Synergizing Soft-Switching Technology and Silicon Carbide Devices to Design Low-Cost, Reliable, High-Power, High-Current, Isolated, DC/DC Converters

Title:

Synergizing Soft-Switching Technology and Silicon Carbide Devices to Design Low-Cost, Reliable, High-Power, High-Current, Isolated, DC/DC Converters

Instructors:

Mark Scott and Alexander Isurin

Abstract:

This tutorial presents design strategies for implementing silicon carbide (SiC) power devices into isolated dc/dc converters that use soft-switching technology. It focuses on applications where the high-voltage terminals experience hundreds of volts and the low-voltage terminals conduct several hundred amps at power levels of 2 kW and beyond. The audience learns the tradeoffs between using silicon and SiC devices. This background illustrates which isolated dc/dc converter topologies are well suited for SiC and what applications enjoy significant benefits (e.g., cost, power-density).The audience also learns how to achieve high-reliability with SiC components. Device characterization and experimental results facilitate the discussion.