Power semiconductors

What is the general term for semiconductors with a larger band gap than silicon, such as SiC and GaN?

  1. AWide-band-gap semiconductors
  2. BNarrow-gap semiconductors
  3. CAmorphous semiconductors
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Answer: A. Wide-band-gap semiconductors

Semiconductors with band gaps of roughly 3 eV or more are called wide-band-gap semiconductors. Their high breakdown fields and ability to operate at high temperatures make them suitable for high-voltage, low-loss power devices and high-frequency devices. Materials with even larger gaps, such as Ga2O3 and diamond, are sometimes called ultra-wide-band-gap semiconductors.

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More Power semiconductors questions

  1. What is the main role of a gate driver for power semiconductors?
  2. Why are power devices required to be 'normally off', with no current flowing at 0 V gate voltage?
  3. What is the main advantage of using SiC Schottky barrier diodes as freewheeling diodes in inverters and similar circuits?
  4. Which is a characteristic of a thyristor?
  5. In high-power modules, what is the main purpose of the insulating substrate (such as a ceramic substrate) placed under the power chips?