Transient robustness testing of silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs

This paper presents the development of a unified test set-up and experimental results of the robustness characterisation of new generation of silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs. In particular, unclamped inductive switching (UIS) and short-circuit withstand capability (SC) are investigated, with the aim of assessing the actual limits of operation of the devices and highlighting the underlying physical mechanisms. An electro-thermal device model is used to support the experimental analysis and interpret the observations.