Analysis of short-circuit conditions for silicon carbide power transistors and suggestions for protection

Abstract

An experimental analysis of the behavior under short-circuit conditions of three different Silicon Carbide (SiC) 1200 V power devices is presented. It is found that all devices take up a substantial voltage, which is favorable for detection of short-circuits. A suitable method for short-circuit detection without any comparator is demonstrated. A SiC JFET driver with an integrated short-circuit protection (SCP) is presented where a short-circuit detection is added to a conventional driver design in a simple way. Experimental tests of the SCP driver operating under short-circuit condition and under normal operation are performed successfully.