Integrated SiC Anode Switched Thyristor Modules for Smart-Grid Applications

Silicon Carbide Anode Switched Thyristors (ASTs) overcome major limitations of conventional Si and SiC IGBT and GTO Thyristor solutions by providing robust, latch-up free turn-off at high currents, current saturation in the output characteristics, and a wide safe operating area (SOA) through series current controlled device turn-off. In this work, detailed static and switching characteristics of 6.5 kV-class SiC ASTs are reported, which include a low on-state voltage drop of 4 V at 100 A/cm 2 , slight positive temperature co-efficient of Von, current saturation at > 100 A Cathode currents and fast turn-on and turn-off times of 500 ns while switching 1300 V and 20 A.