Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1522571
Despite the clear benefits of SiC over silicon, designers may encounter challenges when switching their designs from silicon to SiC. To actualize the benefits of SiC, designers must reconsider their designs and optimize them for SiC devices. One difference between designing with SiC FETs and silicon FETs is the gate driver requirements. SiC devices require higher-voltage gate drivers to properly drive the transistors. Additionally, SiC devices are more power efficient and can operate at higher switching frequencies than silicon devices. This capability also requires changing the gate driver requirements to support higher frequencies and greater voltage ranges (e.g., 0–18V). Because of the higher switching frequencies, SiC also limits the size of surrounding passive components, reducing system weight and space. Additionally, SiC devices may open up the opportunity for different system topologies. In silicon-based designs, the lack of reliable high-voltage devices often necessitates using multiple devices to share the overall power. These systems require complicated control algorithms and dedicated digital signal processors to effectively drive multiple devices. With SiC FETs, topologies can be simplified to use fewer devices, reducing cost, area, weight, and computational demand on the associated driving devices. onsemi helps designers navigate the transition from silicon to SiC by • Offering discrete SiC products that can be used up to 20kW • Offering drop-in, highly integrated SiC power integrated modules (PIMs) for high-power applications • Providing designers with detailed application notes and reference designs • Providing engineers with detailed and accurate SPICE and PLECS models for reliable device simulations C h a p t e r 1 | U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e S i C R e v o l u t i o n In an electric vehicle, SiC's advantages translate into power solutions that are smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Less energy is wasted, leading to a reduction in the number of expensive batteries required, an advantage that prices SiC into the automotive sector." Peter Gammon Professor of Power Electronic Devices, University of Warwick 8 Enabling a Sustainable Future with Silicon Carbide Power Electronics