Electrical and thermal failure modes of 600 V p-gate GaN HEMTs. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oeder, Thorsten; Castellazzi, Alberto; Pfost, Martin
• Is Part Of: Microelectronics and reliability. Volume 76/77(2017)
• Page Start: 321
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Gallium nitride (GaN) -- High electron mobility transistor (HEMT) -- P-doped gate (p-gate) -- Short-circuit -- Safe operating area -- Electrical failure -- Thermal failure; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability -- Periodicals; Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Appareils électroniques -- Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Équipement électronique miniaturisé -- Périodiques; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Reliability; Miniature electronic equipment; Periodicals; 621.3815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microrel.2017.06.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-2714

Abstract

Abstract: A study of electrical and thermal failure modes of 600 V p-doped GaN HEMTs is presented, which focuses on the investigation of short-circuit limitations. The electrical failure mode seems to be an electrical field breakdown in the structure which is caused by excessive carrier concentration, rather than primary thermal generated. Accordingly, a thermal failure mode is observed, which features a distinctive behaviour and seems to be similar to schottky-gate HEMTs. Concerning the electrical failure mode, a specific p-gate HEMT short-circuit safe operating area (SCSOA) is presented as a novelty. However, a short-circuit capability of up to 520 V can be achieved, regarding the design of the gate-drive circuit. Highlights: A study of electrical and thermal failure modes for GaN HEMTs is presented, which focuses short-circuit limitations. A distinctive behaviour of the electrical and the thermal failure mode is observed. A strong dependence of the short-circuit withstand capability is observed, regarding to the design of the gate-drive circuit. A specific p-gate HEMT short-circuit safe operating area (SCSOA) is presented as a novelty.