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SiC and GaN Introduces New Testing Challenges
The rising use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) to improve data center power efficiency, speed up EV charging time and EV powertrain efficiency, and improve power conversion requires new validation testing approaches and a better understanding of device performance. Understanding how to make the right measurements and using the right measurement instrumentation is key to a faster time to market for your power conversion designs.
Validating WBG Semiconductors with Confidence
Overcome common sources of measurement error using IsoVu.
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Case Study: Panasonic turns to IsoVu Technology to Shorten Development Time
Overcome High Common Mode Voltages
Floating differential measurements (such as high-side Vgs) are difficult or impossible to make due to high frequency (fast turn ons and turn offs), and the presence of high common mode voltages (such as Vds) because oscilloscope probes do not have sufficient common mode rejection at high bandwidth. The poor common mode rejection leads to the measurement being dominated by the common mode error instead of the actual differential signal. These issues can be easily resolved using Tekronix’s IsoVu isolated probes that do not de-rate with frequency at the operating requirements of GaN and SiC devices, allowing you to make accurate differential measurements. With IsoVu, you can precisely calculate and prove conduction losses, dead time losses, and switching losses.
Simultaneously Measure Multiple Control and Timing Signals
When evaluating new power converters that rely on SiC or GaN technology with faster switching frequencies, you will face the challenge of simultaneously monitoring multiple signals, in addition to working on the controls and timing circuitry of the converter. For example, you’ll be measuring high side Vgs, low side Vgs, high side Vds, low side Vgs, Id, IL and Iload, and control signals. You may also need to measure low voltage signals (Vgs) signals in the presence of high voltage signals (Vds). An oscilloscope with a high channel count and high vertical resolution can solve your problems.
Measurement points for time and control signals.
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Verifying Power Supply Sequencing with an 8-Channel Oscilloscope
Switching loss shows power dissipation in a FET. Waveforms are annotated with color-coded markers showing the measurement regions for Ton, Toff, and Total cycle, corresponding to values in the results badge. Controls in the results badge let you easily traverse from cycle to cycle.
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Faster Automated Power Measurements
High resolution, multiple acquisition averaging, and complex waveform math are required in order to make accurate, repeatable switching and conduction loss measurements on high frequency SiC and GaN devices. Even measurements such as power quality, harmonics, safe operating area, and switching losses require a level of automation in the measurement process to all the information you require. Tektronix’s 5 Series MSO oscilloscopes with the 5-PWR option and probing solutions provide the automated measurement capabilities you require during design development and debug.
Switching Loss Measurement and Analysis
With the demand for improving power efficiency and extending the operating time of battery-powered devices, engineers are switching to SiC and GaN from traditional silicon for their designs. The ability to analyze power loss and optimize power supply efficiency is more critical than ever before. One of the key factors in efficiency is the loss in switching devices. For example, a typical switch-mode power supply might have an efficiency of about 87%, meaning that 13% of the input power is dissipated within the power supply, mostly as waste heat. Of this loss, a significant portion is dissipated in the switching devices, usually MOSFETs or IGBTs. Tektronix makes it easy with the 5 and 6 Series MSO oscilloscopes and automated power analysis software to make switching loss measurements.
Automated switching loss measurement.
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