A Brief Review of Single Event Burnout Failure Mechanisms and Design Tolerances of Silicon Carbide MOSFETs

Abstract

Radiation hardening of the MOSFET is of the highest priority for sustaining high-power systems in the space radiation environment. SiC-based power electronics are being looked at as a strong alternative for high power spaceborne power electronic systems. The SiC MOSFET has been shown to be most prone to SEB of the radiation effects. The knowledge of SiC MOSFET device degradation and failure mechanisms are reviewed. Additionally, the viability of rad-tolerant SiC MOSFET designs and the methods of SEB simulation are evaluated. A merit system is proposed to consider the performance of radiation tolerance and nominal electrical performance. Criteria needed for high-fidelity SEB simulation are also reviewed. This paper stands as a necessary analytical review to intercede the development of rad-hard power devices for space and extreme environment applications.