SiC current limiting devices for surge protection

Current limiting devices (CLD), which employ back-to-back connected high voltage normally-ON SiC-based vertical junction filed effect transistors (VJFETs), are realized to protect the sensitive aircraft electronics from the adverse effects of a lightning strike to the airframe. The functionality of the packaged CLDs with high and low current levels is demonstrated in low voltage static and transient tests. Electro-thermal simulations are performed to optimize the thermal performance of CLDs for high-energy test environments.