ARCHIVE aims at demonstrating a breakthrough power electronics module technology for 20 kV semiconductor devices. It addresses both electrical insulation performance as well as efficient thermal management. With standard technology, these two aspects rely on the same element: the ceramic substrate which is part of the power module. This results in a trade-off between thermal performance and maximum withstand voltage before breakdown. We estimate that this trade-off becomes unacceptable somewhere between 10 and 20 kV, as thicker and thicker ceramic substrates are necessary to sustain this range of voltages, resulting in a dramatic drop in thermal performances. The technical solutions investigated in ARCHIVE are based on an advanced ceramic substrate, with specific features on the topside, specially designed to limit the reinforcement of electrical field as present in standard substrates, and an innovative cooling approach on the backside, based on a combination of a ceramic material and an insulating cooling fluid, acting together in order to ensure an appropriate electrical field distribution. This architectured ceramic substrate will be designed for 20 kV devices, as these are already available in some research labs. However, the concept can be extended to much higher voltages, because it no longer imposes a trade-off between thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. For demonstration purposes, the outcome of ARCHIVE will be a complete power module integrating this new concept. This will clearly illustrate the advantages of our solution for applications such a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission, where it would offer dramatic simplification of the global system (moving from hundreds of power modules today to a few tens in the future). This is particularly important, as HVDC technology is expected to play a major role in future energy networks, especially regarding the integration of renewable energy production. Two companies and two academic research groups are involved in the ARCHIVE consortium: - CeramTec designs and manufactures ceramic parts - SuperGrid Institute develops HVDC technologies - Kempten University of Applied Science - Electronic Integration Laboratory is experienced in liquid cooling of power modules - Laplace Laboratory from University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier has a recognized expertise in dielectrics and high voltage insulation. Together, they form a sound consortium and will address the multi-disciplinary aspects of high voltage power module design. ARCHIVE builds on the already existing commitment of France in the development of HVDC technology, and the very strong power electronics eco-system of Germany.