Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability

Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, as a member of the emerging technology of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, are transforming high-power and high-temperature applications due to their superior electrical and thermal properties. Their potential to outperform traditional silicon-based devices, particul...

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Main Authors: Ghulam Akbar, Alessio Di Fatta, Giuseppe Rizzo, Guido Ala, Pietro Romano, Antonino Imburgia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Physchem
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7167/5/1/10
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author Ghulam Akbar
Alessio Di Fatta
Giuseppe Rizzo
Guido Ala
Pietro Romano
Antonino Imburgia
author_facet Ghulam Akbar
Alessio Di Fatta
Giuseppe Rizzo
Guido Ala
Pietro Romano
Antonino Imburgia
author_sort Ghulam Akbar
collection DOAJ
description Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, as a member of the emerging technology of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, are transforming high-power and high-temperature applications due to their superior electrical and thermal properties. Their potential to outperform traditional silicon-based devices, particularly in terms of efficiency and operational stability, has made them a popular choice for power electronics. However, reliability issues about numerous failure types, including gate-oxide degradation, threshold voltage instability, and body diode degeneration, remain serious challenges. This article critically evaluates the key failure mechanisms that affect SiC MOSFET reliability and their impact on device performance. Furthermore, this paper discusses current advances in SiC technology, including both improvements and continued dependability difficulties. Key areas of future study are suggested, with an emphasis on improved material characterization, thermal management, and creative device architecture to improve SiC MOSFET performance and long-term reliability. The insights presented will help to improve the design and testing processes required for SiC MOSFETs’ widespread use in critical high-power applications.
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institution Kabale University
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spelling doaj-art-43167df19cbc45708e850b894e7539ce2025-08-20T03:43:37ZengMDPI AGPhyschem2673-71672025-03-01511010.3390/physchem5010010Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting ReliabilityGhulam Akbar0Alessio Di Fatta1Giuseppe Rizzo2Guido Ala3Pietro Romano4Antonino Imburgia5L.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalyL.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalyL.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalyL.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalyL.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalyL.E.PR.E. High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo 1, 90133 Palermo, ItalySilicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, as a member of the emerging technology of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, are transforming high-power and high-temperature applications due to their superior electrical and thermal properties. Their potential to outperform traditional silicon-based devices, particularly in terms of efficiency and operational stability, has made them a popular choice for power electronics. However, reliability issues about numerous failure types, including gate-oxide degradation, threshold voltage instability, and body diode degeneration, remain serious challenges. This article critically evaluates the key failure mechanisms that affect SiC MOSFET reliability and their impact on device performance. Furthermore, this paper discusses current advances in SiC technology, including both improvements and continued dependability difficulties. Key areas of future study are suggested, with an emphasis on improved material characterization, thermal management, and creative device architecture to improve SiC MOSFET performance and long-term reliability. The insights presented will help to improve the design and testing processes required for SiC MOSFETs’ widespread use in critical high-power applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7167/5/1/10WBG devicesSiC MOSFEToverviewfailure modes
spellingShingle Ghulam Akbar
Alessio Di Fatta
Giuseppe Rizzo
Guido Ala
Pietro Romano
Antonino Imburgia
Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
Physchem
WBG devices
SiC MOSFET
overview
failure modes
title Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
title_full Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
title_fullStr Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
title_full_unstemmed Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
title_short Comprehensive Review of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Devices: SiC MOSFET and Its Failure Modes Affecting Reliability
title_sort comprehensive review of wide bandgap wbg devices sic mosfet and its failure modes affecting reliability
topic WBG devices
SiC MOSFET
overview
failure modes
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7167/5/1/10
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