Power semiconductors

If a power device with a thermal resistance of 2 °C/W dissipates 10 W, what is the temperature rise?

  1. A5 °C
  2. B12 °C
  3. C20 °C
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Answer: C. 20 °C

Temperature rise = thermal resistance × power loss = 2 °C/W × 10 W = 20 °C. Thermal design that lowers thermal resistance with heat sinks and similar measures is important to keep the junction temperature below its limit.

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More Power semiconductors questions

  1. What is the parasitic diode that forms structurally inside a power MOSFET called?
  2. What is the general term for semiconductors with a larger band gap than silicon, such as SiC and GaN?
  3. What is the main role of a gate driver for power semiconductors?
  4. Why are power devices required to be 'normally off', with no current flowing at 0 V gate voltage?
  5. What is the main advantage of using SiC Schottky barrier diodes as freewheeling diodes in inverters and similar circuits?