GaN-based semiconductor devices for future power switching systems

GaN-based natural superjunction diodes and Gate Injection Transistors (GITs) with p-type gate on AlGaN/GaN hetero structure are promising power devices with lower on-state resistance and higher breakdown voltage for power switching applications. In this paper, the current status of the devices for integrated circuits and their application to power switching systems are reviewed, after explaining the basic technologies for decreasing on-resistance, increasing breakdown voltage, and suppressing current collapse. In addition, a solution to increase switching frequency of GITs for smaller system size is described. The effects of integrated circuit of DC/DC converter consisted of gate driver, high-side GIT and low-side GIT with short gate length are also examined.