7.2-kV/60-A Austin SuperMOS: An Intelligent Medium-Voltage SiC Power Switch

In order to enable medium-voltage applications at an operation voltage of 5-kV level, a novel 7.2-kV/60-A Austin SuperMOS SiC power switch is developed. Static and dynamic performances are characterized at various voltage and current levels. The device exhibits excellent dynamic performance with a high dV/dt up to 122 V/ns during the turn-off. The output charge of the Austin SuperMOS is also measured to enable accurate dynamic loss estimation. A unique automatic gate turn-on mechanism is identified, which facilitates a substantial reduction of the third quadrant conduction loss during the deadtime in converter operations. A high-voltage isolated power supply with low coupling capacitance and an optically triggered intelligent gate driver circuit with protection functions are integrated into the medium-voltage power switch, enabling safe and reliable medium-voltage operations of the Austin SuperMOS.