SiC diode: History, Characteristics & Temperature Effects

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the history and characteristics of Silicon Carbide (SiC) diodes, including their temperature effects on the I-V curve and comparisons with Silicon (Si) and Schottky diodes. Participants express difficulties in finding information and seek clarification on these topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a brief history and characteristics of SiC diodes, along with temperature effects on the I-V curve at various temperatures (200K, room temperature, 600K).
  • Another participant suggests using Google to find information on SiC diodes, indicating that there are many resources available online.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in differentiating between SiC, Si, and Schottky diodes, seeking further clarification.
  • One participant shares a link to an article that discusses the properties of SiC diodes, noting that they are true Schottky devices made from a combination of silicon and carbon.
  • The same participant mentions the application of SiC diodes in high-efficiency power factor correction circuits and discusses their advantages in terms of high voltage and reverse recovery characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the characteristics and applications of SiC diodes, as there are multiple viewpoints and ongoing questions regarding their differentiation from Si and Schottky diodes.

Contextual Notes

Some participants rely on external resources for information, indicating a potential limitation in their understanding of the topic. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific characteristics and applications of SiC diodes compared to other types of diodes.

rottenmango
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Hi all,

Can anyone brief some history and the Characteristics of SiC diode.
I having difficulties to find the infomation about the SiC material.
Beside that, how the Temparature related with the I-V curve (Eg: 200k, room temp,600k)
and different between the Si and SiC at room temp?

Thx.
 
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rottenmango said:
Hi all,

Can anyone brief some history and the Characteristics of SiC diode.
I having difficulties to find the infomation about the SiC material.
Beside that, how the Temparature related with the I-V curve (Eg: 200k, room temp,600k)
and different between the Si and SiC at room temp?

Thx.

Welcome to the PF. Just googling SiC diode gives lots of hits:

http://www.google.com/search?source...ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS301US302&q=SiC+diode

Does the info in those hits not help?
 
The following article was decent:
http://www.cree.com/products/pdf/Power_Article_2.pdf
most of the articles were geared strictly towards advertisement, but I found a little discussion about the properties of the parts.

From what I gather, they are a true Schottky device, but the semiconductor isn't pure silicon. It's Silicon and carbon, just as SiGe is Silicon and germanium.

I've seen these devices used in compact, high-effeciency power factor correction circuits, which makes sense from the description, but I've never seen them used as output rectifiers. I think it's the combination of high voltage + great reverse recovery that makes them special. For low voltages, the ultrafast rectifiers begin to good recovery behavior, and then there's also Schottky's and platinum schottkys. Both are entrenched at low voltage and generally work great.
 
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