Pulsed static characterization

The static I-V characteristics of a power device describe its behavior in steady-state. Pulsed I-V characterization is usually performed with a curve tracer to establish the on-resistance, maximum current capability, and maximum voltage capability of the device. Some of the static characteristics are also used to interpret later dynamic test results. While most of this procedure can be found in the user manual for the test equipment (i.e., curve tracer), the unique properties of WBG devices require special care and considerations that may be overlooked in such general instructions. This chapter will describe these considerations, the desired deliverables of static characterization, and the tests required to produce them.