Comparative study of sic transistors for active current limitation in S3R

Abstract

In this paper a comparative analysis between different kinds of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors applied to the Sequential Switching Shunt Regulator (S3R) with active current limitation capability is presented. The S3R is a well-known Direct Energy Transfer photovoltaic power conditioner used in space vehicles. The main novelty discussed in this paper is the use of SiC transistors, JFET cascodes and SiC MOSFETs, instead of Silicon MOSFETs. High-voltage, high-power and high-temperature characteristics of these devices make them ideal for this application.