A High-Efficiency Super-Junction MOSFET based Inverter-Leg Configuration using a Dual-Mode Switching Technique

High-efficiency power converters have benefits of minimizing energy consumption, reducing costs, and realizing high power densities. The silicon super-junction MOSFET is an attractive device for high-efficiency applications. However, its highly non-linear output capacitance and the reverse recovery properties of its intrinsic diode must be addressed when used in voltage source converters. A dual-mode switching technique operating in conjunction with intrinsic diode deactivation circuitry is proposed in this paper. The technique is demonstrated in an 800-W inverter-leg configuration operating from a 400-V DC voltage rail and switching at 20 kHz. Intended applications include machine drives. The full-load efficiency reaches approximately 98.7% and no forced cooling is needed.