Thermal Stability of Silicon Carbide Power Diodes

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) power devices can operate at much higher junction temperature than those made of silicon. However, this does not mean that SiC devices can operate without a good cooling system. To demonstrate this, the model of a merged p-i-n Schottky (MPS) SiC diode is presented, and its parameters are identified with experimental measurements. This model is then used to study the ruggedness of the diode regarding the thermal runaway phenomenon. Finally, it is shown that, where a purely unipolar diode would be unstable, the MPS structure brings increased stability.