A review of WBG power semiconductor devices

It is worldwide accepted that a real breakthrough in the Power Electronics field mainly comes from the development and use of Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductor devices. WBG semiconductors such as SiC, GaN, and diamond show superior material properties, which allow operation at high switching speed, high voltage and high temperature. These unique performances provide a qualitative change in their applications for energy processing. From energy generation to the end-user, the electric energy undergoes a number of conversions, which are currently highly inefficient to the point that it is estimated that only 20% of the whole energy involved in energy generation reaches the end-user. WGB semiconductors increase the conversion efficiency thanks to their outstanding material properties. The recent progress in the development of high voltage WBG power semiconductor devices, especially SiC and GaN, is reviewed. Future trends in device development and industrialization are also addressed.