Investigation of Common Source Feedback in SiC Power Modules Regarding Performance and Short Circuit Robustness

Abstract:
SiC power modules are crucial in the automotive industry due to their high efficiency, but the change from Si to SiC brings new challenges regarding the short-circuit withstand time (SCWT). This paper investigates the influence of a common source feedback gate topology on short-circuit behavior. Implementing source feedback enhances the short-circuit withstand time but comes at the cost of increased switching losses. A more balanced trade-off between robustness and performance can be achieved by combining a welldefined common source feedback with an increasing gate-source voltage. This article investigates the concept using simulations, followed by characterization tests on a prototype commutation cell.