GaN Power Devices for Electrified Transportation: Status, Challenges, and Perspectives

Abstract

Gallium nitride (GaN) power devices are gaining traction in electrified transportation due to their low switching losses, high-frequency capability, and compact footprint, enabling higher efficiency and power density than conventional silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) technologies. However, their large-scale adoption, especially in main powertrains, remains limited by insufficient voltage and current ratings as well as an incomplete understanding of device reliability under stressful operating conditions. Here, we review recent advances in GaN devices for transportation electrification. We first examine the industrial multilevel framework of device reliability qualification for automotive applications, aiming to better inform device researchers of application requirements. We then survey recent GaN device innovations targeting higher voltages and improved robustness. We also discuss monolithic bidirectional switches …

Publication
IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices
Hengbo Zhang
Hengbo Zhang

M.S. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
B.S. Sichuan University
Yifei Huang
Yifei Huang

Ph.D Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
B.S. Xi'an University of Posts and Telecommunications
Hongchang Cui
Hongchang Cui

M.S. Xi'an Jiaotong University
B.S. China University of Mining and Technology
Xin Yang
Xin Yang

M.S. Xi'an Jiaotong University
B.S. Chongqing University
Zineng Yang
Zineng Yang

M.Sc. RWTH Aachen University
B.Eng. (Hons) University of Nottingham Ningbo/University of Nottingham
Jian Guo
Jian Guo

Ph.D Hunan University
B.S. China University of Mining and Technology
Haozhe Jin
Haozhe Jin

Ph.D Southeast University
B.S. Southwest Jiaotong University