SiCnifikant

 

SiC-Based Traction Inverters for Innovative Drive Concepts

 

In publicly funded (BMBF) project "SiCnifikant", the advantages of SiC-based semiconductor components in power-electronic converters in electric vehicles were investigated. In particular, the design of a novel power module demonstrated the optimal use of SiC-based semiconductor devices with regard to the achievable switching speed and power density. The ISEA focussed on the design of the power modules and the required gate drivers.

The power module reached a power density of up to 75 kW/liter. Innovative driving circuits and packaging concepts were designed for this purpose. Within the framework of the project, comprehensive research work was carried out at all levels, from characterization of the semiconductor chip, simulation and assembly of components to evaluation of the effects on the system level and subsequent evaluation.

A further focus of the project was the design of gate drivers for several paralleled SiC MOSFETs. Due to the switching speeds of up to 70 kV/µs, special gate drivers were required to ensure uniform current distribution among the power MOSFETs connected in parallel. Additionaly, the gate drivers were designed to operate fail-safe with regard to the very high switching transients of SiC MOSFETs.

 

Duration

01st September, 2018 to 31st October, 2021

 

Funding

 

Partner