Overvoltage Protection of Power Semiconductors in Solid-State DC Breaker Applications

In this work, the authors look at the effective use of Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes in solid-state DC-breaker applications and their constraints. For this purpose, the thermal behavior under surge conditions is simulated and explanations how the switching behavior of the power semiconductor and its packaging influence the effectiveness of a TVS. Finally, ideas are given, how externally placed TVS diodes can be optimized to protect the power semiconductors in large.