Research Bits: Nov. 28


Switchable photodetector and neuromorphic vision sensor Researchers from the Institute of Metal Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences built a device that can be switched between being a photodetector and neuromorphic vision sensor by adjusting the operating voltage. The trench-bridged GaN/Ga2O3/GaN heterojunction array device exhibits volatile and non-volatile photocurrents at low and hi... » read more

Using Atomic Vacancies In Silicon Carbide To Measure The Stability And Quality Of Acoustic Resonators


A technical paper titled “Spin-acoustic control of silicon vacancies in 4H silicon carbide” was published by researchers at Harvard University and Purdue University. Abstract: "Bulk acoustic resonators can be fabricated on the same substrate as other components and can operate at various frequencies with high quality factors. Mechanical dynamic metrology of these devices is challenging as... » read more

Addressing Trench Structures And Larger Wafers For Power Devices


Wind power. Rail. Solar energy. And, perhaps most significantly, electric and hybrid vehicles. Together, these four forces are among the major demand drivers for power devices. While silicon (Si) still plays a role in power devices, wide-bandgap compound semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are particularly well-suited for power devices thanks to their higher e... » read more

Benefits Of Using Wireless Communication Technologies In Power Electronics Systems Employing AGDs


A technical paper titled “Wireless Control of Active Gate Drivers for Silicon Carbide power MOSFETs” was published by researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Abstract: "Active Gate Drivers (AGDs) enhance controllability and monitoring of switching devices, especially for fast switching Silicon Carbide (SiC) power Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transis... » read more

Estimating the Embedded Gate Resistance to Reproduce SiC MOSFET Circuit Performance (ROHM)


A technical paper titled “Improved Scheme for Estimating the Embedded Gate Resistance to Reproduce SiC MOSFET Circuit Performance” was published by researchers at ROHM Company. Abstract: "The intrinsic gate resistance ( Rg_in) , which is a novel resistance factor embedded in transistors, was determined for silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFE... » read more

SiC Growth For EVs Is Stressing Manufacturing


The electrification of vehicles is fueling demand for silicon carbide power ICs, but it also is creating challenges in finding and identifying defects in those chips. Coinciding with this is a growing awareness about just how immature SiC technology is and how much work still needs to be done — and how quickly that has to happen. Automakers are pushing heavily into electric vehicles, and t... » read more

Direct Synthesis of Planar (2D) Micro and Nanopatterned Epitaxial Graphene on SiC


A technical paper titled “Direct synthesis of nanopatterned epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide” was published by researchers at University of Technology Sydney, Ludwig-Maxilimians Universität München, Monash University, and Imperial College London. Abstract: "This article introduces a straightforward approach for the direct synthesis of transfer-free, nanopatterned epitaxial graphene... » read more

How To Use S-Parameters For Power Module Verification


By Wilfried Wessel (Siemens EDA), Simon Liebetegger (University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt), and Florian Bauer (Siemens EDA) Power modules are high-power switching circuits that convert DC- in AC-currents in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and many more applications. New materials [14] and device technologies [14], such as wide bandgap semiconductors, including silicon carbide (SiC) ... » read more

Ramping Up Power Electronics For EVs


The rapid acceleration of the power devices used in electric vehicles (EVs) is challenging chipmakers to adequately screen the ICs that power these vehicles.[1] While progress toward autonomous driving is grabbing the public’s attention, the electrification of transportation systems is progressing quietly. For the automotive industry, this shift involves a mix of electronic components. Amo... » read more

Week In Review: Semiconductor Manufacturing, Test


Global semiconductor sales reached $574 billion in 2022, and U.S. semiconductor companies accounted for sales totaling $275 billion, or 48% of the global market, according to the 2023 Factbook released by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). DRAM and NAND prices likely will continue to fall further this quarter because production cuts have not kept pace with weakening demand, accord... » read more

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