New NASA Computer Chip Operates Under Fiery Conditions

Maybe this will finally put concerns about flaming laptop batteries to rest.

NASA scientists have designed and built a new computer chip that can operate for long periods of time under extraordinarily hot conditions, the agency says.

Previous high-temperature chips have typically been able to operate for only a few hours under extreme conditions. The research team's new silicon carbide differential amplifier chip provides a 100-fold increase on those capabilities, operating for more than 1700 hours at temperatures of more than 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Researchers say the breakthrough is likely to find its way into computer circuitry governing safety in jet engines, automobiles, or even robotic exploration on the surface of Venus:

"It's really a significant step toward mission-enabling harsh environment electronics," said Phil Neudeck, an electronics engineer and team lead for this work by the Aeronautics Research
Mission Directorate at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. "This new capability can eliminate the additional plumbing, wires, weight and other performance penalties required to liquid-cool traditional sensors and electronics near the hot combustion chamber, or the need to remotely locate them elsewhere where they aren't as effective."

NASA Researchers Extend Life of Hot Temperature Electronic Chip [NASA Press Release]