Compared to traditional silicon (Si) semiconductor material, wide bandgap (WBG) materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride are gradually applied to fabricate power semiconductor devices, which are used in power converters to achieve high power efficiency, high operation temperature and high switching frequency. As those power devices are relatively new, their characterization and modeling are important to better understand their characteristics for better use. This dissertation is mainly focused on those WBG power semiconductor devices characterization, modeling and fast switching currents measurement. In order to measure their static characteristics, a single-pulse method is presented. A SiC diode and a "normally-off" SiC JFET is characterized by this method from ambient temperature to their maximal junction temperature with the maximal power dissipation around kilowatt. Afterwards, in order to determine power device inter-electrode capacitances, a measurement method based on the use of multiple current probes is proposed and validated by measuring inter-electrode capacitances of power devices of different technologies. Behavioral models of a Si diode and the SiC JFET are built by using the results of the above characterization methods, by which the evolution of the inter-electrode capacitances for different operating conditions are included in the models. Power diode models are validated with the measurements, in which the current is measured by a proposed current surface probe.

This book is an authoritative overview of Wide Bandgap (WBG) device characterization providing essential tools to assist the reader in performing both static and dynamic characterization of WBG devices, particularly those based on using silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors.

Emerging wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors hold the potential to advance the global industry in the same way that, more than 50 years ago, the invention of the silicon (Si) chip enabled the modern computer era. SiC- and GaN-based devices are starting to become more commercially available. Smaller, faster, and more efficient than their counterpart Si-based components, these WBG devices also offer greater expected reliability in tougher operating conditions. Furthermore, in this frame, a new class of microelectronic-grade semiconducting materials that have an even larger bandgap than the previously established wide bandgap semiconductors, such as GaN and SiC, have been created, and are thus referred to as “ultra-wide bandgap” materials. These materials, which include AlGaN, AlN, diamond, Ga2O3, and BN, offer theoretically superior properties, including a higher critical breakdown field, higher temperature operation, and potentially higher radiation tolerance. These attributes, in turn, make it possible to use revolutionary new devices for extreme environments, such as high-efficiency power transistors, because of the improved Baliga figure of merit, ultra-high voltage pulsed power switches, high-efficiency UV-LEDs, and electronics. This Special Issue aims to collect high quality research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on wide bandgap device design, fabrication, and advanced characterization. The Special Issue will also publish selected papers from the 43rd Workshop on Compound Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuits, held in France (WOCSDICE 2019), which brings together scientists and engineers working in the area of III–V, and other compound semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. In particular, the following topics are addressed: – GaN- and SiC-based devices for power and optoelectronic applications – Ga2O3 substrate development, and Ga2O3 thin film growth, doping, and devices – AlN-based emerging material and devices – BN epitaxial growth, characterization, and devices

This work presents a comprehensive modeling strategy for advanced large-size AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. A 22-element equivalent circuit with 12 extrinsic elements, including 6 capacitances, serves as small-signal model and as basis for a large-signal model. ANalysis of such capacitances leads to original equations, employed to form capacitance ratios. BAsic assumptions of existing parameter extractions for 22-element equivalent circuits are perfected: A) Required capacitance ratios are evaluated with device's top-view images. B) Influences of field plates and source air-bridges on these ratios are considered. The large-signal model contains a gate charge's non-quasi-static model and a dispersive-IDS model. THe extrinsic-to-intrinsic voltage transformation needed to calculate non-quasi-static parameters from small-signal parameters is improved with a new description for the measurement's boundary bias points. ALl IDS-model parameters, including time constants of charge-trapping and self-heating, are extracted using pulsed-DC IV and IDS-transient measurements, highlighting the modeling strategy's empirical character.

At the heart of modern power electronics converters are power semiconductor switching devices. The emergence of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices, including silicon carbide and gallium nitride, promises power electronics converters with higher efficiency, smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost than converters using the established silicon-based devices. However, WBG devices pose new challenges for converter design and require more careful characterization, in particular due to their fast switching speed and more stringent need for protection.

'This book is more suited for researchers already familiar with WBS who are interested in developing new WBG materials and devices since it provides the latest developments in new materials and processes and trends for WBS and UWBS technology.'IEEE Electrical Insulation MagazineWith the dawn of Gallium Oxide (Ga2O₃) and Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN) electronics and the commercialization of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) based devices, the field of wide bandgap materials and electronics has never been more vibrant and exciting than it is now. Wide bandgap semiconductors have had a strong presence in the research and development arena for many years. Recently, the increasing demand for high efficiency power electronics and high speed communication electronics, together with the maturity of the synthesis and fabrication of wide bandgap semicon-ductors, has catapulted wide bandgap electronics and optoelectronics into the mainstream.Wide bandgap semiconductors exhibit excellent material properties, which can potentially enable power device operation at higher efficiency, higher temperatures, voltages, and higher switching speeds than current Si technology. This edited volume will serve as a useful reference for researchers in this field — newcomers and experienced alike.This book discusses a broad range of topics including fundamental transport studies, growth of high-quality films, advanced materials characterization, device modeling, high frequency, high voltage electronic devices and optical devices written by the experts in their respective fields. They also span the whole spectrum of wide bandgap materials including AlGaN, Ga2O₃and diamond.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Devices: Materials, Physics, Design and Applications provides readers with a single resource on why these devices are superior to existing silicon devices. The book lays the groundwork for an understanding of an array of applications and anticipated benefits in energy savings. Authored by the Founder of the Power Semiconductor Research Center at North Carolina State University (and creator of the IGBT device), Dr. B. Jayant Baliga is one of the highest regarded experts in the field. He thus leads this team who comprehensively review the materials, device physics, design considerations and relevant applications discussed. - Comprehensively covers power electronic devices, including materials (both gallium nitride and silicon carbide), physics, design considerations, and the most promising applications - Addresses the key challenges towards the realization of wide bandgap power electronic devices, including materials defects, performance and reliability - Provides the benefits of wide bandgap semiconductors, including opportunities for cost reduction and social impact