Feature: Railways


Revolutinising power conversion in the railway industry with GaN and


SiC technologies By John Stone, Sales Director, Relec Electronics


I


n the dynamic world of railway technology, efficient and reliable power conversion systems are pivotal. Te introduction of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) technologies marks


a significant improvement in this field, offering benefits over traditional silicon- based semiconductors.


GaN and SiC technologies GaN and SiC are wide-bandgap semiconductors known for their exceptional properties. GaN boasts superior electron mobility and a higher breakdown voltage, enabling operation under extreme temperatures, voltages and frequencies. SiC, on the other hand, is known for its high-temperature stability and ability to handle higher voltages, making it ideal for demanding applications. Each of these technologies brings a host of advantages, including:


• Enhanced efficiency: GaN and SiC devices exhibit reduced on-resistance and switching losses, leading to superior efficiency in power conversion;


• Compact form-factor: Teir higher power density facilitates miniaturisation,


crucial for space-constrained railway applications;


• Rapid switching: Faster switching transitions in GaN transistors minimise losses, enhancing overall system performance;


Figure 1: SiC vs Si


www.electronicsworld.co.uk March 2024 31


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