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Part 2. Applications Where SiC and GaN Devices are Expected to be Used
There are many applications that are expected to achieve significant downsizing and higher efficiency of the equipment by effectively using the characteristics of SiC and GaN devices.
Here, we will introduce nine of them.
Compound semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, are opening up new possibilities in our lives, contributing to the downsizing of electric equipment and improving energy efficiency, which have been difficult to achieve until now.
※HEMT:High Electron Mobility Transistor
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1. Data Center
![]() SiC and GaN devices are effective for realizing a highly efficient and compact server power supply. Using SiC and GaN reduces switching and conduction losses, as well as the size of peripheral components, and increases power density. |
2. Audio Visual Equipment![]() Thin and large screen high-definition TVs (HDTVs) require high-efficiency power supplies of several hundred watts, and therefore, 600 V low loss SiC Schottky diodes and GaN HEMTs are expected to come into use. |
3. Industrial Equipment
![]() There are various types of industrial equipment, such as inverters that handle a large amount of power and processing machines that generate high torque and perform high-precision processing. Highly efficient SiC and GaN devices are required for these power supplies. |
4. Reusable Energy![]() Natural energy, such as solar power and wind power which have a low impact on the environment, is attracting more and more attention as an alternative energy source for nuclear power and fossil fuels. As a result, there is an increasing demand for highly efficient SiC devices that can handle high voltage and high power. |
5. HEMS
![]() In recent years, energy management systems for homes and apartment complexes are being introduced. SiC devices are used for highly efficient and compact power supply in this field as well. |
6. White Goods
![]() White goods are home appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. Inverters are becoming used worldwide to increase the efficiency of motor drive circuits used in these applications. Low loss SiC and GaN devices are expected to come in to use, for efficiency. In white goods, the key to widespread adoption is to make them less expensive. |
7. LED Lighting![]() LED lighting, which has rapidly spread in recent years, has greater efficiency and longevity than fluorescent lamps. The operating time of lighting is long, so SiC and GaN devices are increasingly used to improve further efficiency. |
8. USB-PD (USB Power Delivery)![]() USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) , one of the power supply standards for charging devices using an USB cable, can receive and supply up to 240 W. The USB-PD power supply must be able to charge quickly, supply multiple voltages so that it can be connected to various devices such as smartphones and laptops, and be small enough for carrying and embedding in small spaces. GaN HEMTs are effective in meeting these requirements, since they are high voltage devices capable of performing MHz switching operation while maintaining efficiency. Realization of higher frequencies can greatly reduce the size of inductors and other passive elements used in power circuits. |
9. Electric Vehicles and Quick Chargers / Contactless Power Transfer![]() From the perspective of global environmental conservation, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EV) is desired at an early stage, and SiC and GaN devices are expected to play an active role in this field as well. Reducing the weight of the vehicle body is essential for improving the electric power consumption of an EV. Replacing a silicon device used in inverters with a low-loss GaN device will enable a highly efficient and lightweight inverter, extending the EV driving range and reducing the battery loading capacity. Also, SiC devices with a high withstand voltage and high-frequency operation are optimal for EV quick chargers and contactless power transfer. |
Part 1.
Compound Semiconductors: What are SiC and GaN?
■ Characteristics of SiC and GaN Devices
■ Applications of SiC and GaN Devices to Replace Silicon Devices
Part 2.
Applications Where SiC and GaN Devices are Expected to be Used
■ 9 Applications Where SiC and GaN Devices are Expected to be Used
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