New 1400 V SiC MOSFET for Performance and Efficiency Boost in eTRUCK Inverters

Abstract:
This article highlights the advantages of Infineon’s new CoolSiC(TM) MOSFET 1400 V Generation 2 for developing highly efficient traction inverters for heavy electric trucks (eTRUCKs). It is shown that due to the high phase-output currents, typical for eTRUCKs, high switching-overvoltage occurs even in low-inductive setups. This limits the switching speed of commonly used 1200 V devices, leading to largely increased switching losses. Increasing the maximum rated voltage to 1400 V enables high-speed switching and, thus, lower switching losses at the required high output currents, with only a comparatively low increase in conduction losses. Furthermore, the higher blocking capability of the 1400 V MOSFET also increases its robustness against cosmic radiation, preventing system failures due to single event burnouts.