Ultra-High Voltage (40kV) Switches Implemented using SiC Super Cascodes

The previously reported approach of SiC JFET-based Super Cascodes have been extended to ultra-high voltage applications. The 40 kV module makes use of commercially available components, features a single/simple gate control compatible with existing +12 V gate drive options, and achieves very fast switching transients. While the Super Cascode offers cost and performance benefits across medium-voltage industrial power conversion and protection applications, the low current, very high-voltage prototype modules presented herein can be an enabling technology for high-voltage power-supplies and electronic loads found in a variety of military and medical applications.