Papers by Keyword: Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

Abstract: In this study, we conducted in-situ measurements on a SiC JFET operational amplifier operating under gamma-ray irradiation. It shows that the radiation did not affect the output waveform or voltage gain, but shifted the output offset voltage. This shift may result mainly from holes generated by irradiation and trapped in the oxide layer, which modified the I-V characteristics of the level-shifting diodes. It can be compensated by applying bias voltage, and it may also be prevented by optimizing the diode structure and/or circuit topology.

Abstract: This study considers the growth characteristics of nickel oxide NiO films using DC magnetron sputtering. The hysteresis transition process between sputtering from poisoned and clean Ni target as a function of discharge power was determined. The structure, atomic composition, and optical and electrical properties of NiO films for two modes of sputtering (with low and high discharge power, respectively) have been investigated. It is demonstrated that sputtering parameters have a fundamental effect on both the formation of structure and atomic composition and on the trend of their modification using temperature annealing. The results obtained for each of the sputtering modes can be applied to the development of devices based on catalytic reactions as well as on their semiconductor properties.

Abstract: This paper presents the characteristics and performance of a range of Silicon Carbide (SiC) CMOS integrated circuits fabricated using a process designed to operate at temperatures of 300°C and above. The properties of Silicon carbide enable both n-channel and p-channel MOSFETS to operate at temperatures above 400°C [1] and we are developing a CMOS process to exploit this capability [4]. The operation of these transistors and other integrated circuit elements such as resistors and contacts is presented across a temperature range of room temperature to +400°C. We have designed and fabricated a wide range of test and demonstrator circuits. A set of six simple logic parts, such as a quad NAND and NOR gates, have been stressed at 300°C for extended times and performance results such as propagation delay drive levels, threshold levels and current consumption versus stress time are presented. Other circuit implementations, with increased logic complexity, such as a pulse width modulator, a configurable timer and others have also been designed, fabricated and tested. The low leakage characteristics of SiC has allowed the implementation of a very low leakage analogue multiplexer showing less than 0.5uA channel leakage at 400°C. Another circuit implemented in SiC CMOS demonstrates the ability to drive SiC power switching devices. The ability of CMOS to provide an active pull up and active pull down current can provide the charging and discharging current required to drive a power MOSFET switch in less than 100ns. Being implemented in CMOS, the gate drive buffer benefits from having no direct current path from the power rails, except during switching events. This lowers the driver power dissipation. By including multiple current paths through independently switched transistors, the gate drive buffer circuit can provide a high switching current and then a lower sustaining current as required to minimize power dissipation when driving a bipolar switch.

Abstract: Silicon Carbide devices are capable of operating as a semiconductor at high temperatures and this capability is being exploited today in discrete power components, bringing system advantages such as reduced cooling requirements [1]. Therefore there is an emerging need for control ICs mounted on the same modules and being capable of operating at the same temperatures. In addition, several application areas are pushing electronics to higher temperatures, particularly sensors and interface devices required for aero engines and in deep hydrocarbon and geothermal drilling. This paper discusses a developing CMOS manufacturing process using a 4H SiC substrate, which has been used to fabricate a range of simple logic and analogue circuits and is intended for power control and mixed signal sensor interface applications [2]. Test circuits have been found to operate at up to 400°C. The introduction of a floating capacitor structure to the process allows the use of switched capacitor techniques in mixed signal circuits operating over an extended temperature range.

Abstract: To fulfill the space and weight requirements of the photovoltaic systems, an all-SiC transformer less dc-dc multilevel converter based on the Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier capable of providing high voltage conversion ratios without an extremely high duty cycle has been realised. The evaluation of converter performance utilising SiC devices have been detailed and presented. The converter offers self-balancing which maintains the same output at all output levels, reducing the complexity of the control strategy. SiC Schottky diodes were used to achive lowest reverse recovery and fast switching while evaluating the high voltage and high frequency performance of the SiC MOSFET in the multilevel boost converter.

Abstract: A gate insulator film with a wide bandgap and a high dielectric constants required to achieve high power field effect transistor (FET) using wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and diamond. We can achieve to suppress the gate leakage current and the charge shifts by using the AlSiO film. We found that the leakage current of Nitrogen-doped AlSiO film can be suppressed in high temperature region compared with AlSiO film. In addition, we attempted to study Yttrium aluminate (YAlO) and Lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO) as a gate insulator film. Since the Y (+3) and La(+3) have the same valence as Al (+3), it is expected that there is an advantage that Y, La doping generates less dangling bonds in the Al2O3 film. We can achieve to form aluminum based oxide film with higher dielectric constant by doping Lanthanoid atoms such as Y and La. The optimized YAlO and LaAlO films were applied to SiC-MIS structure. The Lanthanoid and Aluminum based oxide films can readily be applicable to wide bandgap semiconductor devices.