David James Coe

An analysis of the dynamic behavior of field-limiting ring-passivation system

The transient operation of field-limiting rings used for the passivation of power switching devices was studied. Results of experiment and fundamental modeling are presented. Since fundamental transient modeling is costly in computer time, an alternative simulation approach was used that involves a combination of off-state, on-state, and circuit modeling and reduces CPU times by two orders of magnitude. Computer simulations are used to illustrate the transient operation in detail and to indicate whether such behavior could ever lead to premature device breakdown. >