Development of Ultrahigh-Voltage SiC Devices

Ultrahigh-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) devices [p-i-n diodes and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)] and switching test have been investigated. As a result, we have succeeded in developing a 13-kV p-i-n diode, 15-kV p-channel IGBT, and 16-kV flip-type n-channel implantation and epitaxial IGBT with a low differential specific on-resistance (Rdiff,on). It was revealed that a power module fabricated using a nanotech resin, Si3N4 ceramic substrate, and W base plate was suitable for ultrahigh voltage and high temperature. A switching test was carried out using a clamped inductive load circuit, which indicated that the energy loss of a circuit with ultrahigh-voltage SiC devices is lower than that of Si devices.