JEDEC Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Committee Publishes New Test Method for Continuous-Switching Evaluation of GaN Power Conversion Devices

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in standards development for the microelectronics industry, announces the publication of JEP182: Test Method for Continuous-Switching Evaluation of Gallium Nitride Power Conversion Devices. Developed by JEDEC’s JC-70 Committee for Wide Bandgap Power Electronic Conversion Semiconductors, JEP182 is available for free download from the JEDEC website.

To enable the successful adoption of GaN power transistors, both reliable operation in power conversion applications and switching lifetime need to be demonstrated. JEP182, along with guidelines previously published by JC-70, helps address that need by expanding the ecosystem of JEDEC guidelines for reliability evaluation, test, and characterization of GaN power transistors under continuous switching conditions in power conversion applications.

Existing test methods for Safe Operating Area (SOA) of silicon power transistors are not sufficient for full characterization of GaN power transistors. GaN devices switch very fast and experience simultaneous voltage and current stresses during multiple switching events. Therefore, in addition to conventional SOA, it is necessary to test GaN power transistors under continuous switching conditions.

The JEP182 document describes test methods and suggests test circuits for continuous switching of GaN power transistors. JEP180, previously published by JC-70 and also available on the JEDEC website, describes how to use these circuits to evaluate switching reliability.

“As a much-anticipated complement to the previously-published JEP180, JEP182 will further help facilitate industry-wide adoption of GaN power devices for a broad range of applications and industries such as automotive and data centers,” said Dr. Stephanie Watts Butler, technology innovation architect at Texas Instruments and the chair of JC-70.

About JC-70

Formed in October 2017 with twenty-three member companies, JC-70 now has over 60 member companies, which underscores industry commitment to the development of universal standards to help advance the adoption of wide bandgap (WBG) power technologies. Global multinational corporations and technology startups from the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia are working together to bring to the industry a set of standards for reliability, testing, and parametrics of WBG power semiconductors. Committee members include industry leaders in power GaN and SiC semiconductors, as well as users of wide bandgap power devices, and test and measurement equipment suppliers. Technical experts from universities and national labs also provide input.

Interested companies worldwide are welcome to join JEDEC to participate in this important standardization effort. The next JC-70 committee meeting will be held on February 16, 2021 on a virtual platform.

Contact Emily Desjardins ([e-mail]) for more information or visit www.jedec.org.

About JEDEC

JEDEC is the global leader in the development of standards for the microelectronics industry. Thousands of volunteers representing over 300 member companies work together in more than 100 JEDEC committees and task groups to meet the needs of every segment of the industry, manufacturers and consumers alike. The publications and standards generated by JEDEC committees are accepted throughout the world. All JEDEC standards are available for download from the JEDEC website. For more information, visit www.jedec.org.