GaN power electronics

Abstract

Between 5 and 10% of the world's electricity is wasted as dissipated heat in the power electronic circuits needed, for example, in computer power supplies, motor drives or the power inverters of photovoltaic systems. This paper describes how the unique properties of GaN enables a new generation of power transistors has the potential to reduce by at least an order of magnitude the cost, volume and losses of power electronic systems. We will describe three key technologies: Schottky drain contacts and substrate removal to increase the breakdown voltage, and a dual-gate device with superior enhancement-mode characteristics.