C h a p t e r 1
Of all semiconductors used today, Si has
established itself as the bedrock of all devices
on the planet. This ubiquity is due to its ability to
accommodate billions of active components on
a single die, its speed and power performance in
logic circuits, and its long history of support from
manufacturers worldwide. Though creating active
devices using other technologies may be possible,
none approach Si when it comes to processors,
memory, and signal processing.
While great for low-voltage and high-frequency
logical circuits, Si is not the best semiconductor
for high-power applications requiring extreme
efficiencies. Of course, power circuits have been
made from Si, but far better alternatives—one of
which is SiC—exist.
Si vs. SiC
SiC is a completely different technology
that, compared to Si, is more robust, has
a three times wider bandgap, a 10 times
greater breakdown field, and a three times
greater thermal conductivity. Therefore,
our customers can see smaller designs,
greater-efficiency power systems, and
higher operating frequencies."
Marc Rommerswinkel
Business Development Manager, Microchip Technology
6
Silicon Carbide Power Solutions
