Page 2 - Power Electronics News - December 2020

VIEW POINT

The next

revolution of SiC

RT BOX 1:
THE ORIGINAL
By M. Di Paolo Emilio

Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices are increasingly used in high-voltage power converters with strict require-
ments regarding size, weight, and efficiency because they offer several interesting features when com-
pared to commonly used silicon (Si). The on-state resistance and switching losses are considerably lower,
RT BOX 2: and SiC provides about 3× more thermal conductivity compared to silicon, allowing faster heat dissipa-
MULTI-CORE tion from components. This is important because when Si-based devices become smaller in terms of

area, it becomes more difficult to extract the heat generated by electrical conversion processes, and SiC
dissipates the heat better. The power conversion market has insatiable demand for higher power den-
sity and efficiency, from lower static and dynamic losses along with more thermal and electrical design
margin. All without compromising. reliability or cost, in an ever-wider range of hard and soft switched
applications. SiC FETs represent an ideal solution to the demands, and the new generation of devices
will accelerate their adoption in several markets. In this issue, new Gen 4 SiC FETs will be discussed.
Gen 4 is set to enable new standards of efficiency and power density in all power conversion and storage
RT BOX 3: applications, as well as in renewable energy applications. Other topics discussed in this issue are Test &
HIGH I/O COUNT Measurements, electric vehicles, motion control and smart energy. Talking about Smart Energy is not only

a paradigm, it is also something that is imposed not only by business needs but also by precise regulato-
ry obligations pushing nations towards a decarbonisation of the sector. Rapid integration of renewables
with power grids in developed economies has underscored the growth potential for SiC and GaN power
semiconductor devices. In this issue, the power challenges of the smart grid and several aspects of smart
power will be discussed. Modern control and automation techniques can have significant energy savings,
protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life by improving the health and safety of citizens.
A complete definition of Industry 4.0 involves the definition of intelligent energy, digital networks and

THE REAL-TIME FAMILY HAS GROWN sophisticated sensors. Microgrids, solar storage systems, electric-vehicle chargers, distributable energy
loads, and other distributed energy resources will play a critical role in determining the balance between
electricity supply and demand. Enjoy reading!
Building blocks for HIL simulation
and rapid control prototyping Yours Sincerely,

Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio
Editor-in-Chief, Power Electronics News
Find specs and pricing at
www.plexim.com

DECEMBER 2020 | www.powerelectronicsnews.com 3 3