Wide bandgap, (WBG), semiconductors differ significantly from conventional semiconductors since they have a larger bandgap. A bandgap refers to the energy difference in semiconductors between the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band. The larger distance allows wide bandgap semiconductor power devices to operate at higher voltages, temperatures, and frequencies.

Wide band gap semiconductor materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) are the ideal choice when looking for next generation of efficient power converter switches. However, each material offers certain advantages over the other. For instance, silicon carbide power semiconductors offer excellent voltage blocking for applications starting at 650V and provides even more benefits the higher the voltage.

The key for the next essential step towards an energy-efficient world lies in the use of these new WBG power electronics materials that allow for greater power efficiency, smaller size, lighter weight, lower overall cost – or all of these together.

Infineon offers the broadest product and technology portfolio including silicon, silicon carbide and gallium-nitride-based devices. As the leading power supplier with more than two decades of heritage in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technology development, Infineon Technologies caters to the need for smarter, more efficient energy generation, transmission, and consumption. Their experts understand what is needed to reduce system complexity, leading to decreased system cost and size in low- to mid- and high-power systems.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Advantages

There is a long list of wide bandgap semiconductor advantages. For example, higher efficiency, thanks to wide bandgap semiconductor-based electronics, leads to increased power density as well as reduced size and weight and consequently lowering overall system costs. 

Using wide bandgap semiconductor devices for power electronics also helps realize higher operating switching frequencies. This is especially important when ultimate power density is the target. GaN WBG semiconductors have a low total gate charge and a low voltage threshold of approximately 1.5 V, even at high frequencies, and gate-drive power is limited to milliwatts.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Product Solutions

Infineon’s high efficiency wide bandgap semiconductor devices for power electronics product solutions are revolutionary. Our innovative and revolutionary technology implements high-performance wide band gap semiconductor materials and includes Infineon’s CoolSiC™. Moreover, our CoolGaN™ solutions in both discrete and integrated power stages.

Silicon carbide (SiC) has a wide bandgap of 3 electronvolt (eV) and a much higher thermal conductivity compared to silicon. SiC based MOSFETs are best suited for high breakdown, high power applications that operate at high frequency. Compared to silicon, silicon carbide power semiconductors device parameters such as the RDS(on) increase less over temperature. This allows designers to work within tighter margins or at higher temperatures in their wide bandgap power electronics designs, enabling extra performance. Based on proven, high-quality volume manufacturing, Infineon’s CoolSiC™ solutions combine revolutionary technology with benchmark reliability – for our customers’ success today and tomorrow. Learn more

GaN has an even higher bandgap (3.4 electronvolt) and substantially higher electron mobility than SiC. Compared to silicon (Si), the breakdown field is ten times higher and the electron mobility is doubled. Both the output charge and gate charge are ten times lower than with Si, and the reverse recovery charge is almost zero, which is key for high frequency operations. GaN wide bandgap semiconductor power devices are the technology of choice in modern resonant topologies and are enabling new approaches, including new topologies and current modulation.

Infineon’s GaN solution is based on the most robust and performing concept in the market – the enhancement mode (e-mode) concept, offering fast turn-on and turn-off speed. CoolGaN™ gallium nitride products focus on high performance and robustness while adding significant value to a broad variety of systems across many wide bandgap semiconductor applications such as server, telecom, wireless charging, adapter and charger, and audio. CoolGaN™ switches are easy to use and easy to design-in with a broad portfolio of single- and dual channel, isolated and non-isolated EiceDRIVER™ gate driver ICs from Infineon. Learn more

EiceDRIVER™ SiC MOSFET gate driver ICs are well-suited to drive SiC MOSFETs, especially our ultra-fast switching CoolSiC™ SiC MOSFETs. These gate drivers incorporate most important key features and parameters for SiC driving such as tight propagation delay matching, precise input filters, wide output-side supply range, negative gate voltage capability, active Miller clamp, DESAT protection, and extended CMTI capability. Learn more 

wide bandgap semiconductors Si SiC GaN
wide bandgap semiconductors Si SiC GaN
wide bandgap semiconductors Si SiC GaN

Wide bandgap semiconductor devices bring significant power efficiency to a variety of applications. Infineon’s innovative portfolio of wide bandgap semiconductors is addressing state-of-the art electronics used in chargers and adapters for consumer applications, EV charging, telecom, SMPS, solar, and battery formation for industrial applications, as well as in onboard charging and high-voltage to low voltage DC-DC converters for automotive applications.

With its high-quality and highly efficient products, Infineon is a global leader in developing and bringing powerful and innovative semiconductor technology to the market. Our extremely compact and efficient designs are available in the broadest product and technology portfolio of silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium-nitride (GaN)-based devices to provide our customers with the best solutions for their unique application requirements.

There are a number of differences between GaN vs SiC vs Si semiconductors. First, GaN semiconductors target voltages today ranging from 80V to 650V and offer medium power at the highest switching frequencies. With very high efficiency at maximum power density, both GaN and SiC semiconductors have lower switching losses than Si-based semiconductors.

When it comes to the differences between GaN vs. SiC power electronics semiconductors, SiC power semiconductors offer superior gate-oxide reliability, excellent ease of use, and are extremely robust and employ vertical transistor concepts compared to GaN, which is a lateral transistor.

GaN and SiC bring different strengths into the application solution space. However, their benefits depend on their application. For example, Silicon Carbide is superior when it comes to high-temperature and high-voltage applications, such as high-power string inverters. For high-temperature capability, a lower temperature co-efficient and high blocking voltage capabilities satisfy the application demands best.

GaN is superior when it comes to ultimate power density. This is especially the case in applications where construction volume is very limited, such as switched-mode power suppliers in datacenters since power levels increase in a given space. In this case, efficiency and high switching frequencies are combined to push the application to the next level which are impossible to reach by other technologies.

Trainings and Webinars

Benefits of low inductance packages for wide bandgap semiconductors

By watching this eLearning you will:

  • Understand package inductance
  • Know why wide bandgap transistors are more susceptible to package inductance, and
  • Identify which Infineon package types have lower inductance

Click here to watch eLearning in Chinese

Infineon on demand webinar Si, SiC or GaN?

Watch our webinar to discover more about technological positioning of silicon versus SiC and GaN power devices for both high and low power applications.

Si | SiC | GaN Positioning in ACDC applications

Infineon offers trusted expertise in all 3 main power semiconductor technologies. Check out how to position them in ACDC applications.

Bi-directional converters using WBG

Understand why to use WBG switches for bi-directional converters, the topologies used and how they function.

Video

5 minutes – 5 reasons why SiC

To lead the transformation towards sustainable energy generation and consumption, you know that silicon carbide technology is at the strategic core to address key market trends in this direction. To do so, here are five reasons why you should choose Infineon’s SiC devices.​

Selection of power conversion topologies combined with the right power semiconductor technology

Get an insight on a virtual event covering the options for the right fit SMPS application. Our expert will guide you through the selection of power conversion topologies combined with the right power semiconductor technology. Highlighting the structural differences on Si, SiC and GaN technologies and showcase efficiency comparison of a power supply unit (PSU).

Experience the difference of Si / SiC / GaN technology

Si, SiC, GaN power semiconductors come with very unique characteristics offering different benefits. Watch this video and see various possibilities to use these technologies in your application and why Infineon can help you with your choice.

Related documents

Related documents