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Investigation of Dead Time Losses in Inverter Switching Leg Operation: GaN FET vs. MOSFET Comparison

Author

Listed:
  • Vincenzo Barba

    (Energy Department DENERG, Power Electronics Innovation Center PEIC, Politecnico Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Salvatore Musumeci

    (Energy Department DENERG, Power Electronics Innovation Center PEIC, Politecnico Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Fausto Stella

    (Energy Department DENERG, Power Electronics Innovation Center PEIC, Politecnico Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Fabio Mandrile

    (Energy Department DENERG, Power Electronics Innovation Center PEIC, Politecnico Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Marco Palma

    (Efficient Power Conversion Corporation, 10121 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

This paper investigates the commutation transients of MOSFET and GaN FET devices in motor drive applications during hard-switching and soft-switching commutations at dead time operation. This study compares the switching behaviors of MOSFETs and GaN FETs, focusing on their performance during dead time in inverter legs for voltage source inverters. Experimental tests at various phase current levels reveal distinct switching characteristics and energy dissipation patterns. A validated simulation model estimates the experimental energy exchanged and dissipated during switching transients. The results demonstrate that GaN FETs exhibit lower overall losses at shorter dead times compared to MOSFETs, despite higher reverse conduction voltage drops. The study provides a quantitative framework for selecting optimal dead times to minimize energy losses, enhancing the efficiency of GaN FET-based inverters in low-voltage motor drive applications. Finally, a dead time optimization strategy is proposed and described.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Barba & Salvatore Musumeci & Fausto Stella & Fabio Mandrile & Marco Palma, 2024. "Investigation of Dead Time Losses in Inverter Switching Leg Operation: GaN FET vs. MOSFET Comparison," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3855-:d:1450317
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