (PMM)

Utilizing power integrated circuit technology and integrated passive technology, research in the PMM area concentrates on developing advanced analog and digital circuits for power management applications, such as advanced control concept for light-load power management in battery powered applications; topologies for efficient battery power conversions; small footprint and low profile integrated point–of-load converters operating at multi-megahertz; development of chip scale passive component (capacitor and inductor). Develop techniques to recover energy (energy scavenge).

3) Utility Power Electronics (UPE)

Utilizing advanced high-power semiconductor technology, control technology and modular multilevel converter technology developed by SPEC, the research in the UPE area concentrates on power system integration of very high-power, scaleable power electronics systems for utility based applications. Initial focus is on shunt-connected FACTS devices, such as the 5 MVA to 30 MVA STATCOM system for arc furnace flicker control, wind farm reactive power support. Advanced energy storage and its control is another focus of the current research. Another major effort is in the development of solid-state fault current limiting devices and solid-state breakers. Solid State Transformer (SST) based on silicon and silicon carbide devices are also studied.

4) Vehicle Power Electronics (VPE)

VPE research concentrate on developing technologies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). VPE research is an integral part of the Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC).

5) Electric Power Systems (EPS)

The application of computer, control and system analysis techniques to study large power system operation and planning problems, particularly when one or more FACTS devices and energy storage devices are placed in the network. Derive economic and social benefits of using active power management (FACTS, energy storage) of the grid. Study protection and coordination of various FACTS devices.