Future Prospects of Widebandgap (WBG) Semiconductor Power Switching Devices

Abstract

Electrical power switching devices based on widebandgap (WBG) semiconductors have the potential for transformative impact on a wide range of energy conversion applications. Significantly improved electrical and thermal conductivities of WBG semiconductors compared with the semiconductor silicon have the potential for more efficient, compact, and robust power conversion systems. However, to offset inherently higher manufacturing cost of WBG power devices and obtain system-level benefits, power converters need to be operated at higher semiconductor chip junction temperatures and/or at higher switching frequencies. This paper discusses the future prospects of WBG-based power electronics by considering the current state of the art of WBG chip manufacturing, packaging, and thermal management technologies.