Recent Developments in SiC Device Research

TLDR

Silicon Carbide is rapidly maturing as a semiconductor whose unique properties enable it to replace silicon in high‑performance applications as silicon approaches physical limits, and its sensor feedback is crucial for environmental monitoring. The paper investigates SiC’s potential in high‑power electronics, high‑frequency mobile telecom devices, and extreme‑environment sensors. The authors illustrate this by presenting SiC sensor examples designed for high‑temperature, high‑pressure, and corrosive environments. SiC devices achieving multi‑kilovolt, megawatt power handling and high power density are already enabling high‑voltage power transmission, digital TV transmission, and mobile base stations, with ABB’s recent progress indicating imminent commercial deployment.

Abstract

Silicon Carbide is fast emerging as a mature semiconductor. The unique combination of material properties offered by SiC will allow it to establish itself in applications where the ever dominant Si is approaching the physical (not technical) limits of it's operation. Three key areas will be explored in this paper: (i) High power electronics. SiC devices operating at several kV and capable of MW power handling will revolutionise the way electrical power is transmitted and made use of. Recent progress supported by ABB in Sweden suggests these breakthroughs will begin to play a key role soon after the turn of the century. (ii) High frequency devices made from SiC will also play an increasingly important part in the mobile telecommunication revolution in which we currently live. Northrop Grumman in the USA have demonstrated the transmission of digital TV using SiC based devices. The high power density achieved from such devices make them also suitable for base stations for mobile telephones. (iii) Finally we look at some examples of how SiC is being used to develop new types of sensors that can be used in extreme environments such as high temperatures, high pressures or corrosive environments. Feedback from such sensors is seen as essential to understanding how we effect the world around us and thereby how we can limit pollution.