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Innovative ceramic-matrix composite substrates with tunable electrical conductivity for high-power applications
Driss Kenfaui1,2, Zarel Valdez-Nava1, Lionel Laudebat1,3
1LAPLACE, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France.
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
|November 17, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel ceramic substrate for wide band gap semiconductor power modules. This new material reduces electrical stress at critical points, improving device lifespan and breakdown voltage by 15%.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Wide band gap semiconductors offer higher voltage operation than silicon.
- The insulating system in these devices experiences high electric fields at the triple point, reducing lifespan.
- Mitigating electrical stress at this interface is crucial for reliable power electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel concept for mitigating electrical stress in wide band gap semiconductor power modules.
- To develop a new substrate material with locally modified properties.
- To enhance the lifespan and breakdown voltage of power electronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations to predict stress reduction potential (up to 50%).
- Fabrication of an Aluminum Nitride (AlN)-based ceramic substrate (material A) with integrated nanocomposite.
- Spark plasma sintering of AlN with Y2O3 and CaF2 for low electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity.
- Incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) to create a nanocomposite with controlled electrical conductivity anisotropy (ratio of 10^6).
- Development of a reproducible process for integrating the nanocomposite into the AlN substrate.
- Electrical contact establishment, encapsulation, and breakdown voltage testing.
Main Results:
- The novel substrate effectively mitigated electrical stress by reducing its intensity and shifting it from the triple point.
- An improvement in breakdown voltage (VB) by 15% was achieved compared to traditional substrates.
- The developed nanocomposite exhibited significant electrical conductivity anisotropy.
- The fabrication process demonstrated high reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed multifunctional ceramic-matrix composite substrate shows significant potential for power electronics.
- This approach successfully reduces electrical stress at critical interfaces in wide band gap semiconductor devices.
- The findings pave the way for more robust and higher-performance power electronic components.
