Semiconductor power MOSFETs devices in series

Power semiconductors are more reliable then thyratrons. Consequently new switching systems using semiconductor devices are being studied. Power MOSFETs and IGBTs offer a simpler alternative. The advantages are the simplicity of the driving circuit and their high swithing speed. But applications of these devices are limited to maximum voltage, generally up to 1000/1500 V. However, fast power switches with voltage ratings much higher than those of single fast switching can be made by connecting these devices in series. This paper presents and discusses the value of the master/slave principle series connection. The master/slave principle is evaluated with the circuit simulator PSPICE