Overview of Wide/Ultrawide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Devices for Distributed Energy Resources

Abstract

This article provides an overview of power semiconductor devices (PSDs) for the distributed energy resource (DER) system. To begin with, an overview of electrically triggered silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices followed by a brief narration of ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) PSDs and, subsequently, an overview of optically activated PSDs encompassing photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) and optical bipolar PSDs are provided. Finally, an overview of PSD packaging and reliability is captured.