Simulation Study of Switching-Dependent Device Parameters of High Voltage 4H-SiC GTOs

Abstract

The silicon carbide (SiC) “Super” gate turn-off thyristor (SGTO) is a viable device for high voltage and fast dI/dt switching applications. These devices are well suited for various pulsed power applications requiring high peak currents in the kilo-amp regime. The turn-on transition speed is determine by the spreading velocity, which depends on applied gate current, applied anode current density, minority carrier lifetime, and both the gate base-width and the drift region of the thyristor. The impact of device parameters on switching performance is discussed in this work.