Product Key Points
The Key to Reduced Loss and Miniaturization in Power Applications : SiC-SBDs Offer Lowest Losses among Power Diodes
2017.07.20
ROHM has made continuing efforts to develop SBDs (Schottky barrier diodes) using SiC (silicon carbide) materials that are optimal for circuits providing high rated voltages and handling large currents, and in 2010 began mass production of SiC-based SBDs, a first in Japan. At present the company is offering its lineup of second-generation SiC-SBDs, and these products are expanding their use in a wide variety of applications, including automotive.
SiC-SBDs offer the following features.
- ・Fast reverse recovery time trr (high-speed switching possible)
- ・No temperature dependence of trr characteristic
- ・Low VF values (second-generation SBDs)
Below we will explain the advantages afforded by these features in actual use.
Greatly reduced switching losses
The reverse recovery time trr of SiC-SBDs has been greatly improved compared with Si diodes. The graph on the right compares the trr values of SiC-SBDs and Si-FRDs (fast recovery diodes). The time to recovery trr is short, the reverse current IR while the diode is turned off is much smaller, and convergence is faster. That is, the amount of reverse recovery charge Qrr is small, which means that switching losses are reduced.
When switching losses are low, two possibilities present themselves. One is that, when operating at the same switching frequency as Si-FRDs, heat generation of SiC-SBDs is reduced, and so the heat sink and board area used for heat dissipation can be made smaller. Of course this means improved efficiency. The other possibility, if SiC-SBDs can tolerate the same heat generation and switching losses as Si-FRDs, the switching operation of SiC-SBDs is faster. In the case of a switching power supply, by raising the switching frequency, smaller coils (inductors) and capacitors can be used, resulting in more compact design and reduced footprint.
Stable temperature characteristic achieved
Because the fluctuations with temperature in the characteristics of SiC are smaller than those for Si, the characteristics are stable even under elevated temperature conditions.
The characteristic of the previously discussed trr is also extremely stable with respect to temperature. Whereas the trr of Si-FRDs increases as the temperature rises, the trr of SiC-SBDs can be maintained nearly constant. And, there is almost no increase in switching losses even during high-temperature operation.
Further, the forward voltage VF of SiC-SBDs is about 1 V, or roughly the same as for Si-FRDs, but in contrast with Si-FRDs, the temperature coefficient is “positive” that is, VF rises with rising temperature. The solid lines in the graph of forward characteristics are for 25°C, and the broken lines are for 125°C (the different colors denote different device generations). These characteristics indicate that thermal runaway due to increased temperature will not readily occur, and help ensure safe operation under high-temperature conditions, such as when devices are connected in parallel.
Second-generation devices feature lower forward voltages, reduced conduction losses
ROHM’s second-generation SiC-SBDs are already being mass-produced and supplied to customers. Through innovations in manufacturing processes, the second generation SiC-SBDs have achieved VF values approx. 0.15 V lower, while maintaining leakage currents and trr performance on a par with previous products. As a result, conduction losses due to VF are reduced. The red waveforms in the forward characteristic graph are for a first-generation SiC-SBD, and the blue waveforms are for the second generation; the lower VF can be seen directly.
SiC-SBDs offer improved VF in addition to reduced switching losses made possible by a fast trr, and thus are the lowest-loss diodes available among power diodes.
Support for smaller and more efficient power applications
We have described the features of SiC-SBDs, but now let us introduce a number of representative applications. By replacing conventional silicon diodes mainly in power-related applications, they will be key devices for boosting system efficiency and promoting miniaturization, which are critical issues today.
<Application Examples>
- ・PFC (power factor correction) circuits
- ・Motor driver circuits
- ・PV inverters (motors) etc.
The product lineup includes items for automotive applications, conforming to AEC-Q101. These products are being used in onboard charging control circuits for EVs and HEVs around the world, and already have many proven track records in the market.
Information on Downloading Technical Documents
Downloadable materials, including lecture materials from ROHM-sponsored seminars and a selection guide for DC-DC converters, are now available.
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Download Technical Documents
Downloadable materials, including lecture materials from ROHM-sponsored seminars and a selection guide for DC-DC converters, are now available.
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