Power switches characterization platform
Power converters are the key point for the new electrical grids. They allow an optimal energy management and can participate in the protection strategies. Regarding the voltage and power levels of these converters, the efficiency has to be high (above 99 %). On the other hand, the trend in to increase the switching frequency of these converters in order to reduce the size of the passive components. In power converters, the main contributors in the power losses are the power electronics switches which generate both conduction and switching losses.
Consequently, during the topologies studies and the design of the converters, accurate models are required to predict the efficiency. These models should be valid for several operating points (voltage, current, temperature levels) and for several switching modes (hard or soft switching).
Available services
SuperGrid Institute offers a complete solution to characterize the power electronics devices and generate accurate datasheet or simulation models:
- Power switches characterization
- Power semiconductors characterization
- Simulation models generation
- Robustness & reliability tests
Added value
- The static and dynamic characterization are coupled with multi-physic simulation tools, so that accurate models of switches can be generated. These models allows optimized design of power electronics systems.
- The dynamic characterization can be achieved in spontaneous and controlled switching. Consequently, the switching losses can be estimated in hard and soft switching modes.
- Specific tests can be achieved according to the customer’s needs
Laboratory & Equipment description
To generate these models, SuperGrid Institute is capable to perform the following characterizations:
Static & Dynamic characterization
- Static characterization (i-v): up to 5 kV-1,5 kA
- Capacitance measurement: up to 3 kV
- Leakage current measurement: up to 30 kV
- Double pulse test bench: up to 20 kV-100 A
- Dynamic characterization in hard & soft switching: up to 10 kV-3 kA
- Thermal impedance measurement
- Datasheet generation
All the tests can be performed for different temperatures.
Robustness & reliability tests
To determinate the correct operating conditions of the switches that ensure the required lifetime for power electronics systems:
- High Temperature Gate Bias (HTGB)
- High Temperature Gate Switching (HTGS)
- High Temperature Chopper Mode Bias (HTCMB)
- High Temperature Reverse Bias (HTRB)
- Repetitive avalanche tests
- Repetitive short circuit tests
Specific tests can be achieved according to the customer’s needs.
